Made to order
- Install, alignment & operator training on-site by factory-trained engineers
- Method setup on your material with a validation report
Microtrac BLUEWAVE Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analyzer
Laser diffraction particle size from 0.01 to 2800 µm, optimized below 1 µm — one red and two blue lasers, wet or dry, in about 10 to 30 seconds.
- Modified Mie for irregular and reflecting particles such as metal powders
- Complies with or exceeds ISO 13320-1; FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data security
- Installation and on-site training included · free test measurement
- Configured to order · lead time from 4 weeks
What your QC lab actually checks
D-values your QC can sign off
Two fixed detectors with 151 logarithmically spaced segments cover 0.02–165°, and Modified Mie calculations size irregular powder as it really is. You get repeatable D10/D50/D90 lot-to-lot, compliant with ISO 13320 — defensible numbers for AS9100 and NADCAP powder qualification.
An applications engineer on the line
Send your own powder for a measurement before you buy. Same-business-day reply, NDA on request.
- BLUEWAVE analyzer — one red 780 nm and two blue 405 nm lasers (true lasers, not LEDs), two fixed detectors with 151 segments, enclosed optical path
- Sample dispersion controller for wet measurement — adjustable centrifugal pump, software-regulated ultrasonic tip, automatic filling and cleaning
- Dry measurement with compressed-air eductor
- Data handling with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 security features
- Installation and on-site operator training — included in every quotation
What the BLUEWAVE is
The BLUEWAVE is a laser diffraction particle size analyzer from Microtrac, optimized for materials below 1 µm and measuring from 0.01 to 2800 µm. It uses the patented tri-laser arrangement: an on-axis laser produces scatter up to about 60°, a second, off-axis laser covers the angles beyond 60°, and a third produces backscatter, all read by the same two fixed detector arrays. Two of the three lasers are blue (405 nm), which raises the resolution at the low end of the range. The size distribution is calculated with Fraunhofer or Mie, including Microtrac’s Modified Mie for irregular particles, refined for transparent, absorbing and reflecting materials. The BLUEWAVE complies with or exceeds ISO 13320-1.
Specifications
| Measuring principle | Laser diffraction (ISO 13320-1) |
| Measuring range | 0.01 µm – 2.8 mm |
| Lasers | 1 × red 780 nm, 3 mW nominal · 2 × blue 405 nm, 4–8 mW nominal |
| Detection | 2 fixed detectors, 151 logarithmically spaced segments, 0.02° – 165° |
| Calculation | Fraunhofer, Mie · Modified Mie for non-spherical particles |
| Data | volume, number and area distributions, percentiles and other summary data |
| Data format | ODBC, encrypted Microsoft Access databases |
| Data integrity | FDA 21 CFR Part 11 security features |
| Measuring time | approx. 10–30 seconds |
| Wetted parts | quartz glass, Teflon, stainless steel, Kalrez · chemical compatibility class I |
| Power | 90–132 VAC or 200–265 VAC, 47–63 Hz · 25 W nominal, 50 W max. |
| Environment | 5–40 °C · max. 90% RH, non-condensing |
| Eductor air supply | max. 100 psi (689 kPa) · min. 5 CFM (8.5 m³/h) at 50 psi · clean, dry, oil-free |
| Vacuum | more than 50 CFM |
| Case | steel and impact-resistant plastic |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | approx. 560 × 360 × 460 mm (22 × 14 × 18 in) |
| Weight | approx. 27 kg (60 lb) |
| Installation and training | on site, included in every quotation |
| Lead time | from 4 weeks, depending on configuration |
Download: BLUEWAVE datasheet (PDF)
What it tells you about a fine powder
Microtrac lists metal powders, battery materials, pigments, polymers and powder coatings among the BLUEWAVE’s fields. What the blue lasers and the calculation models add:
| Sub-micron fraction | the blue lasers raise resolution and accuracy below 1 µm |
| Irregular particles | Modified Mie sizes non-spherical particles instead of forcing a sphere model |
| Reflecting particles | the calculation is refined for transparent, absorbing and reflecting materials |
| Distributions | volume, number and area, from one measurement |
| Percentiles | d10, d50, d90 and other summary values for your specification |
The same run covers the coarse end up to 2.8 mm, so fine and coarse fractions come from one measurement.
