M0726(2):LMFI Series 5000 Lab Melt Flow Indexer
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English 02/2014
If you don't use gloves, you will eventually get burned. If you are using PVC die
(D3364 for unstable materials), be sure to get the material out of the conical top section.
Standard dies have a flat entrance and exit. When the die is out of the barrel it cools down
quickly. The longer it is out, the longer the wait for the temperature to stabilize will be.
Minimizing the time the die stays out of the machine will increase the number of tests you can
run. When the temperature on the front display is within 0.2 C of the set point, you can begin the
next test. Loading material will cause a small temperature change even if the temperature set
point is locked in. The melt time (360 seconds) will allow ample time to get the temperature to
the set point and stabilize before the first data point is collected.
Always leave the machine clean. If it is going to sit at room temperature for an extended period
of time, you may wish to coat the barrel with a light machine oil to prevent rusting. The oil will
need to be cleaned with cleaning patches from the machine before accurate data can be
obtained.
Warning
:
Do not heat the barrel back to elevated temperatures before cleaning the
machine oil from the barrel. Noxious fumes and/or fire hazard exists if not cleaned.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Actions
Getting wrong or non-repeatable test values:
Was the instrument clean?
Check density value
Check tip diameter (> 0.3727)
Check Die (clean, diameter length OK?)
Check Machine is Level
Check Temperature
Check weights used +/- 0.5%
Check balance used to weigh extrudate
Piston Rod Bent?
Check die can get to bottom of barrel?
Generic Run Check List
Prior to loading Sample:
Is material properly prepared (dried, mixed, check for contaminates)?
Machine on for 20 minutes to temperature stabilize?
Correct Die in machine?
Correct program being run?
Hand tools in position for run (packing funnel and tool, cleaning drill bit etc.)?
Encoder Arm in place?
