Hexpol extends tie-up to advance ‘next-generation’ lab testing capabilities

Malmo, Sweden – Hexpol AB has renewed a partnership spanning more than 50 years with Alpha Technologies, a leading Hudson, Ohio-based rheometer manufacturer and developer of rheology instruments.

The renewed partnership, announced 21 May, extends cooperation on laboratory testing equipment and materials analysis software used across the Swedish polymer group's quality and product development operations.

According to Hexpol, the renewal follows a “structured evaluation process” as existing instruments approached “the end of supported life.”

The group said it carried out “direct side-by-side comparisons with competing platforms” before determining that Alpha's 'Premier line' met its “exacting measurement standards” and represented “the right foundation for the next phase of its quality programme.”

Beyond measurement performance, Hexpol said the Premier instruments' automation capabilities delivered “a meaningful improvement in laboratory throughput.”

The ability to reduce manual testing steps “translates directly to faster turnaround times and more consistent results across facilities,” the company added.

“Continuity and reliability are critical when it comes to laboratory equipment which underpins our product development and quality assurance,” said Carsten Rueter, president technology at Hexpol Rubber Compounding Europe & Asia.

Klas Lindberg, purchasing director at Hexpol Rubber Compounding Europe & Asia, said the evaluation showed that Alpha's systems proved 'they belong in our laboratories.”

“The software integration we have built with Alpha's team gives our data scientists access to insights we couldn't generate before,” Lindberg said.

“That capability is central to how we improve, and it continues to grow stronger.”