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With every system
- Install, alignment & operator training on-site by factory-trained engineers
- Method setup on your material with a validation report
Laser Diffraction (LD), Mictrotrac Particle Characterization, Particle Size & Shape Analysis
Microtrac BLUEWAVE Particle Size Analyzer
Tri-laser diffraction particle size analyzer — 0.01 to 2,800 µm, wet and dry on one bench, with sub-micron resolution from two true blue lasers and Modified Mie sizing for non-spherical powders.
- ✓ Range 0.01–2,800 µm · 151-segment fixed optics
- ✓ ISO 13320 · FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity
- ✓ Install, training & method setup included — lead time confirmed at quote
Price held 7 days after order.
Install + training included
Tailored service plan
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
We run particle characterization in-house at ATO Lab — you reach engineers who use these methods daily, not a ticket queue. Send your own powder for a measurement before you buy. Same-business-day reply, NDA standard.
0.01–2,800 µm
Measuring range
1R + 2B
Tri-laser optics
151
Detector segments
10–30 s
Per measurement
ISO 13320
Compliance
About this product
The Microtrac BLUEWAVE is a tri-laser diffraction particle size analyzer for labs that measure fine and sub-micron powders: 0.01 to 2,800 µm on one bench, sub-micron resolution from two true blue lasers, and Modified Mie sizing so irregular, non-spherical particles are measured accurately rather than forced into a sphere model. Not sure it fits your material? Ship us a sample — we’ll run it on the BLUEWAVE and send the full distribution report before you commit.
Why labs choose the BLUEWAVE
A fixed-optics laser-diffraction platform that holds calibration, measures wet or dry and gives defensible D-values your QC sign-off can stand behind.
Sub-micron resolution
Two true blue lasers at 405 nm sharpen the low end, pushing accurate measurement down to a 0.01 µm floor — where red-only diffraction systems lose resolution.
Non-spherical accuracy
Proprietary Modified Mie calculations characterize irregular metal powder, ground material and flakes that pure Fraunhofer or spherical Mie models mis-size.
Wet and dry on one bench
An integrated sample-delivery controller with ultrasonic dispersion switches between wet and dry measurement without a second instrument, cutting downtime.
Audit-ready data
Complies with or exceeds ISO 13320 and supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11 controls — password protection, electronic signatures and assignable permissions for regulated QC.
How Additive Plus supports it
You buy a configured, installed analyzer with a method already dialed in on your material — not a boxed instrument and a manual.
Step 01
Configure to your material
We spec the wet cell, dry eductor or both, and the sample-delivery controller to match your powder chemistry and size range before it ships.
Step 02
Install & train
Factory-trained engineers install, align and train your operators on-site — dispersion setup, measurement and data handling.
Step 03
Method & QC support
We help build the SOP — D10/D50/D90 reporting, ISO 13320 method development and a lot-to-lot baseline so your results stay repeatable.
What the BLUEWAVE measures
Full technical specifications are in the Specifications tab. Key measurement capability:
| Parameter | BLUEWAVE |
|---|---|
| Measuring range | 0.01 µm – 2,800 µm (0.01 µm – 2.8 mm) |
| Optical system | Tri-laser — 1× red 780 nm, 2× blue 405 nm; two fixed detectors, 151 segments, 0.02–165° |
| Calculation | Mie, Modified Mie (non-spherical), Fraunhofer |
| Measurement mode | Wet and dry |
| Measuring time | ~10 to 30 seconds |
| Standards | ISO 13320; FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data-integrity features |
Typical applications
Where sub-micron resolution and shape-aware sizing matter.
Metal AM powders
LPBF / DED feedstock PSD & fines
Battery materials
Cathode / anode active powders
Pharmaceuticals
APIs, excipients, inhalables
Ceramics & pigments
Slurries, fine oxides, colorants
Chemicals & coatings
Powder coatings, catalysts
Food & minerals
Milled solids, geology / mining
Not sure the BLUEWAVE is the right analyzer?
Broader range, size + shape together, or a nano focus.
Broad-range LDMicrotrac S3500Compare analyzer →
Size + shape in oneMicrotrac SYNCCompare analyzer →
Nano focusMicrotrac NANOTRAC WAVE IICompare analyzer →
Size + shape in oneMicrotrac SYNCCompare analyzer →
Nano focusMicrotrac NANOTRAC WAVE IICompare analyzer →
Tell us the material and size range you need to measure — our applications engineer will confirm whether the BLUEWAVE, an image analyzer or DLS is the right fit, and can run your own sample first. Sub-4h reply, NDA standard.
