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Mastersizer 3000

Delivering the data you need for outcomes you can trust

From pharma to food, manufacturing to environmental monitoring, organizations the world over trust the Mastersizer 3000 laser diffraction particle size analyzer for fast, accurate and reliable analysis. The instrument’s ease of use and versatility means they’re valued for both scientific research and manufacturing quality control.

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Why choose the Mastersizer 3000?

The Mastersizer range has been trusted by scientists for generations. And the Mastersizer 3000 range has been developed with a deep understanding of real-world use, resulting in the most advanced and user-friendly particle analyzer in the world. What makes the Mastersizer 3000 special is:

  • Measures a large sample size range
    Incredibly versatile, the 3000 accurately measures particles from 10nm up to 3.5mm

  • Switches easily between wet and dry dispersions
    The ergonomic, easy-to-use  accessories make it easy to load liquids and powders, switch between the two, and prep and clean quickly

  • Data how you want it, with customizable reporting
    Flexible reporting means you get your data how you need it and can integrate them simply and seamlessly into your workflows

  • Intuitive software with ‘built-in expertise’
    The easy-to-use software also monitors your data quality, flagging potential issues (such as insufficient sample quantity, or if the instrument needs cleaning)

  • Compact. Well designed. Easy to use
    The 3000 is no ‘big beige box’. It’s been ergonomically designed to be as space-saving as possible and simple to load, use, clean and service

Understanding your Mastersizer 3000

Particles are too small to measure directly – but by firing a laser beam at a sample and measuring the intensity of the light that gets ‘scattered’, we can accurately calculate a particle’s size. The Mastersizer 3000 is the world’s fastest, most accurate and most reliable instrument for doing this.

There are three key components: the optical bench that houses the laser and detectors; the sample dispersion units where you load samples for analysis; and the user-friendly software that helps you run, report and interpret your data.

  • Optical bench and laser
    This is the heart of the Mastersizer, housing the laser and detectors which measure particles from 10nm to 3.5mm. It uses both red and blue light sources, and captures measurements across a wide range of angles

  • Sample dispersion units
    The dispersion units deliver samples consistently and in the correct concentration. There are six wet dispersion units to handle the widest possible range of sample volumes and dispersants, and a dry dispersant system that handles rapid powder dispersion, even for fragile materials

  • Intuitive software with ‘built-in expertise’
    the user interface makes using the Mastersizer fast and simple, without the need for extensive training. It guides you through every stage, integrates seamlessly with your workflows, and quality checks your measurements, flagging potential quality control issues (such as insufficient sample size or need for cleaning)


What customers use the Mastersizer 3000 for 

The Mastersizer 3000 lets users find the particle size ‘sweet spot’ for a vast array of processes – helping them create substances that behave more predictably, more safely and to a higher quality. Mastersizers are frequently used for:

  • Creating smooth-flowing powders
    Many manufacturing processes need powders to flow smoothly. ¬¬(Too small and flow is unpredictable; too large and the density of final products can be affected). It’s important for processes such as ‘additive’ manufacturing (like 3D-printing), and controlling the quality of sintered products

  • Packing powders to the right density
    The way particles pack together depends on both their size, and the mix of differently-sized particles. Getting the balance right means denser packing. It’s essential for mould-based manufacturing (eg ceramic and metal components) as well as for processes such as powder coating

  • Mixing stable dispersions
    Getting the particle sizes ‘just right’ in dispersions is the difference between creating a stable dispersion with evenly distributed particles, or one with agglomerates (that’s the difference between an even powder coating or smooth-flowing paint, or dispersions with lumps in)

  • Dissolving substances predictably
    Particle size directly affects the speed at which a substance dissolves. (Smaller is faster; larger is slower). This is particularly critical in the pharmaceutical industry, where this affects the release rate of the active components of a drug

  • Controlling how particles are inhaled
    Particle size affects how easy it is for people to inhale substances. In both medicine and industry there are strict guidelines for particle sizes – broadly speaking, so that drugs are quickly and easily inhaled, and harmful substances (such as cleaning products and hairsprays) are not

