Masterbatch allows plastic manufacturers to create coloured plastics and impart additional properties, such as anti-static and flame-retardant polymers, to plastic, which would otherwise be impossible.
Every day we interact with plastics enhanced by coloured and additive masterbatch, but the production of these products is much more advanced than most imagine. Here are the most common questions about masterbatch and their answers.
What is masterbatch?
Masterbatch is an additive that can present itself in a solid or liquid form. It can be used for colouring plastics (coloured masterbatch) and imparting other properties to plastic (additive masterbatch).
Properties of additive masterbatch include thermal resistance, light resistance, flame resistance, anti-static, and self-extinguishing. By using plastic additives, manufacturers can modify plastic characteristics for a specific purpose. This type of masterbatch is commonly used in polymer films, refrigerators, door modules, and drawer rails.
Coloured masterbatch allows manufacturers to achieve a precise shade and level of vibrancy for a plastic product. By mixing a plastic product with a coloured masterbatch, the item takes on the correct colour with a controlled and consistent distribution. Black, white, and coloured masterbatch is available.
How is masterbatch manufactured?
At Abbey Masterbatch, masterbatch is a concentrated mixture of colour pigments or additives that are manufactured by using a twin screw extruder. Masterbatch twin screw extruders are widely used to mix materials that need to be melted and formed. They are energy-saving with low energy consumption.
Once produced masterbatch takes a pellet form which allows for easy handling during the plastic manufacturing process and decreases the risk of pigment becoming airborne and contaminating other production lines.
What are the advantages of using masterbatch in plastic?
There are many advantages of using masterbatch in plastic manufacturing. Masterbatch allows you to colour raw plastic economically and improve physical plastic properties.
Additional benefits of using masterbatch in plastic include:
- A consistent and controlled colour
- Engineered for optimal dispersion
- Convenient for storage and handling
- Use in a variety of applications
- Affordable
- Great dyeing strength
Which industries use masterbatch?
A range of industries uses masterbatch during their plastic production. Building and construction, automotive, transportation, packaging, consumer goods, and agriculture industries are just some of the markets that use masterbatch to improve the quality of their product. Masterbatch is also commonly used in the thermoplastic industry, paint, ink, and similar industries.
What are the benefits of black masterbatch?
Black masterbatch is designed for film, moulding and compounding applications. It has high tinting strength, covering power, and improved stretch, as well as being one of the most affordable options available on the market.
Many products and industries can benefit from black masterbatch, including packaging, automotive, and agricultural industries. Black masterbatch is commonly used in vehicle bodies, bumpers, headlamps, and tyres to extend service life and cut back on production costs.
In addition, black masterbatch can be used for agricultural purposes and provide a protective layer to products such as pipes, that may otherwise deteriorate from chemical exposure. Cables, wires, and hoses can also benefit from thermal protection provided by black masterbatch.
What is a masterbatch supplier?
A masterbatch supplier is a company that manufactures and distributes masterbatch. Abbey Masterbatch is a leading supplier of white additives, pigment dispersions, colour and black masterbatch.
Founded in 1984, Abbey Masterbatch is a trusted supplier of high-quality products suitable for the thermoplastic sector and associated industries. Get more information and view our products today.
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