Automatic Ring and Ball Test Set
STANDART: TS EN 1427; ASTM D36; AASHTO T53
LT-AS0037 Automatic Ring and Ball Test Set
The Automatic Ring and Ball Test Set automatically determines the softening point of bituminous materials according to the ring and ball method. Its microprocessor-controlled system manages heating, temperature measurement and automatic detection, helping laboratories achieve accurate and repeatable results.
- Fully automatic testing: The system automatically manages the main stages of softening point determination.
- Precise optical detection: Optical sensors detect the moment when the bitumen specimens and steel balls reach the specified drop position.
- PT100 temperature measurement: The temperature probe continuously monitors the bath temperature.
- Controlled heating: PID control maintains the required temperature gradient during testing.
- Integrated cooling: The cooling system can reduce the bath temperature to approximately 5 °C for specimen preconditioning.
- Uniform bath temperature: The magnetic stirrer maintains homogeneous temperature distribution in the test liquid.
- Wide test range: Suitable for softening point determination between approximately 30 °C and 150 °C using water or glycerol.
- Automatic data recording: The control system records the softening point temperature when specimen collapse is detected.
- Complete test configuration: Supplied with ring holder, bottom plate, brass rings, centering guides, steel balls, glass beaker and magnetic stirrer bar.
- Standards compliance: Designed for testing according to TS EN 1427, ASTM D36 and AASHTO T53.
| Product Code | Product Name | External Dimensions (cm) | Weight (kg) |
| LT-AS0037 | Automatic Ring and Ball Test Set | 85 × 65 × 40 | 60 |
What Is an Automatic Ring and Ball Test Set?
The Automatic Ring and Ball Test Set determines the softening point of bitumen and bituminous binders using the ring and ball method. The microprocessor-controlled system automatically manages the test procedure. Therefore, laboratories can evaluate the temperature-related behaviour of bituminous materials under controlled and repeatable conditions.
The system operates with water or glycerol as the bath liquid and supports a testing range from approximately 30 °C to 150 °C. Two bitumen specimens are placed in brass rings and heated at a controlled rate while supporting steel balls. The softening point corresponds to the temperature at which the specimens soften and drop through the specified distance.
Precise Optical Detection and Temperature Measurement
Optical sensors automatically detect the collapse of each specimen. This reduces the need for continuous visual monitoring by the operator. When the specified drop position is reached, the control unit records the corresponding softening point temperature.
A PT100 temperature probe continuously measures the bath temperature. The digital control system processes this data throughout the test and helps maintain accurate temperature conditions.
Controlled Heating and Cooling
The integrated heating system transfers heat directly to the bath liquid. Combined with PID control, this helps maintain the temperature gradient required by the test procedure.
The unit also incorporates a cooling system for sample preconditioning. According to Liya Test’s current specifications, the bath can be cooled automatically to approximately 5 °C. This reduces dependence on external refrigerators or ice during test preparation.
Uniform Bath Circulation
A magnetic stirrer continuously circulates the bath liquid during testing. This movement promotes uniform temperature distribution around both specimens.
Stable bath conditions are particularly important because temperature differences can directly affect softening point results. Controlled circulation therefore supports more consistent measurements.
Complete Ring and Ball Test Configuration
The LT-AS0037 is supplied as a complete laboratory system. The standard assembly includes a ring holder, bottom plate, two brass rings, two ball centering guides, two stainless steel balls, a glass beaker and magnetic stirrer bar.
Testing According to International Standards
The Automatic Ring and Ball Test Set supports softening point determination according to TS EN 1427, ASTM D36 and AASHTO T53. These methods are widely used for evaluating bitumen and bituminous binders.
Overall, the LT-AS0037 Automatic Ring and Ball Test Set combines automatic detection, controlled heating, integrated cooling and precise temperature measurement. Therefore, asphalt laboratories can determine bitumen softening points accurately and repeatably.
