Color masterbatch is an important part of the plastic manufacturing process because it allows manufacturers to add bright and consistent colors to a wide variety of products. Through reading this article, you will be able to learn about 5 types of them and the factors that can guide you when selecting the right ones.
1. A complete list of color masterbatch applications
Currently, color masterbatch is widely used thanks to its advantages including improved color consistency, ease of handling, and enhanced productivity in plastic manufacturing processes. Understanding these core applications can help you select the right color masterbatch solutions for your specific needs.
Read more: Color masterbatch – What to know its main constituents and purposes?
1.1. Blowing films
An application of color masterbatch is in the manufacture of blown films. In producing grocery bags or shrink wrap, the incorporation of color masterbatch enables producers to churn out distinctive packaging materials linked to the company’s brand. This is rather helpful especially for sectors including food and retail as packaging is highly essential in growing the image of a product.
One of the most significant uses of color masterbatch is in the production of blown films.
1.2. Injection molding
When it comes to the injection molding process it must be said that color masterbatch is incredibly useful. This method is employed in the production of an assortment of plastic items for household use as well as car parts. It also sees to it that molded parts are developed with preferred colors depending on the branding or the designs involved.
1.3. Blow molding
Color masterbatch is also used in the blow molding process as well. They offer an effective way of coloring the material to be processed to a wide range of hues and shades without the need to add large quantities of colorant into the process line. This process is widely used in the production of plastic bottles, containers, and any hollow products made from plastic materials.
By using color masterbatch, blow-molded products can be given a nice and attractive appearance, making them more appealing to purchasers.
1.4. Thermoforming
In thermoforming, color masterbatch is an important ingredient in the plastic manufacturing process. This is especially helpful in business segments such as the food packaging where ultimately the packaging material must adequately fit the company image and meet the customer expectations.
1.5. Extrusion
Color masterbatch also holds a significant role in extrusion. They are used in fabricating products like pipes, sheets, profiles, fibers, and other similar items. Masterbatch helps the extruded items to retain the predetermined color as the manufacturing processes and methods are performed even when it is in large-scale production.
This consistency is greatly needed especially in industries such as construction where there is a growing demand for coordinated colors of pipes and construction products. When they use color masterbatch, the extruders are able to meet the needs in terms of color, texture, and functionality of the final product.
Color masterbatch also plays an important role in the extrusion process.
2. Choosing the right color masterbatch
Within the realm of plastic production, the type of color masterbatch to use is among the most critical determinants of the success of a product. This multi-functional ingredient is essential in providing the exact and preferred look in meeting the dynamic demands of consumers.
2.1. Compatibility with plastic resin
The first and foremost thing that must be kept in mind while choosing a color masterbatch is its compatibility with the base plastic resin used. The manufacturer needs to read carefully through the technical data and recommendations provided by the masterbatch supplier to fit the type of color masterbatch into the intended plastic material.
2.2. Color consistency and uniformity
Coloring in the manufactured plastics is one more principal aspect of the manufacturing process that should have steady and consistent circumstances. Consistency is another key consideration, which must be maintained across the carrier material to prevent its appearance from being compromised through the inclusion of islands of color masterbatch.
Several issues like particle size of the pigment and its dispersion, concentration of the master batch, and interaction between the color masterbatch and the processing equipment affect the final color. Manufacturers must discuss their requirements with the suppliers of masterbatch to validate the color consistency according to their production line.
Color masterbatch is an important part of the production process that should be kept consistent.
2.3. Lightfastness and weather resistance
One of these issues that may be a concern for manufacturers is the duration for which the color masterbatch will be capable of resisting fading when exposed to light and other natural environmental conditions. The manufacturer should consider and evaluate the lightfastness and weatherability resistance of color masterbatch when choosing.
2.4. Prevent migration
Apart from reaching the right hue, one fundamental feature to consider when choosing a color masterbatch is its capacity to avoid migration of its components. This is of course especially relevant for all items that come in direct contact with food as well as with human skin which includes for example food packaging, children’s toys or cosmetics.
Several components in the masterbatch, like colorants, or other additives, can go out to interact with another item leading to the alteration of that particular product. Selecting the right color masterbatch with a good migration-prevent result is one way to incorporate the right quality in the product.
When selecting a color masterbatch, one important characteristic to consider is its ability to prevent component migration.
3. Conclusion
Color masterbatch is a very important and diversified product applied across a range of industries because it is required for color control and addition in plastics. Five of the main applications are blowing film, injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, and extrusion. For getting a high efficiency application, knowing which type of color masterbatch to use in each application is very important.
4. About EuroPlas
EuroPlas is committed to providing superior plastic raw material solutions that reduce production costs while increasing market competitiveness. As a reputable provider, we provide high-quality color masterbatch with the following characteristics:
- Create exact colors as end-products' requirements
- Great dispersion
- High color fastness and good thermal resistance
- Environmental friendly
- Various color choices
Contact us immediately to take advantage of our high-quality materials and obtain advice and support.