Anton Paar’s new PNR 500 sets benchmark in automated penetrometry

Anton Paar has launched PNR 500, a next-generation automatic penetrometer designed for fast, reproducible, and standards-compliant penetration testing. Building on more than 60 years of expertise in penetrometry, it combines intelligent automation with advanced sensor technology to reduce operator influence while improving ease of use and measurement reliability.

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

The instrument supports a wide range of applications across industries including bitumen and grease, food, cosmetics, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Typical samples range from bitumen, grease, and wax to butter, creams, gels, and pharmaceutical ointments, allowing diverse materials to be tested on a single platform.

Equipped with a patented force-sensor plunger, PNR 500 automatically detects sample surfaces, even underwater, improving test reproducibility without manual adjustment. For electrically conductive, water-based samples, an additional electrical surface recognition system further enhances accuracy and repeatability. Magnetic coupling of plungers and a dedicated magnetic bitumen needle streamline handling and speed up workflows in busy quality control laboratories.

PNR 500 complies with major international standards, including ASTM D5, EN 1426, ISO 2137, ASTM D217, and European Pharmacopoeia 2.9.9. Integrated data storage, USB and LIMS connectivity, and smart value conversion simplify data management and result interpretation.

“With PNR 500, we focused on optimising traditional penetrometry through intelligent automation,” said Mengtian Xu, Product Manager for PNR 500 at Anton Paar. “The result is a highly reproducible, standards-compliant solution that minimises training effort while maximising laboratory efficiency.”

Designed for modern QC environments, PNR 500 sets a new benchmark in reliable and user-friendly penetrometry.

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