PRESTO Melt Flow Index for Quality Control of Plastics/Resins

If you are dealing with the quality check and control of thermoplastics, the standard index for measurement is the Melt flow Rate (MFR). MFR refers to the ease of flow of molten plastic. The units of measurement of MFR is g/min. MFR was originally referred to as MFI (Melt Flow Index) is calculated by the product of Melt Volume Flow Rate (i.e. Volume flow) and Melt density (i.e. density of the material in the molten state)

PRESTO presents two models to measure the MFI for thermoplastics and other range of plastics

1. Melt Flow Index (Deluxe)
2. Melt Flow Index NXG

Both the Melt Flow instruments are compact and convenient to use. The principle of operation is that the sample whether in the shape of granules or powder or flakes is converted to fluid by heating. Then it is forced to flow out of a cylinder through a capillary die. The models presented by us meets the standards of IS 2267-1972, IS 2530-1963, IS 10810-1984, ASTM D 1238-1992

MFI Dx comes with a temperature controller, which is Micro processor based PID controller with temperature range from ambient to 400 degree Celsius, resolution of 0.1 degree Celsius. It has a digital pre-settable timer. The sample cutting is motorized automatic.

MFI NXG is a latest touch screen model which is completely automated. In addition to the features of Deluxe models, it gives complete automation and is loaded with following features:

• 8 function keys
• 7” (480*234) 16:9 TFT LCD 65536 colors
• Provides USB Host for USB flash drive
• Supports CF memory card
• USB 1.1 for high speed screen data download
• 480 X 234 pixels IP 65 compliant
• 3M Flash Memory

MFR and MVR are used for Quality measurements in QC labs and Production control lab. This can be used for raw material certification, Comparing “good” and “bad” samples, Batch to batch comparisons to maintain batch consistency, Grade differentiation of materials and determination of the nature of material degradation (processing, transportation, storage, and drying conditions). This helps in getting better quality of raw material, control of wastage and better batch production.

Melt Flow Rate is also an indirect measure of molecular weight, in a way that higher the melt flow lower the molecular weight. It is also inversely proportional to viscosity but this relationship is only an indicator and not a determinant as viscosity depends on the amount of pressure applied.

To test the properties of plastics, try our range of polymer testing instruments….

References

ASTM D1238-10 “Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer“