How to Choose the Right Purging Compound for Your Needs

What is a Purging Compound?

Ultra Purge™ is a purging compound injected into extrusion machines and other processing equipment. It cleans the barrel, screw, and nozzle of plastic residues, pigments, and other debris. Unlike traditional purging compounds, Ultra Purge™ is 20 times more effective at handling color and material changes. It is safe for hot runners, non-abrasive, and NSF-registered.

Key Considerations While Choosing A Purging Compound

Type of Resin

Engineering resins like nylon, polycarbonate, and polypropylene, along with polyethylene, have distinct melt flow characteristics. Ultra Purge™ is suitable for all kinds of polymers and can be effectively applied to many resins and production processes.

Degree of Contamination

Contamination can appear as black spots, silver streaks, or remaining pigments. Light contamination is often easy to remove with standard cleaning agents, but more stubborn residues require stronger solutions, such as Ultra Purge™. Ultra Purge™ breaks down resistant buildup and prevents redeposition to enable an uninterrupted manufacturing process.

Requirements of color change

Color changes in injection or extrusion processes can cause contamination if not fully purged. A changeover plan for colors should include a material like liquid purging compound, specifically meant to remove residual pigment and prevent color taint in the new color. Seek purging compound suppliers that provide products sold as color change cleaners.

Residue level

Certain applications—particularly those involving transparent or low-residue materials—will require a purging compound for injection molding that leaves minimal residue. Purging compound suppliers often list these specifications, and choosing the right one ensures cleanliness and compliance.

Processing temperature

Various compounds have been developed according to different processing temperatures. A purging compound supplier can guide you to the appropriate liquid purging compound for high or low-temperature operations.

Purging compounds: types

Mechanical purges

Used for general cleaning, mechanical purges rely on abrasion to remove contamination. These are ideal for light residues but may not suffice for heavy-duty tasks.

Chemical purges

A purging compound supplier often recommends chemical purges for breaking down tough residues. These are ideal for heavy contamination and material transitions.

Glass-filled purges

Enhanced with glass fibers, these liquid purging compounds are highly abrasive and effective for cleaning severe carbon buildup or pigment residue.

How to select the right purging compound

Talk to a purging compound supplier

Consulting a purging compound supplier ensures that the specific requirements of resin, contamination levels, and additional needs like hot runner cleaning are met.

Test various purging compounds

Trying small samples from multiple purging compound suppliers allows you to find the most efficient liquid purging compound for your process.

Cost-benefit analysis

While some purging compound suppliers offer high-end products, their efficiency often outweighs the initial cost through savings in downtime and material waste

Conclusion

The right liquid purging compound can be crucial in optimizing the efficiency of injection molding or extrusion processes. Factors like resin type, contamination level, hot runner cleaning, and color change needs are essential to consider. Consulting a purging compound supplier, testing products, and conducting a cost-benefit analysis will ensure the ideal choice. A quality purging compound for injection molding enhances cleanliness, minimizes downtime, and maximizes production efficiency. By selecting the right purging compound supplier, you invest in long-term efficiency and performance.

Switching to Ultra Purge™ can transform your production process by ensuring superior cleaning, faster cycles, and reduced material waste.

• Visit Chem-Trend’s Ultra Purge™ webpage to explore more.
• Request a Free Sample to experience the benefits firsthand.
• Consult Chem-Trend’s experts to identify the best purging solution tailored to your specific needs.