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Polyfuze HT Labeling Material Testing Flexible PVC
In this blog series so far, Polyfuze has covered application testing with the Polyfuze HT label for several different plastic material types. HDPE, LDPE and Polypropylene plastic testing have been covered so far.
Continuing through this month you will see some more plastic material types that are tested with the Polyfuze HT technology. In each post, Jason Brownell, our VP Sales Manager at Polyfuze Graphics Corporation, will demonstrate application on a new material type that the Polyfuze HT 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 results for each.
If you have already trialed Polyfuze technology but are struggling to get a consistent result, this series can jump start your success back on track for better production efficiency, more profits and less scrap for an overall better branding experience.
If you are an injection molder looking to permanently brand your polyolefin parts, then take a look at our videos to discover the permanent branding method that Polyfuze uses. No adhesives, no clear coats, no inks and no surface treatments required. Only heat, time and pressure is required from a standard hot stamp machine.
Polyfuze HT – Material Testing Episode 4 (Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride):
In this fourth video of this series, we will be fusing the Polyfuze HT graphic into flexible PVC. PVC is the world’s third-most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer and comes in two basic forms: rigid and flexible. The rigid form is used mainly in construction for pipe and profile applications. Flexible PVC is also used in pipe applications and electrical wiring, but its formulation with additives allow for it to be used in many other applications including imitation leather, inflatable products, footwear and other applications where rubberized alternatives are needed.
When stamping flexible PVC, paying attention to the melting point at around 160°C can help guide you when decorating with standard hot stamping equipment. Also, a fairly low setting of line pressure close to 35 psi was our starting point.
You should set your machine to 550ºF, since there is about a 100º temperature loss when stamping with the recommended 80 durometer silicone die. For this flexible PVC test, we lowered the dwell time to 0.70 of a second due to the nature of the material and the rate at which it reaches a molten state. Also, setting head up delay on the machine will allow the flexible PVC to solidify from its molten state before the carrier film is stripped from the part.
When the graphic has been successfully transferred, test the bond and fusion of the Polyfuze HT labels into your PVC plastic by doing a standard ASTM Tape Test. View the ASTM tape testing video here to learn more.
To learn more about the Polyfuze HT labeling technology for PVC, contact us here. View our Polyfuze HT label testing on HDPE here, testing on Polypropylene here, or testing on LDPE here.
References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinyl_chloride