Melt Temperature Measurement System (MTMS) Injection molding machine (IMM) operators can use this kit from MTMS LLS, Janesville, Wis., to take hands-free measurements of the temperature of resin when it’s being heated in the IMM. The kit includes a purge puck with two magnets, a ring, a fast-reading pyrometer and 50 insulator cups. Located at the end of the barrel, the puck positions a heavy-duty thermocouple in the material or purge flow path, while the cup maintains melt temperature and prevents skinning. A minimum of 1 ounce of material must be purged for accurate measurement. Globeius is the exclusive supplier of the kit.
What’s new? Recent testing that has validated use of the kit for measuring the temperature of polyetheretherketone (PEEK).
Benefits Operator safety and reduced risk of material waste, thanks to repeatable, accurate measurements of melt temperature, rather than barrel temperature — within plus or minus 1 percent of melt temperature. The benefits are especially evident when dealing with expensive or high-temperature resins like PEEK, which can cost about $50 a pound. When using PEEK, manufacturers must take frequent measurements, but because the material requires such high temperatures — in excess of 700 degrees Fahrenheit — this process can be dangerous for operators employing conventional methods involving purging and probing samples by hand. It’s also time-consuming. Testing a sample of PEEK can require about $10 worth of material, while the MTMS sample would cost about $1.75. Results can take as little as 35 seconds.
Globeius, Medley, Fla., 305-889-1782, https://globeius.com, www.plasticmelttemp.com
