1680 North Main Street
Orange, CA 92867
Phone: (714) 283-2032
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Degradation can occur in many ways. When Injection Molding parts from polymeric materials, profiles are most often, critical. Dry times, barrel profiles and cycle times can be adjusted to peak performance, but sometimes the quality of the part may be compromised. The supplier of most materials will generate data sheets to which the molder may reflect upon for adequate profiles and production rates. These standard profiles can always be enhanced through research and documentation of profiles and testing.
Regrind materials can cause problems if not regulated. As CRT has over 20 years of Injection Molding experience, and it is often noted that the customer did use regrind, but doesn't know the ratio of regrind contained in the parts. This is cause for concern, because the rejection rate for such molded parts can be devastating. More critical materials would be Glass-Filled, Carbon Fiber Filled, etc. When these materials are reused, the fibers may break down during the first heat-history (to a certain degree), and stiffness factors, along with other performance properties may be compromised.
Thermal Analysis (DSC) and melt flow rate may be applied to determine whether a material has been degraded. These methods are used by CRT Laboratories for Q.C.. Purposes and have been found to accurately determine if degradation has occurred, along with being very economical. Other analysis may be applied depending on the severity of the problem and the material.
Many reasons exist for parts cracking. Stress related problems due to tool design or molded- in stress may cause severe rejections. Various chemicals and the performance environment may also contribute to part failure. Careful consideration to materials, tooling and performance environment should be taken in order to produce quality parts.
Various methods for determining the type of polymer exist. The most effective methods are Fourier-transform Infrared Microspectroscopy (FT-IR). This method establishes a fingerprint from an Infrared beam passing the sufficient sample size. The absorbency is transferred to a spectrum plot, which are peaks (fingerprint). By experience and computer research, one may conclude if the material is contaminated or of adequate quality. The fingerprint may also be used as a quality control measure for future incoming resins.
Thermal Analysis (DSC) is also very useful in qualifying certain levels of Purity, Moisture, Crystallinity % and verification of polymers and contaminates. Along with FT-IR, this test provides confirmation of Homopolymer vs. Copolymer base resins. Regrind determinations cannot be concluded by any known method at this time.
Plastic Pipe & Fitting assemblies are generally made from either ABS, PVC, CPVC, PB, PP, PE, or other rated plumbing compounds. Various test standards exist for these products and offer some of the most stringent tests to date. CRT tests many of these assemblies and has programs (based on ASTM and other tests) that qualify these products for use in plumbing applications. Cracked Pipes/Fittings cause severe setbacks for installers and by microscopically evaluating the failure area, we can determine the mode of failure and possibly its contributor. In addition, SEM-EDX (X-Ray) and FT-IR are widely used to confirm the materials quality, which may be used in conjunction with other test methods.
CRT begins by defining the problem and creating the most cost efficient and accurate proposal. The quotation is outlined in sections and categories for a more simplified review, which include prices, number of samples/specimens and the unit cost for each test. The expected lead-time is also indicated on the bottom of each proposal and may be discussed upon authorization.
Should you need additional information about CRT Laboratories' failure analysis testing capabilities please contact us via our RFQ Form or call us at (714) 283-2032.