A new benchmark in automated penetration testing

Anton Paar announces the launch of PNR 500, a next-generation automatic penetrometer designed for fast, reproducible, and standards-compliant consistency and penetration testing. Building on more than 60 years of expertise in penetration testing, PNR 500 enhances automation, ease of use, and measurement reliability across a broad range of industries.

A penetration test measures the consistency of semi-solid materials by determining how far a test body penetrates a sample under defined conditions. PNR 500 streamlines this established method through automated surface detection and precise control, delivering excellent reproducibility with minimal manual intervention.

A patented force sensor plunger automatically detects the sample surface with high precision, eliminating manual alignment and improving reproducibility. Even samples submerged in water can be reliably measured, making the instrument ideal for temperature-controlled testing. For samples that are electrically conductive, an additional electrical surface recognition system ensures accuracy and minimises operator dependency. 

To further accelerate workflows, PNR 500 features a unique magnetic coupling plunger and a dedicated magnetic bitumen needle, significantly simplifying setup and reducing handling steps in busy quality control environments. Combined with rapid testing functions, these features help laboratories increase throughput without compromising accuracy.

The PNR 500 automatic penetrometer is suitable for applications in bitumen and grease production, as well as in the food, cosmetics, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Typical samples include bitumen, grease, wax, butter, margarine, creams, balms, gels, and ointments, allowing manufacturers to test diverse materials with a single robust instrument.

Designed for flexibility and compliance, PNR 500 supports a wide range of standardised test bodies and meets major international standards, including ASTM D5, EN 1426, ISO 2137, ASTM D217, and European Pharmacopoeia 2.9.9. It stores up to 200 results and enables data transfer via USB or LIMS. Smart value conversion functions automatically convert penetration values between different cone types or classification systems.

With pre-installed and customisable test programs, as well as a comprehensive range of accessories, PNR 500 integrates seamlessly into existing laboratory workflows – setting a new benchmark for reliable, efficient, and user-friendly penetration testing.