
The flexibility and cost of plastic make it a popular choice among users. It can be easily molded into any shape or size. The rigorous testing of raw materials has paved the way for quality plastics that help create durable and high-quality objects. Today polymers are available in various forms, colors, and types, such as liquid crystalline polymers, fluoropolymers, sulphone polymers, aromatic polymers, etc. Melt flow index testers are one of the most preferred instruments to test the quality of polymers.
Quality polymer materials retain chemical and mechanical properties when subjected to the testing environments like high pressure or high temperature. Polymers are used in automobiles, the military, aviation, pharmaceutical, medical, toys, etc. Hence it is imperative to design products that can resist a broader range of physical, thermal, or chemical stress. The melt flow index test helps find high-performance polymers that exhibit superior strength when used under conventional applications.
What Is Melt Flow Index Tester?
The melt flow index tester is an instrument used for measuring the flowability of polymer samples. It plays a significant role in the polymer manufacturing industry by helping asses the quality of end products at the initial level. It helps evaluate the physical properties of the given polymer sample and helps ensure the sample meets specified flow properties. Various high-end MFI testers include a built-in weighing balance and MFR calculator to determine the quality of the polymer accurately.
The testing process is very straightforward. Polymer samples are placed inside the tester and heated to a specific degree. The molten plastic is then pushed through a narrow nozzle with a particular diameter and weight. The molten plastic that comes out through the nozzle over a specific period is recorded to determine various metrics that help define the flexibility and quality of the given sample.
Polymer Properties That Can Be Examined Using An MFI Tester:
- The mass of polymer that flows through the MFI tester during a specific time is measured in grams after a particular time. It is called the melt flow rate, which is a good indicator of the fluidity of a polymer sample. It is generally used to specify the grade of a polymer.
- The melt value rate is the volume of a polymer sample that flows through the MFI tester in a specified period. It is measured in cubic centimeters per 10 minutes. It is helpful in applications where the volume of the polymer is crucial.
- The melt density of a polymer in the molten state can be measured using an MFI tester. Melt density is essential for applications where the polymer will be processed in the molten state, such as injection molding.
- The melt viscosity is the measurement of the resistance of a polymer sample to flow and is related to the above-stated MFR and MVR. Melt viscosity is essential for predicting the processability of the given polymer sample. Therefore, it is one of the mandatory factors for polymer applications for extrusion.
- Melt elasticity is the measurement of the ability of the polymer material to stretch and recover when subjected to a tensile force. It is an essential property for a wide range of applications.
Final Thoughts
MFI tester is a crucial part of the polymer product development cycle. If you are thinking of investing in a melt flow index tester for your manufacturing unit, consider purchasing an instrument from a company that is known to deliver high-quality instruments. Pacorr has one of the best-in-class MFI testers with inbuilt window-based software that can be connected to any computer to generate analysis reports. It is designed in compliance with international standards like ASTM D 1238-1992 and ISO 113. Moreover, it has precision-based features that empower testers to deliver accurate readings of the given sample.
Thanks to Pacorr Testing instruments, we have all the required quality testing instruments that have helped us to ensure the best quality delivered to our clients.

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