Moisture Analyzer as a Quality Control Tool in Plastics Production – Accuracy and Effectiveness of RADWAG Technology
In modern plastics production, precise control of granule moisture content determines the stability of the technological process, the strength of parts and the minimisation of material losses. One of the most important parameters to control is the moisture content of the granules. This is where a professional moisture analyzer – a device combining the functions of a precision balance and an analytical dryer – proves indispensable.
The Importance of Moisture in Plastic Granules
Moisture in plastic granules, such as PA, PET or ABS, affects the entire processing process:
- Too high water content can lead to surface defects in moulded parts, blisters, dullness or weakening of the material
- Moist pellets often cure unevenly, which can increase cycle time or mould wear
- The presence of moisture can accelerate the thermal hydrolysis of the plastic during heating in the injection process, which reduces its mechanical properties.
Plastic granules are hygroscopic, so they absorb moisture from the air during storage. For this reason, it is necessary to check the moisture level before the injection process.
How a Moisture Analyzer Reduces Pre-Injection Testing Time
Traditional methods of moisture determination, such as oven drying and sample weighing, are time-consuming and prone to human error. A moisture analyzer automates this process by:
- Rapidly heating and drying the sample in a controlled chamber
- Measuring the mass before and after drying in a single operation
- Displaying the result directly on the device without the need for additional calculations.
This means that moisture control can take minutes instead of hours, which directly speeds up production decisions and minimises material preparation time.
Comparison of Drying and Moisture Measurement Methods
In practice, several methods are used to determine the moisture content of plastics:
a) Classic (oven) drying
- Very time-consuming (can take up to 2 hours)
- Requires manual weighing
- Prone to operator error.
b) Rapid measurement methods (e.g. notched analyzers, capacitive sensors)
- Short duration
- Not always accurate with materials of uneven structure.
c) Thermogravimetry in moisture analyzers
A moisture analyzer combines weighing precision with controlled sample drying thanks to thermogravimetric moisture analysis (balance and dryer in one). The process involves weighing the sample before and after drying and automatically calculating the mass loss, which is interpreted as moisture content. This solution is most reliable for plastics – it allows repeatable results to be obtained even with small sample quantities and under different drying conditions.
RADWAG Moisture Analyzers, Which Are Ideal for Quality Control in Plastics Production
- PMV 5Y Microwave Moisture Analyzer
- MA 5Y Moisture Analyzer
- MA 5Y.IC Moisture Analyzer
- MA X7.A Moisture Analyzer
- MA X7.IC.A Moisture Analyzer
- MA R Moisture Analyzer.
Summary
A moisture analyzer is a tool that not only measures but also controls and makes decisions in plastics production. It allows you to:
- Quickly assess the moisture content of granules before injection
- Shorten quality testing time
- Obtain precise and repeatable results
- Minimise defects in end products.
As a result, RADWAG moisture analyzers provide reliable support in production and control/laboratory processes where measurement accuracy and speed have a real impact on product quality.
