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Plastics have transformed 3D printing into one of the most innovative manufacturing methods available today. From prototyping to full-scale production, the versatility of plastics allows for a range of applications in industries like automotive, medical, aerospace, and consumer goods. But not all plastics are created equal. Each 3D printing technology relies on specific polymers with unique properties that affect strength, flexibility, and durability. As a color compounder, we understand that material selection goes beyond performance—it’s [...]

In color compounding for plastics, the terms opaque, translucent, and transparent describe how light interacts with the colored plastic, and these differences are critical for achieving the desired visual effects. More often than not, these terms can be confused due to their subtle differences in light transmission and visual appearance:Opaque: Opaque colors completely block the transmission of light, resulting in a solid, non-transparent appearance. Opaque colors are often used when the goal is to completely conceal [...]

Color concentrate, dry color, and pre-color are all methods of adding color to plastics in the color compounding process, but they differ in their form and how they are incorporated into the plastic: 1.Color Concentrate: Color concentrate, also known as liquid color or color masterbatch, is a concentrated mixture of pigments or dyes dispersed in a carrier resin. It is typically in liquid or pellet form and is added to the base resin during the compounding [...]

An easy way to transform the visual appearance of plastic products and enhance their appeal is by the use of special effect masterbatches. Special effect masterbatches are additives used in color compounding to achieve unique visual or tactile effects in plastic products. These concentrates contain a combination of pigments, additives, and sometimes special-effect components that impart specific characteristics to the final product. They are typically added to base resins during the compounding process to create customized [...]

Choosing the right resin is crucial in color compounding as it directly impacts the properties and performance of the final product. Different resins have unique characteristics such as strength, flexibility, chemical resistance, and processability. These properties influence how well the resin can be compounded with additives and pigments, how the color will appear, and how the product will perform in its intended application. For example, a resin with high chemical resistance may be preferred for [...]

FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved plastics and resins are materials that have been deemed safe for use in contact with food and pharmaceuticals, ensuring that they do not contaminate the products they come into contact with. These materials undergo rigorous testing to meet FDA standards. Non-FDA approved plastics and resins, on the other hand, have not gone through this specific certification process and are generally not recommended for use in food or pharmaceutical applications. [...]

UV packages, also known as UV stabilizers or UV additives, are commonly used in colorants for plastics to protect the material from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation from sunlight can cause degradation and discoloration of plastics, leading to reduced product lifespan and visual deterioration. UV packages are essential in extending the longevity and appearance of plastic products, especially those exposed to outdoor environments. Common use cases for incorporating UV additives in your [...]

What’s your favorite color? Maybe you’re partial to a color that’s bold and bright, or perhaps you prefer a more subtle, toned-down hue. No matter your desired shade, it can be used to color plastic. But – how does plain, colorless plastic end up emerald green, sky blue, or any other color of the rainbow? Color can be added to plastics in a variety of ways. Let’s review the role of color in plastics and [...]