This page gives a few tit-bits
of information from Minerva’s project files covering Frequently Asked
Questions ( FAQ’s ) and also items which we think may be something of
interest.
Are the
mouldings we use made from 'pure plastics'?
There is no such thing as a moulded product made from a 'pure plastic'!
Most of us know that a PVC part is not just PVC - but the same applies to a
polypropylene product or a polystyrene moulding or any other generic plastic
material. They ALL contain various additives or processing aids either to
give the material certain characteristics, or to make it processable through the
moulding or extrusion operation. These additives would be plasticisers,
lubricants, stabilisers etc. which are, by nature, very reactive
chemicals. In a medical or diagnostic application where these plastics
come into contact with bio-materials or reagents, complex cross-reactions can be
created between the chemicals and bio-materials which are often not understood
because it is assumed that a plastic such as polypropylene is relatively inert -
which it is, but the additives are not.
Our
products are made by an outside moulder - How do you overcome quality
problems?
A trade moulder, just like a computer, can be only as good as the information
given to them. Sometimes problems are not due to a poor quality supplier
but due to insufficient product specifications or end use information provided
by the customer. Many bio-technologists or other specialists without a
background in plastics processing believe that injection moulding of plastics is
a relatively 'low tech' operation. It most certainly is not.
Especially when the application is using the material in a very critical way or
the design is at the cutting edge of technology. The balance of tooling
design, processing conditions, material specification and product test
parameters are critical and will often need to be evolved by close co-operation
and understanding between moulder and customer. The top end trade moulders
have a wealth of experience which can be applied to a new application, but if
your application is a very specialist one, it is up to you, the customer, to
help the moulder understand about your own field.
We have often been asked to resolve problems between customer and processor
which are due to a lack of understanding and communication on both sides about
the way the materials are processed and how this impinges on the end
application. However, it is also the case that sometimes an 'interpreter'
who understands both technologies is needed, and that is where Minerva can help.
BOOKMARK
THIS PAGE - It is regularly updated, so you may even find the answer to your problem
without going further!
