Melt Flow Indexer FAQs
What is a Melt Flow Indexer?
An MFI is a laboratory device used to measure the flowability of polymer melts at controlled temperature and pressure conditions. It can be entirely electronic, pneumatic, or a combination of the two, providing invaluable data to manufacturers, so they’re confident their raw materials meet quality control requirements.
What is melt flow index?
This is a measure that tells you how easily a thermoplastic polymer flows through a standardised die when melted, while subjected to a specific load and temperature.
Melt flow index vs viscosity
The MFI will go up or down depending on the material’s viscosity and is indicative of a change in the polymer. Think of viscosity as the resistance to the flow.
The lower the viscosity of the melted thermoplastic polymer, the easier the flow and the quicker the movement, meaning the MFI rises. On the other hand, the MFI will go down when there’s more viscosity.
Why is melt flow index measurement important?
- Assists in quality control of plastic materials, helping manufacturers ensure batch consistency, alongside detecting and eliminating variations.
- Essential for material selection (selecting the right polymer grade for specific applications).
- Great for the environment, as it helps researchers understand the impact of using recycled materials in a process.
- Offers valuable insights into how easily polymers can be processed using various methods (Method A, B, C, and D). This refers to specific ASTM D1238 test methods designed to determine the flow rates of thermoplastics.
- Provides valuable insights into polymer molecular weight and viscosity.
How to calculate melt flow index
The following formula is used to calculate the MFI of polymers:
Flow rate = (600/t X weight of extrudate of polymers)
t = time taken to collect the extrudate in seconds
melt flow rate = g/10 min.
What industries and applications use MFIs?
Melt flow index apparatus are vital for the plastics, aerospace, automotive, packaging, and medical industries. Common applications include:
- Plastics manufacturing – blow moulding, extrusion, and injection moulding.
- Packaging – Guaranteeing bottles, containers, and plastic films are durable, lightweight, and easy to manufacture.
- Automotive and aerospace – Checking high-performance thermoplastics, such as bumper fascias and fuselage panels.
- Construction – Evaluating how plastic pipes and insulation products perform under different conditions.
- Medical devices – Ensuring medical devices like syringes and surgical instruments meet strict precision, safety, and sterility requirements.
What are the key capabilities and features of our Melt Flow Indexers?
AML’s MFIs have standard features like automatic calculation of results and robust construction for long-term industrial use.
However, it’s our Artemis Instruments MFIs that are known for their state-of-the-art technology and unmatched accuracy (+/-0.1 °C) and reliability. These models cater to various testing needs, from simple to complex, ensuring a solution for every level of requirement. Some of their key benefits include:
- Comprehensive testing suite – Artemis’s melt flow index instruments can perform a wide array of tests, including MFR, MVR, and melt density, meeting diverse analytical needs. Please note, direct calculations for melt viscosity, shear stress, and shear rate are only possible with the ART-MFi30.
- Quick-change Barrel – Drastically reduces equipment downtime.
- Power Flexibility – Each model can be supplied in dual electrical voltage configurations (110-120V / 60 Hz or 220-240V / 50 Hz).
- Temperature range – Ambient to 450 °C.
- Dual zone heating – Gives accurate temperature deviation along the length of the barrel to international test standard (ART-MFi20 and ART-MFi30 only).
- Automated sample-cutting mechanism – Eliminates the need for manual cutting. This drastically improves measurement precision, which is essential for critical quality assurance (ART-MFi20 and ART-MFi30 only).
- Fitted with a 7” touchscreen display and microprocessor interface – Provides simple icon driven, on-screen instructions, minimising user error, and enabling test parameters to easily be set (ART-MFi20 and ART-MFi30 only).
- Intelligent LABlogic+ software – Enables real-time graphical analysis and data harvesting, while test parameters are stored for rapid recall. It also comes Wi-Fi enabled. (ART-MFi20 and ART-MFi30 only).
- “Multi slicing” – Gives you the ability to take multiple datapoint readings during the test procedure, making flow curve analysis instantly recognisable (ART-MFi30 only).
- 10k PPR rotary encoder – Provides ultra-precise piston displacement measurements required for Method B, C, and D testing. (ART-MFi30 only).
Are your MFIs easy to use?
Our MFIs are designed for ease of use, from setup to result interpretation:
- Setup: Digital timers, precise weight loaders, and temperature controls ensure quick and accurate setup.
- Sample Preparation: Proper conditioning and preparation of materials are facilitated by our detailed guidelines, ensuring test standards are met consistently.
- Interpreting Results: Our instruments provide data that is easy to read and interpret, allowing you to adjust process parameters and improve product consistency swiftly.
Of course, if you and your workforce need any training with your new testing equipment, our expert team will be happy to assist.
What melt flow index standards does our equipment meet?
All our MFI models comply with ASTM D1238 (Test Method A, B, C, or D) and ISO 11133-1 standards. For reference, Methods A, B, and C relate to specific ASTM D1238 test methods designed to determine the flow rates of thermoplastics.
What is the price of a melt flow index tester?
As our MFIs have different automation, features, technical specifications, and testing capabilities, meaning the cost will vary significantly from basic models to more sophisticated MFI testers. To help us find you the best instrument for your application at the right price, we need to know:
- Your maximum budget.
- The type of plastics you work with and your required testing standards.
- Your intended application(s).
- The technical aspects you desire, so we can ensure they align with your needs.
Precision testing of polymer flow properties
Choosing an MFI from AML Instruments means more than acquiring high-performance equipment, meeting rigorous accreditation standards, and enabling you to effectively conduct melt flow tests on your materials.
It’s about securing a commitment to excellence that spans the entire lifespan of your instrument. Our comprehensive support surpasses standard service, offering calibration, maintenance, and expert guidance to ensure your operations continually achieve peak performance and accurate products are delivered to your customers.
Prepped to purchase precision?
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