Physical and Analytical Testing

We at M. Holland Company are dedicated to assisting our customers with their laboratory needs. The standard turnaround time for all lab requests is two weeks; although this is dependent upon the number of tests needed, sample preparation required, and laboratory backlog. Please be advised that results obtained from M. Holland Company are intended for information purposes only.

Services include:

Polymer characterization and identification

• If you have an unknown plastic resin or a competitive part, we can identify the material and determine its physical properties. We can also verify the properties of known resins.

Sample performance testing and failure analysis

• We can evaluate the physical and thermal characteristics of products to confirm it meets your requirements.

CAD and mold filling analysis

• Modeling and process analysis software is available to our customers to assist in process development.

M Holland lab capabilities
Common tests include:

Ash Content

• Test method: ASTM D5630
• This determines the percentage of inorganic fillers present in a part or resin sample
• The sample size required for an ash content is at least ½ lb

Dart Drop Impact

• Test method: ASTM D1709
• This is used to determine the impact of film at a fixed height
• A sample of 12 lineal feet at full lay flat is required for testing

Density

• Test method: ASTM D792 Test Method A
• This is the same as specific gravity
• The sample size required for testing is ½ to 1 lb

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

• Test method: n/a
• DSC is used to determine the melting point/crystallization point of a sample material as well as identifying materials and blends
• A minimum 10 gm sample is required for testing

Elmendorf Tear

• Test method: ASTM D1922
• The required sample size for film testing is 12 lineal feet at full lay flat

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

• Test method: n/a
• FTIR is used for identification of the sample material and additives
  
• A 10 gm sample is required for testing

Gardner Impact

• Test method: ASTM D5420
• Gardner impact is a falling dart test and is used to determine the practical impact strength of parts or molded resin
• This requires a minimum 10 lb sample for testing

Izod Impact

• Test method: ASTM D256
• This is used to determine the energy required to break a specimen at a pre-imposed stress point (the notch).
• The required sample size for izod testing is 5 lb

Melt Flow

• Test method: ASTM D1238
• The proper use of melt flow rate can characterize a material's molecular weight
• Melt flow testing requires a sample size of ½ to 1 lb

Microscopy

• Test method: n/a
• This can be used to determine fracture pathways and contaminants or inclusions within a part or resin sample
• There is no minimal sample size required

Mold filling Analysis

• Test method: n/a
• This can be done to determine the filling characteristics and moldability of a customer's part. Alternate gate locations can be used to visualize mold filling.
• A sample is not required, however a part drawing must be supplied

Surface Hardness

• Test method: Shore A and Shore D
• This requires either parts or a minimum 5 lb sample for molding