Testing and Characterization

WE PERFORM TESTS ACCORDING TO THE MAIN INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Proplast performs quality, chemical, rheological testing from the material to the finished product. The Testing and Characterization laboratory offers a wide range of tests on plastic materials. All tests are performed in accordance with the main international ISO, ASTM standards and specifications of the main application sectors (automotive, medical, packaging…..). The team is, in addition, able to provide companies with consultancy aimed at identifying and resolving nonconformities, and experimental support throughout the development of new materials and subsequent transformations.

Analysis of nonconformities

We carry out analytical investigations with combined techniques in order to identify the main causes of nonconformities that may occur at various stages of materials and components production processes. Upon request, we help our clients with visits to production sites to ensure that the process and production constantly conform to the desired parameters.

Quality control of incoming materials

We support companies in the control of various batches of incoming material, performing combinations of analytical techniques to verify the constancy of parameters identified as relevant. The checks can be performed on raw materials, semi-finished or finished products. At the conclusion of all tests, a verification report is issued summarizing all the values obtained and any nonconformities.

Verification of compliance with specifications and data sheets

We perform full characterization of polymeric materials against the values most commonly reported in data sheets and specifications. Verification of compliance with specifications can also be performed on specific production batches regardless of standards or marks of compliance.

Support activities in material selection for each application

We perform comparison characterizations between materials in use and those under study based on the specimens provided. The use of different analytical techniques makes it possible to qualitatively and quantitatively determine and control plastic materials to achieve the best performance during production and product life.

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Equipment and tests

Some tests performed in our laboratories

Chemical and physical characterization analysis

Chemical-physical analyses are aimed at determining the chemical nature of the polymer bases, fillers and additives present in the constituent materials of the manufactured articles under investigation. It is, in addition, possible to evaluate the possible presence of pollutants and the differences present between different batches of the same polymers to check for possible causes of anomalies in processing or to obtain information on new polymeric compounds or blends.

 

EQUIPMENTBRANDMODEL

DSC

TA Instruments

Q2000

Karl Fischer titration

Mettler Toledo

DL 31

Measuring machine

ARCS

KIM-3020CU

Gloss meter

Erichsen

503

OTR / WTR Permeabilimeter

Extrasolution

Multiperm

Digital thickness gauge

ATS FAAR

Sylvac

Visible spectrophotometer

MINOLTA

CM-36dG

FTIR Spectrophotometer

Perkin Elmer

Spectrum 400

FTIR microscope

Perkin Elmer

Spotlight 200

Titrator

Mettler Toledo

T50

Automatic viscometer

SCHOTT

AVSPro

Mechanical tests in static and dynamic regimes

The application of classical tensile, flexural, compressive and impact methods allows the evaluation of mechanical properties on standard specimens according to all the most important international and industry standards (UNI ISO, ASTM, DIN, AFNOR, BSI, SAE, FIAT Auto, PSA, VW…..). The data obtained from mechanical tests are extremely useful for the design or prototyping of new plastic products and directly processed by the Product Engineering area. After viewing the geometry and usage, mechanical tests can be performed directly on the finished artifact by designing and making ad hoc grips. Finally, recently acquired devices for performing the CREEP test make it possible to determine the deformation under constant load over time.

 

EQUIPMENTBRANDMODEL

Climate chamber

PERANI

AC520

Climate chamber

Votsch

VC4150

Climatic chamber for dynamometer

Zwich Roell

BW91255

50KN load cell for dynamometer

Zwich Roell

Xforce K

10KN load cell for dynamometer

Zwich Roell

K

500N load cell for dynamometer

Zwich Roell

Xforce P

50N load cell for dynamometer

Zwich Roell

Xforce HP

Dynamometer

Zwich Roell

50kN Allround tabletop

Dynamometer

Zwich Roell

10kN BTC-FR010TH.A50

DMA

TA Instruments

Q800

Durometer

ATS FAAR

Shore D

Durometro

ATS FAAR

Shore A

Pendulum

ATS FAAR

Impats-15

Device for dart free-fall tests on film

GBPI

GBD-L2

Thermal testing
The tests enable useful data to be obtained both in design and in verifying the thermal tightness during use of an artifact: maximum operating temperature, reaction to fire, etc.
 
EQUIPMENTBRANDMODEL

HDT / Vicat

ATS FAAR

HDT / Vicat Tester MP3

Muffola

Nabertherm

L3/C6

Thermobalance

TA Instruments

TGA 550

Thermobalance for humidity determination

Mettler Toledo

HB 43

Rheological tests
Determination of the Melt Flow Rate Index (MFR, MVR), melt viscosity by means of flat-plate or capillary rheometers enable basic and specific information that is fundamental for optimizing the processing of a polymer or the production of a new compound or polymer blend.
 
 
EQUIPMENTBRANDMODEL

Plastometer x MVR e MFI

CJTI

XNR 400 C

Plate rheometer

TA Instruments

Discovery HR-2

Capillary rheometer

CEAST

Smart Rheo 2000 Twin

Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS) analysis.
In support of the analytical investigations conducted for Failure Analysis activities, the laboratory routinely performs, morphological analysis of fracture surfaces by optical and scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis by EDS microprobe of contamination and fillers that may be present in artifacts.
 
EQUIPMENTBRANDMODEL

Optical microscope

Leica

DM2500P

Ageing
The laboratory can perform simulation tests of outdoor\indoor sunlight exposure, exposure to thermal cycles with temperature and relative humidity control, and thermo-oxidative aging in ventilated stoves. In conjunction with accelerated aging tests, it is possible to characterize specimens before and after various cycles performed under controlled conditions.
 
EQUIPMENTBRANDMODEL

Climate chamber

PERANI

AC520

Climate chamber

Votsch

VC4150

Xenotest

Q-LAB

Q-SUN XE-3 mod. X3HSE

Disintegration tests
For screening purposes prior to compost biodegradability tests of plastic materials, laboratory-scale disintegration activities are performed according to ISO 20200.