From lab to production,
providing a window into the process
-14-
Equipment Setup
Unpacking the Indexer
The Lab Melt Flow Indexer comes in a heavy duty, wood container. First, remove the
container’s lid—a bit tool should be within the crate packing documents on the outside of the
container that can be inserted into an electric type drill to remove the lid and bracing screws.
Several boxes may be packed inside along with the instrument; remove them and check that
all boxes are received. For example, they are coded 1 of 5 or 3 of 5, indicating the total
number is five.
For non-weight lift model instruments, the instrument is braced into the box with test weights
and possibly accessories under the instrument in a foam pattern. Remove the instrument’s
bracing. Minding that a base unit weights 45lbs/21.4Kg, either lift the unit out from the top of
the container with two people or carefully lay the container on its side and slide the instrument
out of the container.
For weight lift models, the instrument is braced into the box with test weights and accessories
in separate, internal boxes removed from above step. Noting which side is the bottom of the
instrument and leaving the cross bracing in place, stand crate upward with the bottom of the
instrument downward. Remove the cross bracing and slide the instrument carefully out of the
container onto the floor or a lift. Use a minimum of 3 personnel for this operation for lifting
and stabilizing the instrument as it is being moved. Note the shipping weight of the
instrument with lift is 100lbs/45.45Kg.
It is recommended that the shipping container be saved a few days until you are certain
the machine is functioning as expected.
Bench Requirements and Placement
Typical laboratory benches are too high for efficient use of the indexers. Cleaning and
material packing can be difficult and requires awkward hand positions and forces that could
lead to carpal tunnel syndrome or back discomfort. We strongly suggest a bench height of 29
inches (desk top height) for an average height operator. Place the front of the indexer flush
with the front edge of the table. This will prevent the operator from having to bend forward
excessively when cleaning and packing the barrel and allow easier access to the back of the
machine. As a minimum, the lab bench should easily be able to support the indexer and
operator (total approx. 300lbs/136.36Kg).
DYNISCO POLYMER TEST recommends placing from left to right, if using these options, the
melt indexer; sample scale and computer. Shake test the melt indexer for stability. The bench
top should also be able to withstand hot dies and tools being dropped on them. If carpet is
present on the floor near the LMFI, carpet protection is necessary since a hot die, hot material
or hot piston dropped on the carpet will quickly burn spots in it.
Adequate ventilation will also be required to remove potentially harmful fumes from samples
being tested. Consult the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on the products to be tested and
your material supplier to assess the magnitude of your ventilation needs. You will want to
consider these ventilation needs when positioning the instrument in the laboratory.
Most of the machine comes pre-assembled to your door. However, certain parts are prone to
breakage if they were placed in their normal operating position during shipping. These items
P/N: M0726(3)
| Rev: 012020 | ECO: 51182
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