Compare materials and suppliers
Evaluate size and shape differences across suppliers, lots or formulations. Put the findings in context with your specifications and processing requirements.
PARTICLE ANALYSIS & CHARACTERIZATION
Understand your particles.
Plan your next step.
Your material. Your data. A team to help you connect the two.
Investigate material differences and evaluate processing results with Microtrac SYNC PLUS wet and dry analysis, backed by Glen Mills application expertise.
Consultation and interpretation included.
Testing quoted by method for each sample.
THE PLATFORMMicrotrac SYNC PLUS
THE WORKFLOWWet & dry analysis
THE SUPPORTConsultation + interpretation
USUAL TESTING TIMELess than 3 business days*
*After sample receipt. Your quote confirms the expected project schedule.
START WITH YOUR QUESTION
What changed?
What should you try next?
A supplier change. An inconsistent batch. A powder that no longer behaves as expected. Bring us the material and the question you need to answer.
Investigate inconsistent processing
Explore particle populations, elongation or agglomeration when powders behave differently, handling becomes difficult or equipment becomes blocked.
Evaluate a processing change
Compare samples before and after milling or another processing step. Use the results to help assess the change and plan the next trial.
SIZE + SHAPE
Two ways to look closer.
Our SYNC PLUS wet and dry modules and DIMENSIONS LS software support a testing approach suited to your material and objectives.
Understand the distribution.
Calculate a particle size distribution from the light scattered by a dispersed sample. Compare distributions and percentile values across lots, suppliers or processing conditions.
- Particle size distribution curves
- D10, D50 and D90 values
- Comparisons across samples and trials
For a volume distribution, D90 is the diameter below which 90% of the measured particle volume lies. It is not the largest particle.
Examine the shape.
Evaluate images of moving particles to explore morphology and populations that a size distribution alone may not explain.
- Aspect ratio and circularity
- Relevant size and shape distributions
- Selected images of particle populations
Available measurements depend on the sample and agreed method. Shape data can support an investigation; it does not by itself establish a processing problem’s cause.
Not sure which method you need? Describe your material and testing objective. We will review suitability, dispersion and handling with you.
Request a quoteRESULTS YOU CAN DISCUSS
More than a report.
A conversation about it.
You receive documented results for the agreed scope, plus consultation and help interpreting the findings. Reporting is prepared using DIMENSIONS LS and tailored to your project.
01
Distributions and comparisonsSize curves, percentile statistics and relevant comparisons across your samples.
02
Shape information and particle imagesRelevant descriptors and selected images where appropriate to the agreed analysis.
03
Documented methodsPreparation and measurement conditions that put the results in context.
04
Interpretation and next stepsTechnical discussion of the findings and recommendations for further work where useful.
FROM INQUIRY TO INTERPRETATION
A clear path for your samples.
Tell us about your material
Share sample details, testing objectives, SDS and handling requirements. Successful intake generates an inquiry reference.
Review the proposed work
Our sales and technical team review safety and method suitability, then prepare a quote for the agreed methods and samples.
Receive shipping authorization
After acceptance and commercial arrangements, receive your approved project/test number, submission form and shipping instructions.
Discuss your results
We catalog and test the samples, generate your report, and discuss the findings and possible next steps with you.
Before anything ships: Your material must pass safety and technical review. Wait for written authorization and an approved project/test number.
APPLICATION EXPERTISE
Built around your material.
Support development and investigation.
Discuss material comparison, formulation development and processing questions. Share your intended use of the results and documentation needs before testing.
Understand your process materials.
Discuss suitable powders, slurries and other materials. Review size distributions and morphology within your material compatibility and handling requirements.
Compare candidates and conditions.
Evaluate candidate materials, lots and processing conditions with appropriate size and shape measurements. Connect the testing to your development question.
Explore additional industries
Environmental services · Aerospace and automotive · Medical devices · Chemicals · Cosmetics and personal care · Food and beverage · Petrochemicals and energy · Inks, pigments and paints
Sample acceptance depends on safety review and technical suitability.
A REAL GLEN MILLS APPLICATION
A new supplier.
An unexpected blockage.
A ceramic powder customer experienced nozzle clogging after changing raw material suppliers. Glen Mills investigated the original and replacement materials using laser diffraction and dynamic image analysis.
The comparison examined size distributions alongside circularity, aspect ratio and elongated particle clusters. Comparative profiles and particle images helped frame discussions about supplier specifications and possible processing adjustments.
Discuss a material comparisonMEASUREMENT + PROCESSING EXPERTISE
Understand the result.
Explore what comes next.
Glen Mills brings experience in altering particles as well as measuring them. If further trials may help, discuss milling, sieving or other processing toward your specifications.
Explore contract processingAdditional testing or processing is agreed and quoted separately.
BEFORE YOU SEND A SAMPLE
Your questions,
answered.
Need help with your specific material?
Call 973 777 0777
How is testing priced?
Testing is quoted by method for each sample. The quote identifies the testing scope and any method development or additional processing.
Are consultation and interpretation included?
Yes. Consultation and interpretation of your results are included. Additional tests or processing are scoped and quoted separately.
What if I do not know which method I need?
Choose “I need guidance” in the form. Describe your material and the question you need to answer; our team will discuss suitable testing with you.
Is an SDS required for every sample?
Yes. Attach the applicable Safety Data Sheet for each sample. If several samples share one SDS, attach that PDF to each relevant sample entry. Include any special handling requirements.
Can I ship samples immediately?
Please wait for written authorization. We will provide an approved project/test number, sample submission form, required quantity and shipping instructions after review and commercial acceptance.
How quickly will I receive a quote?
We aim to acknowledge requests within 2–4 business hours. Formal quotes are typically provided within 24–48 business hours. Complex requests may need additional technical review.
How long does testing take?
Testing is usually completed in less than three business days after sample receipt. Your quote confirms the expected project schedule, including reporting arrangements.
Can results be compared with my specifications?
Share your existing method, specification limits and intended use of the results before testing. We will discuss the suitable scope and reporting approach.
Can testing be combined with processing?
Yes. Discuss relevant Glen Mills milling, sieving or other processing services, including analysis before and after agreed trials. Combined work is quoted for your project.