Laboratory Analysis
A proper research lab,
all for you.
A research and development centre at your service.
The Arcoplex Group Analysis Laboratory is the heart of our consulting strategy.
Axtrolab allows you to study both the granulated raw material and the finished product. You can perform mechanical and chemical analyses, with physical tests and other tests aimed at correctly characterising the polymers
Axtrolab’s technological tools and devices are constantly renewed and integrated to improve research and development performance over time. That way you are sure to stay ahead, even in a fast-moving market.
Analysis and Technical Tests
Mechanical tests
Izod-Charpy impact resistance
The Izod test and the Charpy test are methods used to evaluate a material’s ability to resist fracture when subjected to a sudden impact.
Both tests use a pendulum to strike a material sample and record the energy absorbed during the impact, measured in kilojoules per meter (KJ/m), differing in how the sample is positioned.
Thermal Tests
Vicat
The VICAT test measures the temperature at which a plastic material begins to soften under a specific load.
During the test, a needle penetrates the material with a controlled weight, and the temperature at which the needle reaches a depth of 1 mm is recorded as the softening point temperature.
This data is useful for assessing when a material loses its rigidity and becomes more susceptible to deformation, and is particularly important for designing products that need to maintain their rigidity at high temperatures.
HDT
The HDT test measures the temperature at which a plastic material begins to deform under a specific load.
During the test, a sample is heated in an oil bath, and a constant load is applied. The temperature at which the material begins to bend is recorded as the heat deflection temperature.
The results of this test are important for understanding how a material withstands high temperatures and loads, providing essential information for industrial applications where good thermal and mechanical stability is required.
Physical Tests
Melt flow index
The Melt Flow Index (MFI) is a test that measures the flowability of a molten polymer. In practice, a sample of the material is heated to a specific temperature and forced through a die under a defined load.
The MFI is the amount of material that flows through the die over a certain period of time, expressed in grams per 10 minutes.
A lower MFI indicates a more viscous material, while a higher value indicates a more fluid material.
Density and Specific Weight
The density (or specific weight) test measures the mass of a material relative to its volume.
This test is essential for determining the physical properties of a material and its applicability in various situations, such as the design of lightweight structural components.
Flammability Tests
UL-94 self-extinguishing
The UL 94 standard classifies materials based on their flame resistance, with levels ranging from those that self-extinguish in a horizontal position (V0) to those that withstand more intense flames without releasing incandescent particles (5VA, 5VB).
It also includes advanced tests to assess heat resistance, such as the Glow Wire Flammability Index and the Glow Wire Ignition Temperature, as well as the ability to withstand electrical currents and electrical arcs through tests like Hot-Wire Ignition.
The standard also checks UV resistance for outdoor applications and the Relative Thermal Index to ensure that materials maintain their mechanical and electrical properties in high-temperature environments.
Other Tests
Colour spectrophotometry
Color spectrophotometry is a technique that measures the reflection of light off a material to determine its coloration.
Using a spectrophotometer, the wavelengths of light that the material reflects or absorbs are analyzed.
This analysis allows for precise determination of color and ensures color consistency in manufacturing processes, making spectrophotometry essential for quality control and aesthetic design.
Shore A and Shore D hardness
Shore hardness is a measure of a material’s resistance to penetration by a steel or rubber indenter.
The Shore A scale is used for softer materials, such as elastomers and rubber, while the Shore D scale is used for harder materials, such as rigid plastics and composite materials.
The tests are performed by applying pressure to the material’s surface and measuring the depth of penetration of the indenter, which provides a numerical hardness value.
Fixed residue
The fixed residue test measures the amount of material remaining after a plastic sample has been heated to a high temperature (often in an oven) until all volatile substances have evaporated.
This test is useful for determining the purity and composition of the material, as well as for evaluating any additives or fillers present, which could affect the final properties of the product.
FT-IR spectrometry
FT-IR spectrometry is an analytical technique used to identify the chemical composition of a material, based on the absorption of infrared radiation by the molecules.
The samples are exposed to an infrared beam, and the absorption of different wavelengths is measured.
The obtained data are used to determine the functional groups present in the material and to analyze any contaminants or changes in the chemical composition.
Approfondisci i test di Axtrolab
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By joining forces with our research team, you can face the market with in-depth knowledge about your product and its distinctive features. This allows us to provide you with much more targeted advice to keep your technical assets more competitive over time.
