Anton Paar introduces the PNR 500, an advanced automatic penetrometer designed for fast, reproducible consistency and penetration testing of semi-solid materials. Building on more than 60 years of expertise in this field, the PNR 500 streamlines quality control in industries such as bitumen and grease production, food processing, cosmetics manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals by automating key workflows and ensuring compliance with international standards.
The instrument determines how far a standardised test body, such as a cone or needle, penetrates a sample under defined conditions. Its broad application range covers materials including bitumen, grease, wax, butter, balms, creams, gels and pharmaceutical ointments, ensuring reliable consistency results across diverse formulations.
Equipped with a patented force sensor plunger, the PNR 500 automatically detects sample surfaces, even under water, improving test reproducibility without manual adjustment. For conductive, water-based samples, an electrical surface recognition system enables precise alignment and minimises operator influence. A magnetic plunger and specialised bitumen needle simplify setup and accelerate workflows in busy QC environments.
Designed for flexibility, the PNR 500 accommodates a wide variety of standard test bodies and complies with global methods such as ASTM D5, EN 1426, ISO 2137, and European Pharmacopoeia 2.9.9. The system stores up to 200 results, offers direct USB or LIMS export, and provides smart value conversion for simplified data handling.
Five pre-installed test programs allow for instant operation, while up to 15 customisable programs support specific testing protocols. A broad range of accessories, including temperature-controlled baths and various sample holders, ensures seamless integration into quality control environments.
“With the PNR 500, our goal was to take everything customers appreciate about traditional penetrometry and optimise it with intelligent automation,” says PNR 500 Product Manager Mengtian Xu. “By integrating precise surface detection, flexible programming, and compatibility with international standards, we’re giving users a tool that delivers reproducible results with minimal training and maximum efficiency.”
To learn more about the new PNR 500, visit our website or contact us via email, for the UK info.uk@anton-paar.com and for Ireland info.ie@anton-paar.com
