Testing thermoplastic & curable molding materials
A key aspect of the characterization of molding materials is the inter-laboratory reproducibility of test results. The machining of specimens, specimen shapes, and test sequences are all specified in detail in the respective test standards. Tensile tests on plastics according to ISO 527 or ASTM D638, flexure tests according to ISO 178 or ASTM D790 are a few important examples. Both the repeatability and traceability capabilities, which ensure reliable test results, are subject to strict requirements. In the area of quality control , the development of properties over time and compliance with specified tolerances are the essential evaluation standards.
Some of the most important tests on thermoplastic and curable molding materials and associated test standards can be found in the following overview:
Quasi-static tests Tests at high strain rates Creep tests Melt flow index/ HDT VST / hardness Automation Plastics brochure
Automation possibilities in the characterization of molding materials
Automated characterization of molding materials is used in particular in the research and development sector, where statistically reliable material characteristic values are required. Robotic testing systems are available in different task-specific versions.
The automated testing system features a specimen magazine and can also be used for tests in temperature chambers. To expand you testing capacity, you can integrate multiple machines, for example, for tensile and flexure tests, impact tests or hardness testing.
