Polymer Testing Instruments and Their Importance

Polymer materials are widely used today in many industries such as automotive, construction, medical, packaging, and infrastructure. Determining the reliability, durability, and performance of these materials requires the use of specialized testing methods. Polymer testing instruments play a critical role in both production and R&D processes by measuring mechanical and physical properties such as tensile strength, compressive resistance, impact resistance, and melt flow behavior. The data obtained from these tests ensure compliance with international standards, support quality assurance systems, and help predict the service life of polymer products.

Main Purpose of Polymer Testing Instruments

The primary purpose of polymer testing instruments is to accurately measure and evaluate the mechanical and rheological properties of materials. These measurements enable manufacturers to compare different polymer types and select the most suitable material for specific applications. In addition, polymer testing is an essential requirement for conformity assessment and certification processes, especially for products intended for international markets.

What Is the Melt Flow Test?

The melt flow test is a method used to determine the melt flow rate (MFR/MVR) of thermoplastic materials. This test provides essential information about the processability, flow behavior, and molding performance of polymers during manufacturing. Melt flow testing instruments are fundamental tools in quality control, particularly for plastic pipes, injection-molded products, and polymer-based composites.

What Is the Impact Test?

The impact test evaluates the behavior of polymer materials under sudden loads and determines their resistance to fracture. Charpy and Izod test methods are commonly used to measure impact strength and toughness. These tests are especially important in industries where materials are exposed to dynamic forces, such as construction, automotive, and packaging applications.

What Are Tensile and Compression Tests?

Tensile and compression tests are among the most basic and widely used methods for determining the mechanical properties of polymers. These tests measure parameters such as tensile strength, elongation at break, elastic modulus, and resistance to compressive forces. Tensile and compression testing instruments are essential for predicting how polymer materials will behave under different service conditions.

Importance and Purpose of Testing

Polymer testing is crucial not only in laboratory environments but also in production processes. The main objectives are to verify compliance with standards, determine product durability, and ensure safe usage conditions. Furthermore, test results serve as reliable documentation in certification and export procedures, supporting manufacturers in global trade.

Scientific Basis of Polymer Testing

The mechanical and flow properties of polymers are directly influenced by molecular structure, chain length, molecular weight distribution, and degree of crystallinity. Therefore, polymer tests are based on scientifically defined principles and standardized methods, ensuring accuracy, repeatability, and international acceptance of the results.

Use of Polymer Testing Instruments

  • Melt Flow Testing Instrument (DVT EA DLC): Used to measure the melt flow rate of thermoplastic materials.

  • Charpy-Izod Impact Testing Instrument (DVT CD D 50IC): Determines the resistance of polymers to sudden impact loads.

  • Tensile and Compression Testing Instrument (DVT GP D NN): Measures tensile strength, compressive resistance, and elongation properties of polymer materials.

Each instrument is designed in accordance with relevant standards and is equipped with precise measurement systems and user-friendly control interfaces.

Technical Information

Polymer testing instruments are manufactured with high-precision sensors, advanced digital control systems, and robust mechanical structures. Touchscreen control panels provide ease of operation, while automatic data recording and reporting functions ensure reliable storage of test results. Compatibility with various test accessories enables versatile and flexible use across different applications.

Advantages

Technical Advantages:

  • High measurement accuracy

  • Automatic data recording and reporting

  • Compliance with international testing standards

Contribution to Quality Control:

  • Continuous quality monitoring during production

  • Reliable data support for raw material selection

  • Improved consistency and reliability of final products

Support for Export and Certification:

  • Compliance with international standards

  • Reliable test reports for certification processes

  • Competitive advantage in global markets

Areas of Application

Polymer testing instruments are widely used in plastics, rubber, composites, textiles, and packaging materials. Key application areas include automotive manufacturing, construction materials, medical products, pipe systems, and packaging industries. The broad range of applications highlights the critical importance of these instruments in industrial quality assurance.

Applicable Standards

DVT EA DLC (Melt Flow Testing Instrument):

  • TS EN ISO 1133 – Determination of melt mass-flow rate and melt volume-flow rate of thermoplastics

  • DIN 53735 – Determination of melt index of plastics

  • ASTM D1238 – Standard test method for melt flow rates of thermoplastics

  • ASTM D3364 – Melt flow characteristics of polyolefins

  • TS 11451 – Determination of melt flow index of plastics

  • TS 418 – Flow property testing of plastic materials

  • EN 12201 – Plastic piping systems made of polyethylene

  • TS EN ISO 15874 – Polypropylene piping systems

  • TS EN 253 – Pre-insulated bonded pipe systems

DVT CD D 50IC (Charpy-Izod Impact Testing Instrument):

  • EN ISO 179-1 / TS EN ISO 179-1 – Charpy impact properties of rigid plastics

  • TS ISO 9854-1 – Impact resistance of thermoplastics pipes

  • EN ISO 148-1 / TS EN ISO 148-1 – Charpy impact test method (notched specimens)

  • EN ISO 148-2 / TS EN ISO 148-2 – Charpy impact test method (verification)

  • EN ISO 148-3 / TS EN ISO 148-3 – Preparation and characterization of test pieces

  • ISO 180 – Izod impact test for rigid plastics

  • ASTM E23-02 – Notched bar impact testing of metallic materials

  • ASTM D256 – Izod impact resistance of plastics

  • ISO 13802 / TS ISO 13802 – Verification of impact testing machines

DVT GP D NN (Tensile and Compression Testing Instrument):

  • TS EN ISO 7500-1 – Verification and calibration of testing machines

  • TS EN ISO 527-3 – Tensile properties of plastic films and sheets

  • TS EN ISO 6892-1 – Tensile testing of metallic materials

  • TS 1398-1 – Tensile testing of rubber and elastomers

  • EN ISO 527-1 – Tensile properties of plastics

Conclusion

Polymer testing instruments are high-precision systems developed to accurately evaluate the mechanical and flow properties of polymer materials. Through melt flow, impact, tensile, and compression tests, these instruments ensure effective quality control, compliance with international standards, and reliable performance assessment. Their use provides manufacturers with strong technical support, enhances product reliability, and creates a significant competitive advantage in both domestic and global markets.