Melt Flow Rate Testing

Gain fast, reliable insights into your thermoplastic materials with ASTM D1238 melt flow rate testing. Our testing supports quality control, product development, and failure investigations, helping you predict polymer behavior under various conditions. Element’s polymer experts offer hands-on guidance to ensure your materials meet performance and compliance standards.

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What is Melt Flow Rate Testing at Element?

Melt flow rate testing measures how molten thermoplastic resins flow under specified conditions. It is widely used in quality control, material comparison, and failure analysis to evaluate polymer behavior. At Element, we evaluate material viscosity using extrusion plastometers to determine flow characteristics at defined temperatures and shear stresses.

Element testing specialist examining precision measurement equipment for materials analysis

What Can Element Offer You For Melt Flow Rate Testing?

Key tests offered

We perform both Procedure A and Procedure B testing under ASTM D1238 to determine Melt Flow Rate (MFR) and Melt Volume Rate (MVR). Our comprehensive testing evaluates material viscosity, thermal stability, and molecular weight characteristics for quality control and product development applications. Testing capabilities include:

Full melt viscosity analysis

Standardized die extrusion evaluation

Thermal stability assessment

Molecular weight comparison studies

Materials we test

We test amorphous and semi-crystalline polymers, offering comprehensive analysis for materials requiring specific moisture level preparation and those ready for immediate testing. Our capabilities encompass both dried and as-received polymer testing, with specialized expertise in:

Nylon and polyester materials requiring precise moisture control

Polycarbonate and other amorphous polymers

Polyolefin polymers requiring no prior treatment

Various thermoplastic resins with specific handling requirements

Methods and solutions offered

Our testing process combines precise temperature control and standardized die extrusion using weighted pistons to deliver accurate, reliable results. A thermoplastic sample is heated in a barrel at a specified temperature, melted to a viscous fluid, and extruded through a standardized die under controlled weight. The extruded sample is then measured by weight or volume to determine material flow properties. We employ specialized preparation techniques for moisture-sensitive materials and conduct detailed analysis of flow characteristics under varied conditions. Our methodology includes:

Controlled heating and melting processes

Standardized die extrusion procedures

Precise weight measurements

Detailed viscosity analysis

Quality control expertise

Our specialized polymer testing capabilities support both quality control verification and product development applications. We help you validate material consistency, compare new materials, and make informed decisions about polymer performance in various applications.

Standards we test to and materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

ASTM D1238

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Need for reliable quality verification

Our standardized testing procedures verify incoming materials and in-house quality control, giving you confidence in your material consistency and performance. Our ASTM D1238 testing provides reliable data for your quality assurance processes.

Comparing and selecting reliable materials

Through detailed melt flow analysis, we help you compare new materials and evaluate their thermal stability and molecular weight characteristics. This is especially valuable when introducing alternative resins or optimizing existing formulations.

Identifying and mitigating failure risks

Our testing reveals how your polymers perform under various temperatures and mechanical stresses, enabling informed material selection. We provide detailed viscosity data to predict material behavior in real-world applications.

Controlling moisture sensitivity

We provide specialized preparation and testing for moisture-sensitive materials like nylon and polyester, maintaining accuracy in your test results. Our expertise in handling hygroscopic materials ensures reliable, consistent testing outcomes.