Quality Control

As an undertaking of our total commitment to produce the highest quality custom mouldings we have, since November 1995 been certified to ISO.9002 and through the transition to 9001:2000. The continuing implementation of this standard as a minimum level is carried out by our Quality Control Manager and an experienced team of supervisors.

Material Performance

PVC plastisol – the principal material used in dip moulding – consists of PVC polymer suspended in a plasticiser to which stabilisers and pigments are added.

Tests were conducted generally in accordance with the appropriate section of BS 2782. Average results were as follows:

Material grade ref. Hardness Shore A BF softness number Specimen temperature MN/m2 Maximum stress at break Percentage elongation
PDM100558523°C 9.6 473
PDM100 558565°C 9.4 460
PDM102 754523°C 14.1 398
PDM102 754565°C 13.6 400

Tear Strength

Tests were carried out at 23° C generally in accordance with BS 903.

Average results were as follows:

Material grade ref. Hardness Shore A BF softness number Tear strength
PDM100558527.4
PDM102754550.6

High Temperature Performance

Mouldings made from plastisol soften and become more elastic with increasing temperature. We would not recommend the use of mouldings produced from general grades of plastisol at continuous temperatures above 65° C. Specialised grades such as PDM 100 HT are available and they can be used at continuous temperatures up to 90° C, with intermittent use at higher temperatures.

Electrical Insulation Properties

Tests were carried out in accordance with BS 2782:202A and 203A.

Average results were as follows:

Material grade ref. Hardness Shore A BF softness number (Ohms) Surface resistivity (Ohm centimeter) Volume resistivity
PDM10055851.3 x 10 (12) 5.0 x10 (10)
PDM10275451.2 x 10 (12) 3.3 x 10 (11)

Chemical Resistance

PVC dip mouldings have a generally high splash resistance to a wide range of chemical reagents. We recommend that we are advised of the environment in which the moulding is to be used in order that we can confirm the degree of compatibility and, if necessary carry out tests.

The following table gives a general guide to the anticipated resistance of mouldings splashed with various chemicals at 20° C:

ResistantSome attack
Acetic acid (60%) Hydrogen peroxide Nitric acid (70%)
Ethyl alcohol Hydrogen peroxide Sulphuric acid (80%)
Calcium hydroxide Nitric acid (50%) Degraded
DetergentsPhosphoric acid (30%) Acetone
GlycerineSea water Carbon tetrachloride
Hydrobromic acid Sodium hydroxide Benzene
Hydrochloric acid Sulphuric acid (50%) Petrol
Hydrofluoric acid Transformer oil Trichloroethylene

Material Selection

We manufacture our own PVC plastisols and have developed a large range to suit widely differing requirements. Developments of new grades continue and, if necessary we can enhance a particular property of a standard grade.

Most grades are available in black, white and a wide range of colours. Some colours are offered as standard whilst other can be matched as required. Although many grades have a high gloss, opaque finish, some can be Matte, textured, or alternatively translucent.

Your logos or other details such as operating instructions can be printed on most mouldings using highly tenacious inks.

Flame Retardancy

Additives can be incorporated in all our plastisols, except food grades, to improve their resistance to flames. The specialised grades listed above include PDM 100 FR spec.

Toxicity

Most of our plastisols are classed as non toxic. It is not possible to list the complete range of materials that can be manufactured, please consult us for further information.

GRADE REFERENCE HARDNESS SHORE ABS SOFTNESS NUMBER COLOUR AVAILABILITY FINISHTYPICAL APPLICATIONS
PDM 100 5585Black, white, colours Glossy or mat General purpose flexible material. Uses include bellows and electrical insulating shrouds. Good low temperature properties
PDM 101 6565Black, white, colours Glossy or mat Slightly stiffer material ideal for complicated ducting
PDM 102 7545Black, white, colours Glossy or mat Most suitable for grips, end caps and sleeves
PDM 103 8535Black, white, colours Glossy or mat Stiffer grade – used for boxes and covers
PDM 104 45100Black, white, colours Glossy Most flexible grade available – ideal for protective boots. Good low temperatures properties.
PDM 109 9515Black, limited colours Semi-gloss Stiffest grade available – used for pipe bends and instruments covers
PDM 100 FR Spec UL 94-VO 5585Black only Glossy Flame retardant grade of PDM 100
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. – yellow card certification
PDM 100 FR 5585White colours Glossy or mat Flame retardant grade of PDM 100
PDM 100 OR 5585Black, white, colours Glossy Oil retardant grade of PDM 100
PDM 100 HT 5585Black, white, colours Glossy Continuous high temperature resistant grade of PDM 100 up to 90°C
PDM 101 FR 6565Black, white, colours Glossy or mat Flame retardant grade of PDM 101
PDM 101 OR 6565Black, white, colours Glossy Oil retardant grade of PDM 101
PDM 102 FR 7545Black, white, colours Glossy or mat Flame retardant grade of PDM 102
PDM 102 OR 7545Black, white, colours Glossy Oil retardant grade of PDM 1021
PDM 107 5585White & translucent (coloured & clear) Glossy Flexible grade for foodstuff or medical applications
PDM 108 7545Black, limited colours Glossy As PDM 107 but for semi-rigid mouldings