Proplast

TESTING AND CHARACTERIZATION

We transform problems in innovative solutions

Proplast accomplishes quality control, chemical and rheological tests on plastics materials

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Our Testing and Characterization laboratory is standard and offers a wide range of tests for plastics.

All tests are performed according international standards such as ISO, ASTM and all the most relevant testing procedures used in the several industry sectors (automotive, medical, packaging...)

Our team provides a full technical support in the whole process of identification and resolution of nonconformities on running productions as well as in the development of new materials and applications.

Failure analysis

Analysis of nonconformities

Quality control

Quality control of plastics production process

Conformity verification

Quality control analysis vs. technical specifications and requirements

Materials selection

Technical support in selecting appropriate products for specific applications

Failure Analysis

We perform analytical investigations by combining several techniques in order to determine the causes that may lead to nonconformities in the several production stages of materials and parts.

Upon request, we may assist our customers at their own facilities in both process and products quality control procedures.

Quality control of plastics production process

We support our customers in controlling all steps of plastics production, in order to monitor the conformity of the key parameters.

Controls can be performed on raw materials as well as intermediate or finished products.

At the end of each test reports containing all analytical results, including nonconformities if any, are issued.

Quality control analysis vs. technical specifications and requirements

We perform complete characterization of polymeric materials vs. the reference values included in technical datasheets and documents.

Verification of compliance according to specifications can also be performed on specific production lots vs. a reference material or customer standard, whereas applicable.

Technical support in selecting appropriate products for specific applications

We perform analytical comparisons among specimens of the material in use and the ones under development.

The use of appropriate analytical techniques is key in determining the real-life properties of plastics and obtaining the best possible performance on products.

Do you have any technical or quality issue?

Our team can offer you the best solution for your needs

Some examples of analyses performed in Proplast laboratories

Analysis of chemical-physical characterization
Chemical-physical analysis can determine the nature of the ingredients - base polymers, fillers and additives - contained in the plastic material used to manufacture the parts under investigation. They also allow to detect the presence of pollutants and differences among different batches of polymers that are often the cause of products nonconformities.
Mechanical tests: static, quasi-static and dynamic
The application of classical methods as traction, flexural, compression and impact allows to evaluate mechanical properties of specimens according to international standards and industrial sectors (UNI ISO, ASTM, DIN, AFNOR, BSI, SAE, FCA, PSA, VW...). Mechanical tests results are extremely useful to engineers in order to develop new plastic parts. Upon evaluation of parts geometry and final use, mechanical tests directly on parts by the means of tailor-made grippings can also be performed. The newly acquired device for CREEP testing allows to determine, over time, of the deformation of specimens and parts under constant load.
Thermal tests
Thermal tests allow us to obtain useful data for a correct development of the part by taking into account key parameters for its real life behaviour: maximum service temperature, fire resistance, etc
Rheological tests
The determination of fluidity index (MFR, MVR) and melt viscosity by the means of rotational or capillary rheometers brings information about the flow behaviour of polymers which are fundamental to optimize their processing.
Analysis of optical microscopy and scanning electron (SEM/EDS)
Our laboratory performs morphological analysis of the fracture surfaces by optical and scanning electron microscopy, which are especially helpful for the Failure Analysis activities, as a complement of analytical investigations. Contaminations and pollutant agents can also be identified at this stage through elemental analysis by the means of a EDS microprobe.
Ageing
Our laboratory equipments can perform accelerated aging tests that replicate outdoor / indoor sunlight exposure, exposure to thermal cycles under both temperature and relative humidity control, thermo-oxidative aging in ventilated ovens. In combination with accelerated aging tests it is possible to characterize samples before and after various cycles performed under controlled conditions.
Disintegration tests
For preliminary screening purposes,  our laboratory can perform disintegration tests according to ISO 20200 standard, together with biodegradability tests of plastic materials in compost.

Do you know CREEP tests?

Creep tests measure the deformation of a part submitted to a constant stress over time (months or even years). Deformation measurements, as a function of time, allows to obtain important information on long-term behaviour of products. Our team can perform tests and help you to foresee the correct behavior of your part in real life.