Inside the sample dispersion controller
Where the BLUEWAVE stops — and what to take instead
Laser diffraction reports the size of an equivalent sphere and does not measure shape. If your specification has no sub-micron component, the S3500 with three red lasers, from 0.02 µm, is the plainer choice. For size and shape from the same particles, the SYNC adds image analysis to laser diffraction; for sphericity and sieve-comparable width up to 8 mm, the CAMSIZER X2+. Nanoparticles go to dynamic light scattering on the NANOTRAC WAVE II.
Make your own powder, measure it, print it
We supply ATO ultrasonic atomizers and our own AO Metal LPBF printers. With a BLUEWAVE between them, the size distribution of each atomized batch, fines included, is checked in your own laboratory before the powder goes into the printer: atomize, measure, print, repeat.
In pictures
Availability, payment and delivery
Why buy it through Additive Plus
What usually stops people — and the honest answer
Turning measurements into reports? URIQA, an AI research workspace built by materials scientists, keeps analyzer exports, certificates and papers in one project and drafts reports where every number cites its source.
Ready when you are
| Brand | Microtrac |
| Country of origin | USA |
| Measuring range | 0.01 µm - 2.8 mm |
| Measuring principle | Laser diffraction |
| Lasers | 1x Red 780 nm / 2x Blue 405 nm |
| Laser power | Red laser 3 mW nominal Blue lasers 4 - 8 mW nominal |
| Detection system | Two fixed photo-electric detectors with logarithmically spaced segments placed at correct angles for optimal scattered light detection from 0.02 to 165 degrees using 151 detector segments |
| Data | Volume, number and area distributions as well as percentile and other summary data |
| Data format | Stored in ODBC format in encrypted Microsoft Access Databases to ensure compatibility with external statistical software applications |
| Data integrity | Data integrity may be ensured using FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant security features including password protection, electronic signatures and assignable permissions |
| Measuring time | ~ 10 to 30 seconds |
| Power requirements | AC input: 90 - 132 VAC, 47 - 63 Hz, single phase; 200 to 265 VAC, 47 - 63 Hz, single phase |
| Power consumption | 25 W nominal, 50 W max. (depending on options installed) |
| Temperature | 5° to 40° Celsius (50° to 95° Fahrenheit) |
| Humidity | 90% RH, non- condensing maximum |
| Storage temperature | -10° to 50° Celsius (14° to 122° Fahrenheit) dry only |
| Physical specifications | Case Material: Steel and impact resistant plastic Exterior surfaces are finished with corrosion resistant paint or plating |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 22×14×18in / 560×360×460mm |
| Weight | 60lbs / 27kg |
| Eductor air supply | 100 psi (689 kPa) maximum pressure 5 CFM (8,5 m3/h) at 50 psi (345 kPa) minimum flow rate Free of dry contaminants, moisture and oil |
| Vacuum | Vacuum must exceed 50 CFM |
Product videos
Send us a representative sample. The test measurement in Microtrac's US application lab is free, and we go through the results with you.
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· Lead time from 4 weeks · installation includedWhat our customers say
“Harry and team were professional, effective communicators as we set up the order, then they executed quickly and produced an amazing product for us at a very competitive price. Am looking forward to our next print w Additive Plus!”
“Great 3D printing service and the resin parts look super smooth and clean. Really happy with how everything turned out!”
“Harry was very professional and helped me out with my 3D printing needs and explained what options I have in terms of filaments such as PEEK. Highly recommended.”
“I needed a 3D enclosure printed urgently in a specific time period, they did great!”
Common questions
Don't see yours? Email [email protected] — NDA on request, typical reply within 4 hours.
What particle size range does the Microtrac BLUEWAVE measure?
Does the BLUEWAVE measure both wet and dry samples?
Is the BLUEWAVE compliant with ISO 13320 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
How does the BLUEWAVE handle non-spherical metal powders?
How long does a BLUEWAVE measurement take?
How does laser diffraction on the BLUEWAVE compare with image analysis for powder shape?
Can I test my powder before buying?
What is included with the BLUEWAVE and what is the lead time?
How much does a Microtrac BLUEWAVE cost?
Should I choose the BLUEWAVE or the S3500?
Place your order, or talk to an engineer first
Order Microtrac BLUEWAVE Laser Diffraction Particle Size Analyzer direct, or talk to materials engineer