In manufacturing companies as well as for end-users, being able to identify plastics, including polymers, fillers, and possible contaminants is very important in many different applications.
One of the most common needs for plastics identification is in reverse engineering of plastic components. Very small sample sizes of a few grams are enough to provide the material that will be used for the tests, providing accurate and validated results as to all components in the material.
Finding a Lab
The key to any plastics identification is in developing a relationship with a top polymer testing lab. These services can provide full testing of unknown or known samples to either determine the materials in the plastic or to determine if the plastic is suitable for a specific type of application.
These labs will use a variety of different testing methods to find out the specific components of the plastics. These are cutting edge testing systems that are very precise and accurate, providing reliable readings with very short turnaround times.
Look for labs with extensive experience and with a solid reputation for customer satisfaction. Remember, with just gram sized samples the labs do not need to be in your vicinity. Overnight shipping and rush processing are available through top facilities with results in one or two business days based on your specifications.
Precision Counts
While it is possible to complete in-house plastics identification, there are a lot of factors that make this a complicated choice. First, equipment is very costly and constantly needs to be upgraded to include the latest in best practices.
Secondly, by using in-house testers, there will be the need for ongoing training and support. By utilizing a specialized testing facility that only does plastics testing and identification, it is possible to tap into years of experience in providing accurate and reliable testing results that will be accepted by your customers.