Measure particle size distribution
Determine percentiles, distribution width, multimodal populations and batch-to-batch consistency in powders or suspensions.
Compare sizing methodsPARTICLE SIZE & SHAPE ANALYSIS
See the size.
Understand the shape.
Measure distributions, morphology, oversize fractions, nanoparticles and process changes. Choose optical analyzers around your material, sample state, measurement range and quality goals.
START WITH THE MEASUREMENT GOAL
What do you need to know
about your particles?
Different measurement principles reveal different information. Start with the decision your data must support.
Characterize shape & morphology
Quantify length, width, aspect ratio, roundness, circularity, convexity, symmetry and other particle-specific descriptors.
Explore image analysisDetect oversize, undersize & defects
Find small unwanted fractions, agglomerates, satellites, broken particles and shape defects that averages can conceal.
Explore direct imagingModernize sieve analysis
Increase throughput and reduce manual weighing and cleaning. Evaluate correlation with your established sieve specifications.
Compare imaging with sievingAnalyze nanoparticles & colloids
Measure hydrodynamic size in dispersions. Evaluate concentration, molecular weight or zeta potential where required.
Explore nanoparticle analysisMonitor the production process
Use continuous or at-line measurement to recognize process changes faster and support timely quality decisions.
Explore process measurementANALYZER SELECTION ASSISTANT
Find a practical starting point.
Choose your sample condition and measurement goal. We’ll suggest a method and analyzers to explore.
SUGGESTED STARTING POINT
Laser diffraction - Microtrac SYNC
A strong starting point for fast, reproducible size distributions across a broad range, with wet or dry dispersion for laboratory and quality-control work.
- Broad dynamic measuring range
- Fast routine measurements
- Wet and dry dispersion options
Confirm range, dispersion and reporting needs with your material.
A preliminary recommendation. Confirm final method and instrument selection with a representative sample evaluation.
MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGIES
Choose the information.
Then choose the method.
Direct or indirect measurement, dispersion, throughput, shape requirements and sensitivity to rare particles matter as much as measuring range.
FAST, VERSATILE SIZING
Laser diffraction
Calculates size distributions from light-scattering patterns produced by a dispersed sample.
- Broad dynamic range
- Wet and dry dispersion
- Fast routine QC
DIRECT SIZE + SHAPE
Dynamic image analysis
Records moving particles and evaluates individual images in real time.
- Individual size and morphology
- High counts and oversize sensitivity
- Dry, wet and online systems
HIGH-DETAIL MICROSCOPY
Static image analysis
Images stationary particles on a slide for detailed visual information.
- High-resolution particle images
- Fine-particle morphology
- A strong fit for R&D
NANOPARTICLE ANALYSIS
Dynamic light scattering
Uses Brownian motion to determine hydrodynamic size in suspensions and emulsions.
- Nanometer-range sizing
- Small sample volumes
- Zeta-potential configurations
Compare the four measurement methods
| Method | Best fit | Typical information | Sample modes | Portfolio range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laser diffraction | Fast sizing across broad distributions | Volume-based particle-size distribution | Dry and wet | 10 nm–4 mm across SYNC configurations |
| Dynamic image analysis | Size, shape, rare particles and sieve correlation | Individual dimensions and morphology | Dry, wet and online | 0.9 µm–135 mm across the portfolio |
| Static image analysis | Fine particles requiring detailed images | Individual-particle size and shape | Dry or wet slides | 0.5 µm–1.5 mm |
| Dynamic light scattering | Nanoparticles, colloids and emulsions | Hydrodynamic size; concentration, molecular weight or zeta by configuration | Liquid dispersions | 0.3 nm–10 µm for NANOTRAC sizing |
Suitability depends on distribution, optical properties, dispersion behavior, sample volume and reporting needs. Imaging, diffraction and DLS report different definitions of size; their distributions are not interchangeable.
ANALYZER PORTFOLIO
Match the analyzer to
the sample and decision.
Explore SYNC, CAMSIZER and NANOTRAC. Narrow the field, then review your material with Glen Mills before final selection.
10 analyzer configurations
0.01–4,000 µm*
Microtrac SYNC
Combine tri-laser diffraction with dynamic image analysis in one workflow for particle size and more than 30 morphological parameters.
Capabilities & considerations
Use diffraction for the distribution and imaging for morphology and visibility of rare coarse or fine fractions. Methods address ISO 13320 and ISO 13322-2. Fast module changes, stored methods and available IQ/OQ documentation support repeatable workflows. Discuss 21 CFR Part 11 software options. Current ranges vary: GO 0.1–2,000 µm; PLUS 0.02–4,000 µm; PRO 0.01–4,000 µm, with the upper limit dependent on imaging configuration.
0.9 µm–8 mm*
CAMSIZER X2+
A versatile fine-powder, granule and suspension analyzer with dual cameras and interchangeable dispersion modules.
Capabilities & considerations
Select air-pressure, gravity or wet dispersion to separate particles appropriately. The full portfolio range is not available with every module: standard wet dispersion covers 0.9 µm–1 mm; dry options extend to 8 mm with suitable configurations. Confirm the sample-specific range and compare size definitions with sieve or diffraction results.
160 µm–135 mm
CAMSIZER XL
Characterize large particles and bulk materials using customizable sample introduction and more than 40 parameters.
