This is how we work on quality at Grafityp
31.07.2023 - Quality is a priority at Grafityp. We guard that quality through rigorous testing. Feedback from our customers also sticks. We get to work with that input. In this blog, you will discover how we concretely work on quality at Grafityp.
Quality tests
We conduct standardised and additional quality tests on each main roll of film. Quality Control colleagues carry out tests on a sample of one metre of film, at different times during the production process.
A selection of our quality tests:
Smear
For this first quality test, the paste production team brings a small amount of PVC paste to the lab. A smear is made on the smearing machine. We check the colour and smoothness of the film.
We apply a small amount of the wet PVC paste and have the machine spread it out. The wet paste sticks to the paper. We then put the paper with the paste in a special oven to harden at a certain temperature. The result? A cured film (without glue).
Does the paste pass the smear test? Then the paste gets a ‘go’ and is cast in the cast production department.
Elongation at break
The cast film returns to the lab for the next set of tests. Including the elongation at break test to measure stretchability. We cut the cast film. A QC worker places the sample in a calibrated pulling machine. This machine slowlly pulls the film apart until it breaks. We measure how much the film stretches before it breaks and what force was needed to break it.
Flexibility test (2%)
In this test, we check the flexibility. We stretch the film exactly 2%. The less force is needed to stretch the film 2%, the more flexible it is. This result should also be between certain parameters.
Important: too flexible is not good either, the film should certainly not be elastic. The results of this pulling test are therefore closely monitored and evaluated. Does the film pass the test? Then it is glued in the production department.
Release test
The finished film with the adhesive is further evaluated in the lab. In the release test, we look at the adhesion on the release liner. We test whether the film releases easily from the backing paper.
An employee places the film on its backing paper in the machine and the machine slowly pulls the film off. Depending on the glue, the film should easily detach from the paper for smooth application. But too easily is also not desirable.
Peel test
The peel test measures the adhesive strength of the film on different materials, also known as substrates. To do this, the team uses, among other things, glass plates onto which they stick a piece of film. The machine pulls the film off the glass after 20 minutes and after 24 hours of preservation.
After 20 minutes, this should still be fairly easy. After 24 hours, the adhesive has reached its final adhesive strength on the glass and removal becomes more difficult (depending on the type of adhesive).Our customers also value these properties.
Shrink test
The shrink test speaks for itself. It is a test to measure how far a film might shrink after application. The lab tests that on standardized aluminum panels.
Rework & adjust
Does the film fail any of the tests? In other words, does the film not achieve our precise predetermined parameters? Then the team performs a second back-up test on a different sample. Do the results remain the same? Then the film is reworked and, if necessary, withdrawn from production.
Listen and innovate
In addition to the quality tests, there is of course customer feedback. Any difficulties in applying the film? Other points for improvement? We are always listening carefully. That customer feedback sticks.
Sales colleagues pass on feedback to QC, R&D, and production. Together, they set to work to improve the film in the next production round. It is not by accident that R&D and QC together form the Innovation and Research & Development (INOO) group.
Do you have any further questions about our quality or the quality tests?
More news
We help to make brands stick. To do this in the best possible way, a good knowledge of the material is essential. Of films and of adhesives. And of the perfect mix for each application. In our blog we share this knowledge with you and we keep you posted on the latest news facts from our company and from our sector.
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