Why source the BLUEWAVE through Additive Plus
- Authorized US channel — sales, installation, training and service in one place.
- We run powder characterization in-house at ATO Lab — you talk to engineers who use these methods, not a ticket queue.
- Method development on your material — dispersion, wet vs dry and a repeatable D10/D50/D90 SOP.
- Paid sample measurement before you commit — ship us your powder, get the full PSD and shape report. Sub-24h response, NDA standard.
| Brand | Microtrac |
| Country of origin | Germany |
| 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 your powder first
Ship a sample to our California lab and we'll run it on the BLUEWAVE — full particle size distribution report — before you commit to a system.
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From labs running the BLUEWAVE
Unedited feedback from QC and materials teams.
★★★★★
Sub-micron resolution finally matches our SEM. We qualify incoming LPBF powder lots against a repeatable D10/D50/D90 baseline now.
DR
David R. Powder QC Lead · Aerospace AM
★★★★★
The wet-to-dry switch on one bench saved us a second instrument. Method setup on our cathode powder was done during install.
ML
Mei L. Materials Scientist · Battery R&D
★★★★★
The 21 CFR Part 11 controls passed our audit without a fight, and support answers in hours, not days.
KP
Karen P. QC Manager · Pharmaceuticals
Common questions
Don't see yours? Email [email protected] — NDA standard, typical reply within 4 hours.
What particle size range does the Microtrac BLUEWAVE measure?
The BLUEWAVE measures from 0.01 to 2,800 µm (0.01 µm to 2.8 mm) in a single instrument. It is optimized for materials below 1 micron, where its two true blue lasers at 405 nm deliver higher resolution than red-only diffraction systems. That makes the BLUEWAVE a strong fit for fine metal AM powders, battery actives, and sub-micron pigments while still covering coarse feedstock at the top of the range.
Does the BLUEWAVE measure both wet and dry samples?
Yes. The BLUEWAVE runs wet and dry measurements on one bench. An integrated sample delivery controller with a variable-speed pump and ultrasonic dispersion handles suspensions, while a dry eductor system meters powders directly with no liquid. Switching between modes takes minutes, so you avoid buying and maintaining a second instrument for dry powder QC.
Is the BLUEWAVE compliant with ISO 13320 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
The BLUEWAVE complies with or exceeds ISO 13320 for laser diffraction particle size analysis. Its software supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data-integrity controls — password protection, electronic signatures, audit trails, and assignable user permissions — with data stored in encrypted databases. That combination is what QC teams in aerospace (AS9100/NADCAP), pharma, and battery production need for auditable release testing.
How does the BLUEWAVE handle non-spherical metal powders?
The BLUEWAVE applies Microtrac's proprietary Modified Mie calculation, developed specifically for irregular, non-spherical particles rather than assuming every particle is a sphere. For gas- or water-atomized metal powders, ground media, and flakes, this gives a more representative size distribution than pure Fraunhofer or standard spherical Mie models. You can also select Fraunhofer or standard Mie when the application calls for it.
How long does a measurement take on the BLUEWAVE?
A typical BLUEWAVE measurement takes about 10 to 30 seconds once the sample is dispersed. Fixed optics mean there are no moving parts to align between runs, so throughput stays consistent and the instrument holds calibration. For routine incoming-powder QC, that lets one operator clear a lot queue quickly with repeatable results.
How does laser diffraction on the BLUEWAVE compare with dynamic image analysis for powder shape?
The BLUEWAVE gives you fast, high-resolution particle size distributions by laser diffraction and accounts for shape effects through Modified Mie. If you need direct morphology metrics — sphericity, aspect ratio, per-particle images — dynamic image analysis such as the Microtrac CAMSIZER is the complementary tool. Many AM powder labs run both: the BLUEWAVE for routine sizing and an image analyzer for shape. We can advise on the right split.
Can Additive Plus run a measurement on our own powder before we buy?
Yes. Ship a representative sample to our California lab and we will run it on the BLUEWAVE, then send you the full particle size distribution and report before you commit to a system. It is the fastest way to confirm the BLUEWAVE resolves your material — fines, sub-micron tail, and lot-to-lot differences — on your actual powder rather than a demo sample.
What is included with the BLUEWAVE and what is the lead time?
Every BLUEWAVE system from Additive Plus includes installation, optical alignment, operator training, and method setup on your material with a validation report. Because configurations vary by wet/dry setup and accessories, pricing and lead time are confirmed at quote. Request a quote and an applications engineer will scope the right build and give you a delivery timeline.
Place your order, or talk to an engineer first
Order Microtrac BLUEWAVE Particle Size Analyzer direct, or talk to materials engineer