Standards:

(1) ISO 1133 – Plastics – Determination of the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and melt volume-flow rate (MVR) of thermoplastics. (2) ASTM D1238 – Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer. (3) GB/T 3682 – Plastics – Determination of the melt flow rate (MFR). (4) JIS K7210 – Japanese Industrial Standard for measurement of thermoplastic melt index. (5) Additional industry-relevant ISO and ASTM standards for polymer characterization and processability assessment.

Applications:

(1) Measurement of melt flow properties for engineering plastics including fluoroplastics, nylon, and polyoxymethylene (POM).

(2) Testing low-melting-point thermoplastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), ABS resin, and polycarbonate.

(3) Quality control in plastic production and manufacturing to ensure consistent polymer performance.

(4) Research and development of new polymer formulations and compounding.

(5) Petrochemical industry applications for raw material evaluation.

(6) Educational and research laboratories in colleges and universities for polymer science studies.

(7) Commodity inspection and testing institutions for certification and compliance testing.

Product Information:

The Melt Index Tester (Melt Flow Rate Meter) is a precision instrument for evaluating the flow properties of thermoplastic materials under specified conditions. By automatically extruding polymer melts through a standardized die and measuring the mass or volume flow, it determines the Melt Flow Rate (MFR), providing critical information on polymer processability, molecular weight, and quality control. The instrument supports both manual and automated testing, with accurate temperature control and built-in data output.

Application

(1) Measurement of melt flow properties for engineering plastics including fluoroplastics, nylon, and polyoxymethylene (POM).

(2) Testing low-melting-point thermoplastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), ABS resin, and polycarbonate.

(3) Quality control in plastic production and manufacturing to ensure consistent polymer performance.

(4) Research and development of new polymer formulations and compounding.

(5) Petrochemical industry applications for raw material evaluation.

(6) Educational and research laboratories in colleges and universities for polymer science studies.

(7) Commodity inspection and testing institutions for certification and compliance testing.

Standards

(1) ISO 1133 – Plastics – Determination of the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and melt volume-flow rate (MVR) of thermoplastics.

(2) ASTM D1238 – Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer.

(3) GB/T 3682 – Plastics – Determination of the melt flow rate (MFR).

(4) JIS K7210 – Japanese Industrial Standard for measurement of thermoplastic melt index.

(5) Additional industry-relevant ISO and ASTM standards for polymer characterization and processability assessment.

Features

(1) Rapid heating with minimal temperature overshoot for consistent test conditions.

(2) High-accuracy PID temperature control (±0.1°C) with over-temperature protection.

(3) Automatic recovery to constant temperature after sample loading.

(4) Supports both manual and automatic cutting methods for test sample extrusion.

(5) Built-in Chinese LCD display with intuitive interface.

(6) Integrated printer for automatic result output.

(7) Reliable, stable operation with precise, repeatable measurements.

Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Temperature Control	50–450°C, PID control, accuracy ±0.1°C (with over-temp protection)
Weights	1200g, 2160g, 3800g, 5000g, 10000g
Automatic Cropping Device	Automatic and manual operation (optional)
Time Setting	0.1–999.9 min, arbitrary setting
Cylinder Diameter	9.5504 ± 0.0076 mm
Plunger Diameter	9.4742 ± 0.0076 mm
Die/Thin Hole Pattern	External diameter 9.5 ± 0.02 mm, bore 2.0955 ± 0.0051 mm, length 8.00 ± 0.02 mm
Machine Size (L×W×H)	36 × 51 × 60 cm
Machine Weight	40 kg (excluding weights)
Power Supply	AC 220V, 5A

Accessories

(1) Mercurial thermometers (150°C, 200°C, 250°C, 300°C optional).

(2) Cleaning brush and scraper.

(3) Guide material stick.

(4) Observation mirror.

(5) Feedstock funnel.

(6) Three frictioning steel discs.

(7) Two thin hole pattern determination gauges.

Test Procedures

(1) Preheat the cylinder to the required test temperature.

(2) Load the polymer sample into the cylinder and allow it to reach thermal equilibrium.

(3) Apply the specified weight on the plunger for extrusion.

(4) Start the automatic or manual cutting mechanism as per the test method.

(5) Measure the mass or volume of extruded polymer in the defined time interval.

(6) Record results and calculate the Melt Flow Rate (MFR) according to standard formulas.

(7) Repeat tests as needed for multiple samples or repeatability verification.

Maintenance Information

(1) Keep cylinder, plunger, and die clean after each test to prevent residue build-up.

(2) Calibrate weights and temperature sensors periodically.

(3) Inspect cutting mechanism and lubricate moving parts regularly.

(4) Store instrument in a dry, stable environment to prevent corrosion.

(5) Check printer and display functionality before daily operation.

FAQs

1. What is the main purpose of the Melt Index Tester?

The Melt Index Tester is designed to evaluate the melt flow properties of thermoplastic materials under specified temperature and load conditions. By extruding molten polymer through a standardized die and measuring either the mass or volume of material flowing within a defined time, it determines the Melt Flow Rate (MFR). This value provides essential information about polymer processability, molecular weight characteristics, and material consistency, making the instrument widely used in quality control, research, and industrial material evaluation.

2. Which types of thermoplastic materials can be tested with this instrument?

The Melt Index Tester is suitable for a wide range of thermoplastics. It can be used for engineering plastics such as fluoroplastics, nylon, and polyoxymethylene (POM), as well as low-melting-point materials including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), ABS resin, and polycarbonate. This broad applicability allows the instrument to support plastic manufacturing, petrochemical raw material evaluation, polymer research, and commodity inspection across multiple industries.

3. What international standards does the Melt Index Tester comply with?

The tester complies with major international and national standards for melt flow measurement, including ISO 1133. ASTM D1238. GB/T 3682. and JIS K7210. These standards define the test conditions, procedures, and calculation methods for Melt Flow Rate (MFR) and Melt Volume Rate (MVR). Compliance with these standards ensures that test results are reliable, comparable, and accepted for quality control, certification, and research purposes worldwide.

4. How does the instrument ensure accurate and repeatable test results?

Accuracy and repeatability are ensured through high-precision PID temperature control with an accuracy of ±0.1 °C and over-temperature protection. The tester features rapid heating with minimal temperature overshoot and automatically recovers to a constant temperature after sample loading. Standardized cylinder, plunger, and die dimensions further guarantee consistency, while both manual and automatic cutting options allow operators to follow standard-specific test methods precisely.