Testing For Rotomoulding

Materials - Dry Flow Testing (New Global Standard!)

Powder dry flow properties are important during rotational moulding (molding).  They determine how well the powder tumbles in the mould (mold) which affects heat transfer in the powder bed and distribution over the mould surface.  Flow depends mainly on particle size and shape.  Processing the resin into powder can affect dry flow results and ARMA encourages all moulders to invest in this basic equipment to help grow their understanding of the materials they use.   Find out more about powder grinding for rotomoulding (rotomolding) by clicking here.

The ARMA dry flow test kit and method which has recently been reviewed and agreed internationally is available for purchase in the members section or you can contact us on info@rotationalmoulding.com for details.

We have everything you need to produce or contract for your own funnel!  View an image of the suggested full kit including funnel stand & robust density cup.

Download the technical specifications drawing for the funnel

Download the ARMI Dry Flow test method.

View a 3D Model of the funnel.   Once the file is displayed on your screen you can right click then select Animate Views or use the "view" option to zoom in or out.  Save the file to your own computer and check it out using the edrawings viewer!

**If you don't have a copy of Solidworks you can download a viewer by clicking here.  (35MB Dowload is free of charge).

   Global Dry Flow Funnel is a project of ARMO.

 

PRODUCTION - WALL THICKNESS TESTING

Most moulders (molders) will check the distribution of materials across the product's wall thickness by using an Ultrasonic Thickness Testing Gauge.  Using this non-destructive testing will allow changes to the process and cycle to ensure appropriate lay up of materials during manufacture.  Testing gauge prices can vary considerably from around $700USD to several thousands of dollars.  ARMA has details of commonly used testing equipment available on request.

 

 

PRODUCTION - DROP IMPACT TESTING

Probably the most common post production test method is the drop impact test developed some time ago by Association of Rotational Moulders.  Using a section of the moulding (molding) which has been frozen to -40 degrees a falling dart impacts the sample and provides information about the quality of the part either by providing a failure method (brittle or ductile) or if the entire test procedure is used the results will show the relative impact before failure occurs.  Drop dart impact testers and specialist freezers are required to perform this test at an indicative cost of $10 000US for both freezer and impacter.  Details of the test method and testing equipment are available by clicking here! 

 PROFESSIONAL TESTING FACILITIES

There are several professional testing laboratories for the rotational moulding (molding) sector.  Through its partnership with Norner Innovation ARMA has provided details of the various assistance available to the industry.

Datasheet test: Many moulders and suppliers have asked us to compare different materials. The datasheets that are available are not really comparable due to different testing standards or processing techniques. The result may be that you will need to perform full scale tests of materials not meeting your standards possible customer complaints and performing internal approvals which are very time consuming. Our tests are harmonised and only tested on rotational moulded specimen. The datasheet will include: MFR density shrinkage warpage PIAT Tensile modulus stress and strain at yield and at break ARM impact ESCR (FNCT) Heat deflection temperature shore D DSC and rheology.  Indicative price for the datasheet test is €3500 - / material.

Since many moulders are actually under-processing the materials we are also offering datasheet test on under-processed specimen. You will be surprised how much warpage PIAT Tensile modulus stress and strain at yield and at break ARM impact ESCR (FNCT) Heat deflection temperature and shore D. We offer this second test for 2500€ - / material.

Data set for finite element analysis: Many moulders  (molders) request data to use in finite element analysis. There is limited information available from the suppliers. W Tensile creep at 23 40 and 60 C (1000hours ISO899/1) Tensile stress at yield at 23 40 and 60 C Tensile Modulus at 23 40 and 60 C and Flexural modulus at 23 40 and 60 C.  The price for the FEA data set is € 3500 /material.

Claim investigation: Norner Innovation AS has a world leading microscopy laboratory for failure investigation. A lot of the failures we have investigated during the last 15 years have enabled us to solve many cases by only using microscopy analysis. The analysis includes use of different microscopy techniques and you will receive a report including detailed description and pictures of the problem. We are now offering you to get your failed products analysed which will enable you to produce better products in the future for € 2500.- If the evaluation will require further instrumental analysis an extra cost will be added. We will contact you and agree upon the extra cost before proceeding with the analysis.

 

Sven-Arve Halvorsen

Senior Consultant - Plastic Solutions

Email: sven.halvorsen@norner.no

Norner Innovation | 3960 Stathelle | Norway

Tel. +47 35578144 | Mobile +47 91786680 | Fax +47 35577651

http://www.norner.no/ | 891 488 912 | Brønnøysund Register Centre