Polyfuze HT Labeling Material Testing HDPE
Written By: Polyfuze
Polyfuze Graphics Corporation demonstrates the new Polyfuze fusion label as it fuses with many plastic material types. For those that are new to the Polyfuze graphic, it is applied with standard hot stamping equipment and is manufactured for application on olefin based resins.
It is important to explain, that the Polyfuze label is a polymer-based technology that does not use adhesives, inks, or clear coats. The Polyfuze label fuses into the plastics sub-surface to become one-piece of plastic, unlike the other methods of decorating that are ink and adhesive based, such as IML’s, heat transfers, foils, and pad prints or stickers.
This blog series will cover several plastic material types over the next month. In each post, Jason Brownell, our VP Sales Manager at Polyfuze Graphics Corporation, will demonstrate application on a new material type that the Polyfuze label has been formulated for. Jason will also explain some of the subtle differences and troubleshooting areas that may occur with each material and how to achieve the best settings for each.
If you have already tried using a Polyfuze Graphic but are struggling to get a consistent result, then this series can jump start your success back on track for better production efficiency, more profits and less scrap for a better branding experience.
Polyfuze – Material Testing Episode 1 (HDPE):
In the first video of this series, we will be applying the Polyfuze graphic onto HDPE (high density polyethylene). With HDPE material, you get rigidity and durable impact resistance for sturdy products and parts, but when labeling HDPE with a Polyfuze label, you still need to pay close attention to the time, heat and pressure settings, as they will heavily affect the application. If you switch material types frequently between cycles you are going to have to readjust for each material type. Some common issues when using the wrong settings or machine setup is gauging of the plastic, little or no fusion of the Polyfuze label, uneven fusion of the graphic from the left to right side and other similar issues. If you experience these issues this just means that your machine settings need troubleshooting.
When stamping HDPE plastic you will need to set your machine at 550F. Use a high temperature silicone die that is 80 durometer. Then start with a dwell time of about 1.5 seconds. You can work up or down from there as needed. You may also want to add a second of head up delay since everything is in a molten state.
When the graphic has been successfully transferred, be sure to do a standard ASTM Tape Test to ensure proper fusion.
Stay tuned for our next post on this Material Testing series, which will cover the Polyfuze HT application onto Polypropylene.
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