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General Items
RING AND BALL APPARATUS AZA0932
The AZA0932 Ring & Ball Apparatus from Azalab is a fundamental laboratory instrument designed for the manual determination of the softening point of bitumen, road tars, and bituminous binders. The softening point test is a critical quality control parameter in civil engineering and road construction, particularly in regions with wide temperature variations.
The softening point represents the temperature at which a bituminous material changes from a semi-solid to a softened state under standardized conditions. The AZA0932 provides a robust, reliable, and cost-effective manual solution, fully compliant with Indian and international testing standards.
Description
Principle of Test – Ring & Ball Method
Bitumen does not have a sharp melting point; instead, it softens gradually with increasing temperature. The Ring and Ball method defines the softening point as the temperature at which a standard steel ball, placed on a bitumen specimen contained in a brass ring, causes the softened material to drop 25 mm under controlled heating conditions.
This test is essential for:
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Bitumen grading and selection for different climatic conditions
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Quality control of bituminous binders
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Predicting pavement performance, especially resistance to rutting at high temperatures
Design & Manual Operation
The AZA0932 Ring & Ball Apparatus is designed for durability, stability, and ease of operation, making it a standard fixture in highway, academic, and materials testing laboratories.
Construction Features
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Rigid steel bracket with sliding support plate for stable positioning
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Precision-machined component layout ensuring correct alignment of rings, balls, and thermometer
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Manual hand stirrer to maintain uniform bath temperature
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Open design for clear visual observation of ball drop
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Cost-effective manual system, ideal where automated systems are not required
Standard Components Supplied
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Steel bracket with sliding plate support
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Heat-resistant glass beaker (approx. 600 ml)
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Brass rings – 2 Nos. (as per IS / ASTM dimensions)
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Steel balls – 2 Nos. (9.5 mm diameter, 3.50 ± 0.05 g)
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Ball guides
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Manual hand stirrer
Note:
Standard thermometers and an external heat source (hot plate or burner) are required and supplied separately.
Standards Compliance
The AZA0932 is manufactured to conform to the following standards:
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IS 1205:1985 – Determination of Softening Point of Bitumen
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ASTM D36 – Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring and Ball Method)
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EN 1427 – Bitumen and bituminous binders
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IP 58 / IP 63 – Institute of Petroleum
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AASHTO T53 – Softening Point of Bituminous Materials
Compliance with these standards ensures globally accepted and reproducible results, critical for highway and infrastructure projects.
Applications
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Bitumen and asphalt quality control laboratories
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Highway and pavement engineering
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Research and academic institutions
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Government and contractor QC departments
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | AZA0932 |
| Operation | Manual |
| Test Method | Ring and Ball Softening Point |
| Application | Bitumen and bituminous binders |
| Temperature Range | Ambient to approx. 150°C |
| Heating Method | External heat source (not included) |
| Temperature Measurement | Manual thermometer (not included) |
| Observation | Manual visual |
| Beaker Capacity | Approx. 600 ml |
| Material | Steel frame with glassware |
| Standards | IS 1205, ASTM D36, EN 1427, IP 58/63, AASHTO T53 |
| Design | Compact benchtop |
| Country of Origin | India |
Why Choose AZA0932?
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Proven manual softening point determination
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Fully compliant with Indian and international standards
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Durable steel construction for long service life
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Ideal for hot climate bitumen selection
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Cost-effective solution for routine laboratory testing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the primary use of AZA0932?
To determine the softening point of bitumen and bituminous materials.
Q2: Is AZA0932 automatic?
No. It is a manual apparatus requiring external heating and manual observation.
Q3: Why is softening point important in India?
Higher softening point bitumen performs better in high temperatures, reducing rutting and deformation.
Q4: What liquid bath is used?
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Water for softening points up to 80°C
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Glycerin for softening points above 80°C
Q5: Are thermometers included?
No. Standard thermometers are required and supplied separately.
AZA0932 – Reliable Manual Softening Point Testing for Bitumen Quality Control
Additional information
| Model |
AZA 0932 |
|---|---|
| Operation |
Manual (requires external heating source and manual observation) |
| Test Method |
Ring and Ball Method |
| Material |
Durable metal construction with high-quality glassware. |
| Dimensions (Approx.) |
Compact benchtop design. |
| Ball Drop Observation: |
Manual visual observation. |
Related products
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The AZA0939 Digital Penetrometer from Azalab is an advanced, high-precision laboratory instrument designed for the accurate determination of the consistency of bituminous materials, including bitumen, asphalt, greases, waxes, petroleum jelly, and other semi-solid substances. Engineered for laboratories that demand maximum accuracy, repeatability, and ease of operation, the AZA0939 combines classical penetration testing principles with modern digital measurement and automated timing.
This instrument is widely used in civil engineering laboratories, road construction authorities, asphalt plants, petroleum laboratories, research institutions, and quality control departments, where strict compliance with international standards such as ASTM D5, EN 1426, AASHTO T49, IP 49, and IS 1203 is required.
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The Fraass Breaking Point represents the temperature at which a thin film of bitumen loses flexibility and cracks when subjected to controlled cooling and repeated flexing. Determining this temperature is critical for selecting suitable binder grades and preventing thermal cracking in asphalt pavements, thereby ensuring long-term durability and serviceability.
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Accurate hardness measurement ensures that mastic asphalt complies with project specifications and delivers long-term pavement durability, deformation resistance, and performance reliability.
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Surface unevenness directly influences vehicle operating costs, passenger comfort, road safety, drainage performance, and pavement service life. The AZA0960 provides a reliable and cost-effective method for quantifying pavement roughness, enabling engineers to ensure compliance with specifications laid down by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and the Indian Roads Congress (IRC).
