High Temperature Dropping Point Apparatus
High Temperature Dropping Point Apparatus - TT-2265
The High Temperature Dropping Point Apparatus TT-2265 determines the dropping point of lubricating grease at temperatures up to 400 °C. Grease formulators, lubricant manufacturers, and quality-control laboratories use it to find the temperature at which a grease loses its structure and releases its first drop. The instrument performs the test described in ASTM D2265 and complies with the dropping point test required by ASTM D4950. Six test holes let operators run several samples in one heating cycle.
A PID temperature controller holds the aluminum alloy bath at its setpoint with an accuracy of ±0.2 °C. A solid-state relay drives the heater without sparks or switching noise. An integrated light illuminates the holes, so the operator can watch each grease cup and catch the first drop. The software interface calibrates bath temperature and sample temperature, which keeps readings aligned with your reference thermometer.
Applications
The TT-2265 serves any laboratory that qualifies or controls grease for high-temperature service. Six test positions support both routine release testing and formulation work.
- Lubricating Grease Manufacturing: batch release testing and benchmark tracking, since the dropping point helps identify grease type and maintain quality-control reference values
- Automotive Service Greases: performs the dropping point test required by ASTM D4950 for chassis and wheel bearing greases
- Automotive and Heavy-Duty Brakes: validates grease for disc brake calipers, wheel hubs, and driveline components exposed to intense, intermittent heat
- Primary Metals Production: verifies lubricant integrity for continuous casters, hot rolling mills, and kiln car bearings under sustained thermal stress
- Glass and Ceramics Manufacturing: checks grease stability for bearings in kilns, furnaces, and conveyors
- Aerospace and Defense: qualifies greases for jet engine components, high-speed actuators, and wheel bearings
- Grease R&D and Thickener Comparison: compares thickener systems and base oils during formulation, since the dropping point depends on the thickener type
Standards
The TT-2265 runs the dropping point test in ASTM D2265 and complies with the dropping point test required by ASTM D4950. Working to published methods keeps results comparable between your laboratory, your suppliers, and your customers.
- ASTM D2265 - Standard Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating Grease Over Wide Temperature Range
- ASTM D4950 - Standard Classification and Specification for Automotive Service Greases
Key Features
The TT-2265 combines tight temperature control, multi-sample capacity, and software calibration in one compact bench unit. Optional PC communication and hardware overheat cut-off extend the standard configuration (see Technical Specifications).
- PID Temperature Control: a digital display controller with PID action holds the bath to within ±0.2 °C, which supports repeatable dropping point results between runs
- Bath and Sample Temperature Calibration: the software interface calibrates the bath temperature and four sample temperature channels, so the instrument stays accurate against your reference standards
- Two Sample Calibration Methods: choose linear calibration to correct readings across the range, or temperature offset correction to shift readings by a fixed value
- Six-Hole Aluminum Alloy Bath: tests six sample groups at the same time, which raises throughput for quality-control and R&D work
- Built-In Observation Light: illuminates each hole so the operator can follow every sample and spot the first drop without extra lighting
- Solid-State Relay Output: switches the heater without contacts, sparks, or noise, and offers a long service life with stable, safe operation
- Local Data Storage and Printing: the standard configuration saves results on the instrument and prints them for records and test reports
- Streamlined Structure: a rational layout makes the apparatus easy to operate while keeping it safe and reliable
Theory and Method
The dropping point test finds the temperature at which a lubricating grease changes from a semi-solid to a fluid state under defined conditions. A technician fills a precision cup that has a small opening at its center, then positions a thermometer inside the cup without touching the sample. The cup sits in a glass test tube, and the tube goes into a heated aluminum block. As the block heats the assembly, the thickener structure weakens until the grease releases a drop.
ASTM D2265 holds the block at a constant temperature above the expected dropping point, so the sample warms without operator control. When the first drop reaches the bottom of the test tube, the operator records the sample thermometer reading as the observed dropping point. The operator also notes the block temperature at that moment. Adding one third of the difference between the two readings to the observed value gives the reported dropping point.
The TT-2265 applies this method with a six-hole aluminum alloy bath and a PID controller that holds the block temperature within ±0.2 °C. The built-in light lets the operator see each hole and judge the first drop easily. Dropping point is a static test: it identifies grease type and supports quality-control benchmarks, but it does not equal the maximum service temperature. Software calibration of the bath and sample channels keeps the correction calculation based on accurate readings.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Rated Voltage | AC 220 V ±10%, 50 Hz (110 V available) |
| Power | 750 W |
| Maximum Test Temperature | Up to 400 °C |
| Temperature Control Mode | PID digital display temperature controller |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±0.2 °C |
| Heater Output | Solid-state relay |
| Bath Material | Aluminum alloy |
| Test Holes | Six |
| Light | 220 V, 8 W |
| Calibration (Software Interface) | Bath temperature and 4-channel sample temperature |
| Sample Temperature Calibration Methods | Linear calibration; temperature offset correction |
| Data Handling (Standard) | Local data storage and printing |
| Ambient Temperature | 10 to 40 °C |
| Ambient Humidity | ≤85% |
Optional Upgrades
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| PC Communication | Adds communication with a PC. The standard configuration includes only local data storage and printing. |
| Independent Hardware Overheat Cut-Off | Works in addition to software protection. Heating shuts down automatically upon overtemperature. |