The Dynisco LMI5500 Series Melt Flow Indexer

Of all the tests used by the plastics industry, melt flow rate testing (or melt flow index) is the most widely used. It is traditionally associated with testing polyethylene materials to determine the lot-to-lot consistency of resin lots or batches for quality control purposes. It is, however, also used for other purposes such as testing new materials, determination of material stability versus residence time within plastics processing equipment, or the assessment of regrind content within materials or moldings. It is generally a low shear rate test; however, larger weights can increase the shear rate.

A flow rate test measures a polymer’s mass flow rate (grams extruded in 10 minutes) using an orifice under specified conditions of temperature and load. Machines that determine flow rate are generally called Melt Indexers or Extrusion Plastometers. Test methods by ISO, DIN, ASTM, and others specify heat chamber and piston tip diameter such that the shear stress on the polymer is the same in all machines for a given load. In addition, material specification guidelines (by ISO, DIN, ASTM, GM, etc.) may exist, providing further constraints on how a particular material processes.

Specifically designed for the thermoplastics resin industry, the Dynisco LMI5500 Series Melt Flow Indexer has an array of features and benefits that range from ground-breaking accuracy to a unified software platform between all laboratory and online production equipment.

AP Corp.
https://a-pcorp.com

(508) 351-6200

Polymer Analysis Using ASTM/ISO Method A Testing and the Dynisco LMI5500 Melt Flow Indexer

One of the specific ways to speed development, quality testing, and analysis of polymers is the ASTM/ISO Method A Test using the Dynisco LMI5500 melt flow indexer. This test is used in order to determine flow characteristics of plastic melts are used in various plastic processing techniques, namely extrusion and injection molding.  

The LMI5500 brings a new level of ease of use with its removable inspection plate, increased access for sample cutting, and improved touch screen. This device provides values on the melt flow rate melt volume rate and melt density of polymers to ensure that the conditions of production are at peak efficiency without sacrificing the quality of your products. Upon test completion results are viewable, and can be sent to the cloud. The information obtained from this test is important for achieving a quality product while maintaining a high level of efficiency in production.

For more infomration on all Dynisco products, contact AP Corp. Visit their web site at https://a-pcorp.com or call (508) 351-6200.