Regardless of the types of testing required, having the best equipment for the job is always priority one. This is particularly true when quality control and process consistency is a factor. This is an often overlooked factor when selecting an extrusion plastometer, which may also be more simply known as a melt indexer.
This equipment is used to measure the melt flow index or the melt flow rate, which in turn is going to provide critical information on the melt flow properties. The melt flow properties will be measured at a specific shear stress as well as a very specific temperature.
With the use of an extrusion plastometer, it is possible to determine the melt flow properties of different types of thermoplastic materials. This include those that are compounded as well as those that are pure. It can also be used with post-processed materials to help determine the various compounds and additives in the material.
Equipment Type
Depending on the specific use of the equipment it may be essential to have a fully automatic melt indexer system or one that is manually operated. For continual use and testing of thermoplastics by suppliers, labs and manufacturers the fully automated systems are a good investment.
For less frequent use the manually operated extrusion plastometer is a cost effective option for any operation. Offering a range of different features and functions, both options can be the right choice for any specific testing requirements.
Testing Options
Depending on the specific application and industry as well as the material, there may be different testing requirements. The two most common are the ISO 1133 and the ASTM D1238.
There are different procedures within the test equipment which is only designed for procedure A while others can also perform procedures B and C. Knowing what you will need with regards to both the testing types and procedures will be important before making a choice.
It will also be essential to understand the types of materials the equipment is suitable for testing. Many of the advanced options in melt indexers will be able to test pellets and powders as well as provide full cleaning operations all with one piece of equipment.
Budget factors will be a consideration, but the more advanced types of systems will naturally be more costly. Over the long run and with greater accuracy, less calibration required and more efficiency in operation these devices may prove to be the most cost-effective options.