Requesting Samples: Getting Useful Data Fast
What to tell a supplier when asking for a sample, and how to design a trial that answers your question in one round.
A sample request that only says "please send a sample" usually produces a sample that cannot answer the question. A few extra lines in the request save weeks.
What to state in the request
- •The grade you are evaluating against, including its specification.
- •The polymer system and the full compound formula you will test it in, or at least the polymer, filler and cure system.
- •The property you are trying to improve or match.
- •The test methods and standards you will use.
- •The quantity you need for a meaningful trial — for a mixing trial, usually several kilograms, not grams.
- •Whether you need the COA and SDS with the sample.
Designing the trial
Test the candidate against your current material in the same batch, on the same day, on the same equipment. Keep a retained sample of the incumbent for comparison. Change one variable at a time — if you change both the accelerator and the filler level, you will not know which one produced the result.
What to measure
Measure the property you care about plus the two properties most likely to be harmed by the change. For an accelerator change: t5, t90 and the cured physical properties. For a filler change: viscosity, dispersion, abrasion and heat build-up.
After the trial
Send the supplier your measured data, not just a pass or fail. Suppliers can usually adjust a grade or a recommendation when they can see the numbers, which is how a second round becomes productive. ## Need the documents or today's price? Send us the grade, quantity and destination port — we return a quotation with COA and MSDS attached. Email manager@fipolymer.com or use the inquiry form on this site.