  • Deciding chemical reaction times
    Particle size determines volume-to-surface-area ratios, which affects chemical reaction times. Controlling reaction times is important in manufacturing processes such as the hardening of cement, and in producing effective catalysts (such as cleaning pollutants from medicines)

  • Manipulating how light reacts with substances
    The particle sizes in pigments, paints and coatings affects how the final products scatter light. So by controlling the particle size, manufacturers can control how bright, strong or glossy something looks

  • Improving the quality of food and drink
    The particle sizes in food and drink can have a dramatic effect on how they smell, taste and feel: the particle size of ground coffee affects is strength and brew time; smaller particles in chocolate make it feel silker and better quality

Specification

General

Particle size Suspensions, emulsions, dry powders
Principle Laser light scattering
Analysis Mie and Fraunhofer scattering
Data acquisition rate 10 kHz
Typical measurement time <10 sec
Dimensions (W, D, H) 690mm x 300mm x 450mm
Weight 30 kg

Optics

Red light source Max. 4mW He-Ne, 632.8nm
Blue light source Max. 10mW LED, 470nm
Lens arrangement Reverse Fourier (convergent beam)
Effective focal length 300mm

Detector

Arrangement Log-spaced array
Angular range 0.015 - 144 degrees
Alignment Automatic

Size

Particle size 0.01 - 3500 µm *
Number of size classes 100 (user adjustable)
Accuracy Better than 0.6% **
Precision / Repeatability Better than 0.5% variation *
Reproducibility Better than 1% variation *

Software

21 CFR part 11 Enables an operating mode that assists with ER/ES compliance

System compliance

Laser safety Class 1, IEC60825-1:2007 and CFR Chapter I: Sub-chapterJ: Part 1040 (CDRH)
Regulatory testing RoHS and WEEE compliant CE / FCC compliant Meets requirements of the European Low Voltage directive

System

Power 100/240 v, 50/60 Hz 50W (no dispersion units connected) 200W maximum (2 dispersion units connected)
Humidity 80% maximum for temperatures up to 31°C, decreasing linearly to 50% at 40°C. Non condensing.
Operating temperature (°C) +5°C to +40°C
Product storage temperature -20°C to +50°C
Ingress Protection (IP) rating IP41B

Notes

* Sample and sample preparation dependent.
** Accuracy defined for the measurement of monomodal latex standards. This specification accounts for the manufacturer’s uncertainty in the latex size. Sample and sample preparation dependant.
Patents The Mastersizer 3000 optical bench is protected by patents; US6,778,271 and related filings; GB2,340,932; together with patents based on applications WO2013038161, WO2013038160 and WO2013038159. Hydro MV and LV protected by EP1167946A2 and related filings.

Accessories

Sample dispersion accessories for the Mastersizer 3000

Wet sample dispersion accessories

Hydro Insight

A window into deeper materials analysis

The Hydro Insight is a dynamic imaging accessory that sits alongside the Mastersizer 3000, providing insights that go beyond particle size distribution to particle images and quantitative particle shape data. 

In this way, it helps scientists, researchers, and quality-control managers understand their materials better, develop methods faster, and simplify troubleshooting.

Hydro SV

Small volume wet sample dispersion

The Hydro SV is a simple, cost effective liquid dispersion unit designed to enable particle size analysis using small volumes of sample and dispersant.

Hydro MV

Medium volume automated dispersion unit.

The Hydro MV is a medium volume unit for the controlled, automated wet dispersion of samples for particle size analysis. Suitable for both aqueous and non-aqueous applications, it is especially useful when sample size is limited and/or dispersant use must be minimized.

Hydro LV

Large volume wet sample dispersion.

The Hydro LV is an automated large volume unit that controls wet dispersion of materials for particle size analysis. It is especially suitable for applications where the sample size is relatively large or the size distribution is very broad.

Hydro EV

Flexible volume wet dispersion

A unique dip-in wet sample dispersion unit that can be used with standard laboratory glassware. Suitable for a wide variety of dispersant volumes and particle size ranges.

