Softening Point

Softening Point Test

The softening point of asphalt is defined as the temperature at which two disks of a sample can no longer support the weight of a steel ball. As asphalt does not have a specific melting point, the rate at which it softens is extremely important. Because the softening point is needed to establish the uniformity of shipments or sources of supply, it is frequently used to classifying bitumens.

One of the most common ways to determine an asphalt’s softening point is through the use of a ring-and-ball apparatus. During this test, steel balls are placed on top of bitumen disks within a bath. As the temperature of the bath rises, the samples soften and are unable to hold the balls. The temperature at which the balls drop 25mm (1 inch) is then recorded.

Humboldt provides a variety of equipment to determine the softening point of bitumen. These include a variety of softening point apparatuses as well as a digital option.

The Softening Point Apparatus comes in a double and quad configuration options for desired testing needs. These apparatuses do require the purchase of a separate thermometer.
The Softening Point Apparatus Set with Burner can be used for single bitumen determinations. The bath is heated by an attached gas burner.
The Softening Point Apparatus Set with Hotplate can be used for single bitumen determinations. The bath is heated by an attached hotplate.
The Digital Auto Ring and Ball Apparatus automatically determine the softening points of bitumen with speed and accuracy. With laser sensors and touch-screen graphics, this machine is easy to use and allows for the management and analysis of data, test results, and graphs.