5 Things to Know Before Buying plastic masterbatch

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.

View Details

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?

What is color masterbatch and how was masterbatch produced?

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 

Choosing the best masterbatch for your specific project can be difficult, but it is key to improve your product and extend its life. Here are 7 key criteria we consider when choosing a masterbatch that best meets your needs:

1.     Quality

Plastic is a material that has changed our lives over the past 50 years. It is used to manufacture a variety of consumer goods, from toys and cars to building materials and furniture. However, the quality and performance of these products depend on the quality of the raw materials used for the plastic. Masterbatch is an additive that supplies plastics with precisely measured amounts of key additives such as color pigments, UV stabilizers, antistatics, ...

Masterbatch is an essential part in the production of many plastic products. That is why it is best to choose an experienced manufacturer such as Italmaster who guarantees quality.

At Italmaster you can count on the best quality masterbatch for the plastics industry: injection moulding, profile extrusion, plate extrusion, blow molding and rotomoulding. Partly due to the large historical concentration of textile producers in Flanders, we also have extensive experience in the production of high-quality masterbatch for yarn extrusion.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from HongDa.

2.     Color and color consistency

What if all plastic products were transparent or colorless..? A bit monotonous, right?

Color is very important to make your product attractive. Masterbatch plays an important role to add color to the plastic product. We can create any color you need, in accordance with your color sample, LAB values or international color standards (RAL, pantone,…). Our database of over 10,000 colors guarantees that we can find a match for specific ones.

Italmaster puts a high priority on color consistency: our experts have the necessary experience to consistently develop and re-develop the shade and intensity of your chosen color so that your product can always maintain the same appearance.

We keep the correct formula and a sample of each developed color in our database, so that the correct color can always be produced immediately.

More explanation about masterbatch development at Italmaster can be found on our blog page via this link: How do we develop a color masterbatch?

Also watch our video about this on Youtube!

3.     Color and color consistency

The heat resistance of masterbatch is another important consideration. Masterbatch must meet high standards with regard to temperature stability, so that problems during production are avoided.

Here's the thing: masterbatches with low temperature stability cannot stand the high temperature of the processing process. There is a risk that the pigment burns and the desired final color is not obtained.

Therefore, the temperature of the processing process should be taken into account when developing the masterbatch. It is very important to provide the correct parameters when ordering your masterbatch when we ask you the following question: What temperature (°C) should the pigments and specifications be able to withstand, for example what is the maximum temperature (°C) of the processing process?

4.     Lightfastness and weather resistance

The high lightfastness of the pigments used in the masterbatch contributes to the color consistency and durability of the final product. This is one of the most important criteria for a colored plastic product. Exposure to a high concentration of UV has a negative effect on the lifespan of plastics.

UV radiation breaks down the chemical bonds of the polymer, which can lead to degradation. By selecting pigments with high lightfastness when developing the masterbatch, a better guarantee can be offered to end users, which ultimately leads to a higher brand value.

Weather resistance indicates the extent to which the pigments must be resistant to the effects of the weather elements. We ask that you provide a value from 1 to 5. 1 is very poor and 5 is excellent weather resistance.

More explanation about the effect of UV rays on the quality of your end product can be found on our blog page via this link: How to protect plastic products against UV radiation.

Also watch our video about this on Youtube!

5.     Prevent migration

When the materials are processed, it is important to pay attention to the exclusion of migration: in this phenomenon, the pigment migrates from the surface of one material to the surface of the adjacent layer. Migration causes unwanted color shifts or other property changes between products that use the same material.

To avoid migration in masterbatches, only use masterbatches designed for your polymer and for your process conditions. Therefore, choose Italmaster masterbatches, which have a good knowledge and control of the migration problem.

6.     Choose the right additives

Additives influence the optical, mechanical and thermal properties of the plastic in order to meet the specifications of the end product.

Adding mechanical and thermal properties can be important depending on the end product. We already talked about light and weather stability and temperature resistance, but did you know that we can also provide your masterbatch with flame-retardant, antistatic and/or conductive properties?

The desired appearance of the end product may also require certain additives. Italmaster offers the following optical properties: metallic look, glitter look, interferent effect, pearl shine, fluorescent effect, glow-in-the-dark effect and reflective effect.

Be sure to discuss your needs and wishes with us so that we can offer you the right solution when developing your masterbatch.

7.     Speed and flexibility

On-time delivery is a critical factor for production. Our masterbatches are essential to guarantee high-quality plastic products, which is why it is important that we meet all your deadlines. We, Italmaster, make more than colors per year and strive to unburden our customer as much as possible!

Speed, service and flexibility are the plus points with which Italmaster can distinguish itself from other masterbatch producers. We guarantee a personal approach and a tailor-made solution for every request.

Our logistics team is very proactive and will keep you informed of the status of your shipment and delivery. Regardless of the size of your order, we always ensure that it reaches you on time and according to the agreements made.

At Italmaster, the masterbatch production and quality requirements meet the strict conditions of the ISO : certificate.

You can easily order masterbatches at Italmaster!

Are you convinced of our capabilities and would you like to have a new masterbatch developed? With our handy tool you can easily submit a new lab request, taking into account all criteria that are important for your masterbatch. Italmaster is happy to assist you!

Click on this link: A new request at Italmaster.

The company is the world’s best plastic masterbatch supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.