Closed Loop MFI Technology – Whats Happening at Standards.

By -


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 to see the technology working before it will include it in a standard.

ISO takes a different route; it verifies a technology concept capability to perform a test irrespective of results being correct and or accurate etc. If a Technology is possible, feasible in concept ISO will put it in a standard in readiness for the future technology capability to come along.


I believe MFI technology will follow the same path as tension/compression machines many many years ago and more recently hardness testers in that the use of dead weight to provide a loading force will become extinct. Closed loop systems using a load cell and a control feedback loop will eclipse weight-based products in all areas of capability including but not limited to resolution, accuracy, repeatability, productivity and safety.


At Tinius Olsen our MFI technology application experts and active participants in ASTM standards are;


Harry Yohn - Profile linkedin.com/in/harold-yohn-532b9411


John Thompson - Profile linkedin.com/in/thompson-john-3b85957b


and you can check me out at linkedin.com/in/martin-wheeler-b6475294

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Grip Jaw Face Solution for Tensile Specimens Cut from Pipe

By -
Image
When conducting tensile tests on sections cut from pipes, be it plastic gas or water pipes or steel pipes, the resulting test specimen dumbbell or “coupon” shape (dimensions of which are defined by the relevant test standard be it ISO, ATSM, GB, GOST etc) exhibits the curve of the pipe, this means it cannot generally be held for the duration of the tensile test using flat parallel grip faces as the curvature of the specimen prevents a good amount of contact between the specimen and the grip faces. The solution is a grip face which mirrors the profile of the curve in the pipe (dumbbell or coupon specimen) a V on one side and radius on the other;   At Tinius Olsen we are able to precisely manufacture and supply such faces to mirror the radius of any curved specimen and implement in our tensile wedge action grips. The faces typically have a 2 mm pitch serration and hardened to 60RC in support of good specimen gripping. The faces are interchangeable for diff...
Read more

S274 - Mesh Weld Shear Test

By -
Image
This attachment is used to test the strength of the welds that hold mesh together. The mesh is often used as a reinforcement for concrete structures. as this is a structural component it is essential to test the consistency of the weld in any given section. A joint is cut from the mesh and placed in this attachment. A grip, the HW 14 is then placed on the end of the rod. a force of up to 50 kN is then applied and the shear strength of the weld measured. There is some adjustment in the design with a sliding plate that allows for different gauges of wire. The applicable standards are: BS4483, ASTM A185, ASTM A497 and ASTM A974. The testing application note for this grip is available from the resource area of our School of testing microsite or by clicking here .
Read more

Tinius Olsen Universal Testing Machine

By -
Image
Tinius Olsen H300KU with Horizon Software   Metals, Plastics, Composites all can be thoroughly tested and analysed on this triple camera extensometer Tinius Olsen work station– This is a truly a UNIVERSAL TESTING MACHINE from Tinius Olsen; 300K-U, 300kN load cell, 1000 degree C  furnace, -70 to 300 degree C chamber, 3 camera video extensometer system (cameras can be used together or individually), tie rods for threaded specimens, hydraulic tensile wedge grips, compression platens, flex bend attachment and Horizon touch enabled materials testing software. All the key parts and accessories are easily handled in and out of the test area using TO’s new accessory handling system – so all accessories are stored on the handling system ready to be simply pushed into place by the operator. Tinius Olsen Video Extensometer with zoomed in Furnace Tinius Olsen H300KU with Furnace Tinius Olsen Tensile Wedge Grip with Video Extensometer Tinius Olsen H300KU with Furnace ...
Read more