Information on the most widely used ASTM standards within the materials testing industry
Model: MFI404. ISO 1133, ASTM D1238
MFI404 Touching screen Extrusion Plastometer is for melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and the melt volume-flow rate (MVR), determined by extruding molten material from the cylinder of a plastometer through a die of specified length and diameter under preset conditions of temperature and load. Used to measure the melt mass flow rate of thermoplastic plastics under specific temperatures and pressures, reflecting the flow performance of materials through standardized testing. They are suitable to measure the melt flow character of PP, PE, PVC, POM, ABS etc., plastic materials resin and granules.
Feature of MFI404:
Large Screen Touching screen; Both MFR/MVR test method; Motorized cutting and Manual cutting both way; With micro-print; Show the temperature VS Time graph. with otional PC software type. add software and chip update to PC control model.
General introduction
MFI404 Touching screen Extrusion Plastometer is for melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and the melt volume-flow rate (MVR), determined by extruding molten material from the cylinder of a plastometer through a die of specified length and diameter under preset conditions of temperature and load. Used to measure the melt mass flow rate of thermoplastic plastics under specific temperatures and pressures, reflecting the flow performance of materials through standardized testing. They are suitable to measure the melt flow character of PP, PE, PVC, POM, ABS etc., plastic materials resin and granules.
Feature of MFI404:
Large Screen Touching screen; Both MFR/MVR test method; Motorized cutting and Manual cutting both way; With micro-print; Show the temperature VS Time graph.

Main Features
Large Screen Touching screen;
Both MFR/MVR test method;
Motorized cutting and Manual cutting both way;
With micro-printer;
Show the temperature VS Time graph.
with otional PC software type. add software and chip update to PC control model.
Approximately 7 grams of the material is loaded into the barrel of the melt flow apparatus, which has been heated to a temperature specified for the material. A weight specified for the material is applied to a plunger and the molten material is forced through the die. A timed extrudate is collected and weighed. Melt flow rate values are calculated in g/10 min.
Specimen size:
At least 14 grams of material;
Test Data:
Flow rate = ( 600/t x weight of extrudate )
t = time of extrudate in seconds
melt flow rate = g/10 min.
ISO 1133 Plastics - Determination of the Melt Mass-Flow Rate (MFR) and Melt Volume-Flow Rate (MVR) of Thermoplastics
ASTM D1238 Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer
ASTM D3364 (for PVC), BS 2782, DIN 53735, JIS K7210
Obtaining reliable melt flow rate results depends not only on using the correct equipment but also on how you use it. Small mistakes during testing can lead to significant problems in production, so it's worth taking the time to ensure proper operation.
Maintain equipment: The barrel should be kept clean, molds should be free of residue, and the piston should move smoothly. Even a small amount of plastic residue or dust can affect the results. Additionally, place the equipment on a stable surface to avoid vibrations that could influence measurements.
Regular calibration: Like any precision instrument, a melt flow rate tester needs to be checked periodically to maintain accuracy. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines or testing standards, such as ASTM D1238 or ISO 1133, for best practices.
Use proper equipment: If the laboratory conducts a large number of tests, automated testers can be helpful. Some models (such as the Yasuda type) can eliminate operator error and maintain consistent results.
Record conditions: When recording results, be sure to note the test conditions: temperature, weight, mold size, and operation type (Type A or Type B). Without this information, MFR values cannot be compared across different batches or laboratories.
Control variables: Use the same operator, test in a stable environment, and carefully prepare samples. Humidity, contamination, or uneven loading can all lead to inaccurate results.
Main technical specification
| Model | MFI404 (XNR-400D) |
| Temperature range | Ambient temperature to 450℃ stepless adjustable, fixed point temperature control |
| Temperature fluctuation | ±0.5℃ |
| Temperature resolution | 0.1℃ |
| Weight | 8 levels, total 21.6kg mass |
| Measuring method & range | MFR (0.1-2000)g/10min MVR(0.1-2000) cm3/10min |
| Heating power | 450W |
| Extruding part spec. : | |
| (1), Inner diameter of die | φ2.095±0.005mm |
| (2), Length of die | 8.000±0.025mm |
| (3), Inner diameter of filling canister | Φ9.550±0.025mm |
| Weight | Frame: 30kg Standard weights: 25kg |
| Power | 220V, 50HZ/110V, 60HZ |
| Display | Toruching screen display temperature, time, sampling number, temperature VS time curve etc. |
| Micro-printer | YES |
| Specimen cutting mode | Automatic & Manual both mode |
Main Accessories
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frame | 1 set |
| Die (φ2.095) tungsten carbide material | 1 pc |
| No. 1 weight (piston rod + weight tray): 325g | 1 pc |
| No. 2 weight: 875g | 1 pc |
| No. 3 weight: 1835g | 1 pc |
| No. 4 weight: 3475g | 1 pc |
| No. 5 weight: 4675g | 1 pc |
| No. 6 weight: 5000g | 1 pc |
| No. 7 weight: 2500g | 1 pc |
| No. 8 weight: 2915g | 1 pc |
| Scraper | 1 pc |
| Sample loading hopper | 1 pc |
| Water level | 1 pc |
| Die cleaning rod | 1 pc |
| Cylinder cleaning rod | 1 pc |
| Sample loading rod | 1 pc |
| Sample plate | 1 pc |
| Electric wire | 1 pc |
| Cleaning gauze and gloves | 1 pc |
| Accessories containing case | 1 pc |
| Documents (Manual, packing list, certificate) | |
Standard
ISO 1133: Plastics -- Determination of the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and the melt volume-flow rate (MVR) of thermoplastics.
ISO 1133 standard specifies two procedures for the determination of the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and the melt volume-flow rate (MVR) of thermoplastic materials under specified conditions of temperature and load. One is a mass-measurement method. The other is a displacement-measurement method. Normally, the test conditions for measurement of melt flow rate are specified in the material standard with a reference to ISO 1133. The test conditions normally used for thermoplastics are listed in annexes.
ASTM D1238 Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics by Extrusion Plastometer
ASTM D1238 test method test method covers the determination of the rate of extrusion of molten thermoplastic resins using an extrusion plastometer. it is particularly useful for quality control tests on thermoplastics. The data produced by ASTM D1238 test serves to indicate the uniformity of the flow rate of the polymer as made by an individual process. It is not to be used as an indication of uniformity of other properties without valid correlation with data from other tests.
ASTM D3364: Standard Test Method for Flow Rates for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) with Molecular Structural Implications
ASTM D3364 test method is an extension of Test Method D1238 specific to the measurement of flow rates of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) compounds while detecting and controlling various polymer instabilities associated with the flow rate. it is useful for quality-control tests on PVC compounds having a wide range of melt viscosities. Measurements are made at shear rates close to 1 s−1.
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