Hydro SM

Small volume entry level wet dispersion unit

The Hydro SM is a cost effective wet sample dispersion unit designed for measuring samples in non-aqueous dispersants where solvent usage needs to be minimized.

Mastersizer 3000 Chocosizer

Effective Chocolate production quality control

The goal of chocolate production is to produce a product with a consistent taste and mouthfeel in an economical and efficient way. Control of the cocoa and milk solids particle size and particle size distribution is critical to achieving this objective. The Mastersizer 3000 Chocosizer is designed to support chocolate production and quality control by providing a simple method for fast, reliable chocolate particle size analysis.

Dry sample dispersion accessories

Aero S

State-of-the-art dry powder dispersion

Setting new standards for dry powder dispersion, the Aero S has been designed from the ground up based upon fundamental powder dispersion theory. The modular design ensures rapid and reproducible dispersion of the widest range of samples from cohesive powders to fragile materials.

Aero Funnel Sample Feeder

Rapid QC measurements for bulk powder samples

The Aero funnel sample feeder is designed to help users achieve rapid, reproducible bulk dry powder particle size measurements by allowing samples to be added directly to the Aero S and Aero M dry powder dispersion units without opening the dispersion unit lid. This speeds up and simplifies the process of introducing samples for analysis, decreasing the time required to obtain results.

Support

Protect your investment and ensure optimized performance at all times with Malvern Panalytical's service plans.

When you purchase a Malvern Panalytical product we understand that this is just the first stage of a working relationship that will last for the lifetime of the instrument. Depending on your needs, Malvern Panalytical will provide the support for your business.

Help Desk

Training

  • User training events

Software downloads

Malvern Panalytical's service options- choose the right plan for you:

Malvern Panalytical Platinum Plan

For laboratories where maximizing instrument up-time is critical to its daily performance. Our highest level of response and the 'all inclusive' price plan takes care of those unexpected repair bills should the unfortunate occur.

Malvern Panalytical Gold Plan

Enhance your laboratory productivity by maintaining instrument efficiency. Still receive that priority response, combined with specialist technical and software support, we'll keep your instrument performance on track to deliver.

Malvern Panalytical Bronze Visit

For laboratories looking to optimize instrument performance, regular preventative maintenance is essential.

Platinum PlanGold PlanBronze Visit
Annual PM/PV Test
yes
yes
no
Telephone / Email Support
yes
yes
no
Priority Response
yes
yes
no
Emergency Breakdown visits*
yes
yes
no
Parts Included
yes
no
no
Technical & Software Support
yes
yes
yes
IQ/OQ (Pharma)***
yes
yes
yes

*including labour & travel costs ***available at an additional cost

Smart Install

Get your new Mastersizer 3000 up and running faster when you choose to smart install. 

With comprehensive resources to help you quickly and safely set-up and verify the performance of your new instrument, there’s no need to wait for an engineer to do it for you. What’s more, smart install presents a new training opportunity as you receive full access to exclusive training material. 

How does it work?

When you follow the step-by-step video instructions, you could be up and running within 90 minutes of delivery of your new Mastersizer 3000. 

You don't need any specific skills or knowledge to perform a smart installation. Simply follow the instructions provided. 

Everything needed to get started is provided with your new instrument – all you need is an internet connection to access the online training. 

Exclusive e-learning content

Resources to get you up and running quickly and with confidence include:  

  • detailed video guides walk you through installation and set-up;
  • 15-months  access to the Essentials e-learning course, which is provided at no extra cost;
  • a comprehensive user manual.

Find out more about smart install.

Malvern Mastersizer 3000 is one of the best instruments for determination of particle size for powders, granules, both in solid dispersion and in liquid dispersion. The instrument is very user friendly and easy to use as the principle of operation of the instrument is very simple and robust. The data generated on the instrument is very reliable and accurate. Method development on the instrument is very simple and gives reproducible results time and again...

Mahesh S. — Pharmaceuticals