Our history starts with the Monsanto company. Prior to Alpha Technologies we were known as Monsanto.
Monsanto needed a better way to prove to their customers that their chemicals would help produce rubber compounds with validated properties for viscosity, cure and other processing specifics. The prevailing technology, also manufactured by Monsanto, was the Oscillating Disc Rheometer (ODR). This was not an easy assignment.
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”
– Thomas Edison
In the spirit of Thomas Edison, the team of Monsanto scientists and engineers went through multiple iterations over many years before the successful introduction of the Moving Die Rheometer (MDR) – an instrument that could provide more scientific studies including true iso-thermal testing, as well as accommodate automation.
Building on the success of the MDR, Alpha Technologies (having been spun off as a separate company in 1986) raised the bar for rubber and polymer testing again with the invention of the Rubber Process Analyzer (RPA). The RPA is the first instrument able to measure compounds before, during and after cure in a single test. The RPA has enabled compounders, QA and R&D technicians to perform an almost unlimited number of tests on their materials. These tests not only assured the quality of the material, but also gives companies the ability to continuously improve the value of their materials.
Today, Alpha Technologies is the leader in rheology testing instruments, software and application support that makes a difference in the rubber and polymer world.
Alpha Technologies is part of AMETEK.
In August 2026, AMETEK (NYSE: AME) completed its acquisition of the Indicor Instrumentation businesses, including Alpha Technologies. AMETEK is a global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices, and Alpha continues to focus on rheology testing for the rubber and polymer industries.
A brief look at our 60+ years in rubber and polymer rheologic testing.
Started as Monsanto Instruments & Equipment as part of Monsanto Rubber Chemicals
Monsanto purchases Hounsfield in the UK to launch new tensile business
R100 introduced
2000 Series Instruments released
Introduction of the RPA 2000
China office opened
First local FSE in Malaysia
First local FSE in Mexico
DGAV released
Alpha acquires Rheotech in India
Launch of Premier MDR
Alpha Technologies moves headquarters to Hudson, Ohio
Introduction of the Premier RPA
First local FSE in Thailand
First local FSE in Brazil
Sub-Zero Technology launched
The Alpha Technologies name is pretty well known throughout the rubber and polymer industries. One reason is because we are active participants and leaders in virtually all of the industry standards committees and industry associations, including:
We speak about rheology science and testing at conferences and symposiums. We publish papers. We offer certified training at the Alpha Training Center. If you’re in the rubber and polymer industry, someone you know has probably worked with us. Now is a good time for you to get to know Alpha Technologies.
Alpha Technologies is always looking for rheology and computer scientists and engineers who are committed to pushing the envelope. Who can become part of the Alpha team developing new ideas and capabilities for testing that makes a difference in the rubber and polymer world.
To learn more about Alpha’s opportunities for employment, click here:
Alpha Technologies is working with colleges and universities worldwide to help them obtain state-of-the-art rheological testing instruments and software, to train the next generation of polymer scientists and engineers. If you are planning a career in polymer sciences, these institutions should be on your short list.
If you are a college or university interested in participating in our program, please contact us.
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Get started with a quote today and discover how Alpha’s advanced rheology instruments, dedicated support, and 60+ years of specialized expertise can advance your materials testing and drive product innovation.