Capabilities & considerations
A starting point for coarse granules, aggregates and other large materials. Review size, shape and surface descriptors together with sample introduction, sample quantity and the required reporting definitions.
20 µm–30 mm
CAMSIZER 3D
Track dry, free-flowing particles through multiple orientations to distinguish length, width and thickness and investigate defects.
Capabilities & considerations
Multiple views help distinguish dimensions that one projection can conceal. Evaluate particle shape, broken particles, satellites and agglomerates with representative material.
30 µm–30 mm
CAMSIZER ONLINE
Integrate rugged dynamic image analysis into production with automatic sample delivery and continuous quality monitoring.
Capabilities & considerations
Discuss installation, control-room operation, sampling and process interfaces. Where needed, confirm the available explosion-protection configuration for the actual installation and material; it is not a blanket rating for every system.
30 µm–5 mm
CAMSIZER S1
Streamline routine dry-particle quality control with basic shape definitions and efficient correlation to sieve analysis.
Capabilities & considerations
Compare particle-width distributions with established sieve results. Validate the correlation for the actual material and specification before changing a release method.
0.5 µm–1.5 mm
CAMSIZER M1
Legacy model · fully supported
Use static image analysis for high-resolution size and shape characterization of fine particles on dry or wet slides.
Capabilities & considerations
Legacy model: Microtrac lists production as ended in 2023, with full support. Confirm availability and alternatives with Glen Mills. A practical option when detailed visual information and morphology are priorities. Review slide preparation, representative sampling and the image resolution needed to investigate fine particles or defects.
0.3 nm–10 µm
NANOTRAC FLEX
An external fixed probe enables dip-and-measure operation, flexible vessels, very small samples and in-situ monitoring.
Capabilities & considerations
Measure hydrodynamic size, concentration and molecular weight in suitable liquid dispersions. Flowing or stirred liquids require an appropriate setup, such as FlowGuard, so bulk motion does not obscure Brownian motion. FLEX alone does not measure zeta potential; pair it with STABINO ZETA for the DUO workflow.
0.3 nm–10 µm
NANOTRAC WAVE II / ZETA
A compact DLS analyzer with reusable cells for size, concentration, molecular weight and optional high-concentration zeta measurements.
Capabilities & considerations
Discuss the WAVE II or ZETA configuration against the sample concentration, solvent, cell requirements and stability question. The selected configuration determines the available measurements.
SIZE + STABILITY
NANOTRAC DUO
Combine NANOTRAC FLEX with STABINO ZETA to correlate particle size and zeta potential within the same sample workflow.
Capabilities & considerations
Connect hydrodynamic size with stability measurements, titration and isoelectric-point investigations. The DLS sizing and zeta-potential instruments have different operating ranges; review both against the sample.
Ranges and measurement times depend on the analyzer configuration, dispersion, material and method. Portfolio ranges combine multiple instruments or options. *SYNC and X2+ ranges vary by version or dispersion module; expand their cards for details.
MORE THAN AN AVERAGE
Particle characteristics
influence performance.
A complete characterization can reveal changes in flow, packing, dissolution, reactivity, appearance, coating behavior, filtration and product consistency.
Improve process control
Recognize shifts before off-spec batches.
Evaluate milling results
Measure fines, coarse tails and shape changes.
Detect defects
Find agglomerates, satellites and broken granules.
Compare suppliers
Quantify differences hidden by one median.
Optimize formulations
Connect particles to dispersion and behavior.
Document quality
Standardize methods and traceable reports.
INDUSTRIES & SAMPLE TYPES
Data for development,
quality and production.
Microtrac analyzers serve applications where particle size, shape or dispersion state affects performance.
MEASUREMENT & EVALUATION SOFTWARE
Build the method.
Understand the results.
DIMENSIONS provides workspaces for method development, analyzer operation, result presentation, comparison, recalculation, reporting and data management.
- Particle image libraries
- Flexible result comparison
- Clear method setup and stored procedures
- Live measurement control
- Export and reporting
- Regulated workflow options
Software capabilities vary with the analyzer and license. Discuss IQ/OQ documentation and the appropriate 21 CFR Part 11 option for your workflow.
Discuss software & validation
APPLICATION TESTING
Measure your material.
Then select the analyzer.
A sample evaluation helps confirm dispersion, useful range, repeatability, reporting parameters and the most appropriate technology.
Define the goal
Tell us what decision the measurement must support.
Submit the sample
Coordinate material, SDS and relevant specifications with the Glen Mills team.
Review the data
Compare results and discuss the recommended approach.
Request a sample measurement.
Reduce uncertainty before purchasing equipment or developing a quality-control method.
- Determine wet or dry dispersion suitability
- Compare size-only and size-plus-shape methods
- Review oversize sensitivity and repeatability
- Identify useful reporting parameters
TALK WITH A PARTICLE SPECIALIST
Find the analyzer that
answers the right question.
Share your sample type, expected range, current method and the information you need. We’ll help narrow the technology and the next step.
- Method and model selection
- Sample testing and data review
- Wet or dry dispersion guidance
- Quotation and configuration support
Already know the model? Include accessories, dispersion modules, validation documentation and software options.
Call 973 777 0777Send your sample details to the Glen Mills team using the form below.