M0726(2):LMFI Series 5000 Lab Melt Flow Indexer
14
English 02/2014
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 will
need to be installed before safe operation of the machine is possible. Other issues important to
obtaining accurate data must also be addressed before valid testing can begin.
