The Testing Times

Today ASTM D1238 for melt flow does not currently accommodate a closed loop MFI it is a weight loading standard only.  However, the ASTM Committee D20.30 Thermal Properties, specifically D20.30.08 Thermal Processing Properties responsible for the standard are evaluating closed loop technology, in particular accuracy, repeatability and comparison of the same with dead weight systems. At this point they have a path to updating ASTM D1238 to cover both dead weight and closed loop MFI technology. ISO 1133-1 does allow for closed loop melt flow technology see extract from the standard in pic. That said it does not mean ASTM are lagging, rather they take a different approach proving technology works before they add it to a standard by performing actual comparative material tests to verify measurement performance and capability in key parameters including accuracy, repeatability and being able to define a precision and bias statement. In short ASTM wants

Tinius Olsen Managing Director answers a few questions on the current and possible future worlds of Metrology from both a company and overall industry perspective. What trends/customer requirements are currently driving developments in your area of metrology? MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) and nowadays, more commonly ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software systems are becoming the core operational and financial tools in manufacturing companies. The efficiency of a company’s manufacturing processes (product birth to death) have become progressively more transparent for financial reporting.  This detailed financial reporting provides not only a comparison of the actual production costs versus the planned or standard costs, but also reports on R&D project cycles, production re-work and delays, as well as product failures and the dreaded customer returns.  Many companies invest heavily in optimisation projects to maximise profits by trimming any excess ti

Interesting application; testing and verifying the force required to squeeze a material, in this case an adhesive, from its tube. The accessory applies a squeezing force using a roller set as the tensile frame applies the squeezing motion by pulling the tube up through the rollers. The speed of the pull/squeeze can be accurately defined as required. The output is a graphical representation of the test showing force against movement and time. Forces of interest are automatically captured and reported be it the start force, mid point or just before the tube empties. Through testing like this, manufacturers of tube-based products can prove out the quality of their packaging and ease of use.  #InterestingTech #MaterialsScience