There are many different applications where there is a need for the identification of plastic. In some cases, the polymer or plastic may become necessary to identify a completely unknown substance, a partially known substance or to determine if there is a contaminant issue with a sample.
Testing Basics
In general, most types of polymer product manufacturing companies will use plastics identification during the process. This ensures that the product is free from any cross-contamination with other materials that may impact the performance of the final product. This is also an effective way to verify or confirm the correct manufacturing of the process, something that is critical for many end-users of the polymer.
Not only will the tests performed allow for plastics identification, but it will also provide information on other materials that are present. This will include fillers and colorants as well as specialized UV absorption products that may be present in the formulation. It will also determine any plasticizers that are in use in the plastic, but the lab has to know what tests to complete.
Understanding Testing Needs
By using an experienced polymer testing lab, they can streamline the testing process, focusing in on the specific processes and procedures to provide the data required by the client.
This not only saves time in the testing process, but it also helps to manage the cost of testing. When there are continual testing needs for producers and manufacturers, this is an important consideration in selecting a testing facility.
Verify the lab offers the range of tests required to identify the polymer, but also make sure to check the turnaround time between supplying the sample and receiving the results. Most of the top labs will be able to provide full results in just a few business days while the best labs offer priority or rush services with results for plastics identification often available same or next day.