Ring and Ball Softening Point Apparatus determine the softening point of asphalt, coal tar pitch and other viscoelastic bitumen’s. Two samples are tested simultaneously by the unit to ensure that they comply optimally with standard test protocols. Bitumen specimen disks are positioned in test rings in a bath with steel balls on top of them. Gradually raising the bath's temperature causes the specimens to soften and drop to a ledge that is 1 inch (25.4 mm) below the ball weight.

Two square-shouldered brass test rings, two 3/8-inch (9.5mm) steel balls, two brass ball-centering guide rings, a 500ml heat-resistant beaker (bath), and a brass ring holder suspension assembly with cover and shelf to fit the beaker are all part of the ring and ball softening point apparatus.

The temperature of the substance is one of the criteria that determines how soft bitumen is; the higher the temperature, the softer the bitumen. A Pyrex beaker, a brass frame, two tapering rings, two ball centering guides, and two balls make up the apparatus.