Company Announcements

Malvern Instruments and Kaiser Optical Systems entered into a development collaboration agreement to integrate their respective Morphologi platform and RamanRxn System analyzers. Kaiser will also distribute an exclusive version of Malvern’s ISys software and a new system control platform software for its Raman Microprobe and Raman WorkStation range.

Malvern Instruments announced it will not exhibit at Pittcon in 2010, but will participate in 2011.

In February, Malvern Instruments opened its third center of excellence in India. Located in Delhi, it was established through joint venture company Malvern Aimil Instruments.

As part of a strategic collaboration agreement, Particulate Systems, a brand of Micromeritics Instruments, gained exclusively distribute rights to Surface Measurement Systems’ key products for South America, Central America, the Middle East and selected regions of the US, and gained co-distribution rights to sell the company’s products in China.

Revenues for MTS Systems’ Test business for the year ended October 2, 2009, declined 5.9% to $342.6 million (see IBO 11.30/09), including $23.6 million in SANS revenue a $3.0 million loss from SANS operations. On an organic basis, Test revenues fell 10%. The company’s total headcount was reduced by 130 positions for an 18% reduction in the organic workforce.

Alfred Richter, MTS Systems’ Senior Vice President-Test, agreed to a separation from the firm in January.

Product Introductions

Quantachrome Instruments launched the Aquadyne DVS gravimetric, dual sample water sorption analyzer.

Struers launched the Dura Scan micro/macro hardness testing product line, available in five basic models and featuring a test load range of 10 gf–10 kgf.

Agilent introduced the Dynamic Contact Module II for its Nano Indenter G200 and G300, featuring a 3x higher loading capability.

Zwick released the LTM 1000 fatigue-testing machine for small materials and components. It generates dynamic test loads up to 1000 N.

Zwick released the PrecisionLine precision testing machines: the PrecisionLine Manural for testing engineered components; the PrecisionLine Automatic for high accuracy measurement; and the PrecisionLine Vario, featuring modular construction.

NETZSCH launched the MMC 274 Nexus modular adiabatic reaction calorimeter for the analysis of sample volumes consisting of several milliliters.

NanoSight introduced the NS500 system for nanoparticle characterization, featuring Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis technology, as well as fluorescence capabilities, for analyzing individual particles.