ASTM D 1238 Extrusion Plastometer for Acrylic Quality Control

Acrylic products are often taken as a substitute for glass. Glass may have higher resistance to many chemicals and environmental factors but are very sensitive to any kind of external pressure. This is the reason why many manufacturers select acrylic products over the glass. They are not only cost-effective but also have the strength to resist the majority of external factors. However, choosing good-quality acrylic may become a challenge. This blog by experts coming from the extrusion field can help in offering the best solution to polymer quality control for acrylic products with a Melt Flow Index Tester that is based on ASTM D 1238 standard.

Why test the melt flow nature of acrylic granules?

Acrylic polymers are used in various industries for different functions. Some may need a thinner batch of polymer, others may require a bit thick. Some may require a higher Flexibility and others may not. That is why it is important to fix and know in advance the melt flow nature of the plastic. The rate at which the polymer flows decides many chemical and structural properties the same. These factors are required by the end-use processors when they are making further products out of acrylic sheets. When you don't have any idea how the polymer will behave at a specified temperature and below and above that, you may not decide its quality or nature once delivered to the user.

Hence, testing the MFI value of acrylics is a vital operation in quality control. This can be done under an international MFI standard, that is ASTM D 1238. This standard is recognized globally to perform MFI or MVR tests on thermoplastic resins. The test can help calculate the values that decide the melt flow nature of polymers. The standards have some set of regulations and a machine that is designed as per these guidelines can help in conducting the test.

Pacorr Automatic Melt Flow Index Tester - Computerized Version

Pacorr brings to you an ultimate testing solution for evaluating the MFI, MFR and MVR values of resin for the polymer industry quality assurance program. The machine is well-versed with high-end technologies and is automatic. It is also a computerized version that allows connectivity of the machine with the computer system. This allows the user to assess all the testing data on-screen during the test and also after the test procedure ends. It allows the auto-cut of extruded molten polymer that adds to its precision. The equipment is designed as per ASTM D 1238 standard’s requirements. The set guideline for the weights, the diameter, and the pressures are strictly followed to deliver only the best results which are free of errors.