Guill Tool launches in-house rheology lab
Extrusion tooling manufacturer Guill Tool has opened an in-house rheology laboratory, with the aim of obtaining better results and minimizing the time between testing and production.
The lab, in the company's facility in West Warwick, Rhode Island, features several key machines that ensure optimum results when testing materials — especially new compounds to be extruded. The testing equipment includes a hybrid rotational rheometer, a differential scanning calorimeter and a thermal conductivity meter.
Third-party testing facilities are typically not experienced in extrusion processes. Guill, however, can not only gather data the same way third-party testers can, but can also interpret that data as it applies specifically to extrusion.
Guill is now equipped to both test its customers' materials and work with them to create extrusion tooling. Accurate simulation and interpretation by extrusion experts reduces the number of physical reworks needed, as the tooling has a greater chance of producing a good product at the outset. In-house testing also speeds up the turnaround on test results, which reduces delays during the tool design process and offers better control over the processes and test parameters.
The new Guill rheology lab processes standard materials and custom formulae, and is equipped to mix materials including plastics, thermoplastic elastomers, all types of rubber and silicone. Information from the lab is transmitted directly to Guill's engineering department for review by the design team.
The lab will be offered for use by extruders and chemical formulators, among others in the industry.