Boost Productivity through Optimal Moisture Control

The correct moisture content is crucial for trouble free processing, appearance and mechanical properties of the finished part. Operators, therefore, require a robust and easy-to-use instrument for measuring moisture in plastics. The solution? The HR83 Moisture Analyzer reliably analyzing plastics even with very low moisture content, directly on the factory floor.

Karl Küfner KG in Germany manufactures products, such as ABS brake system strainers for fuel injection valves and filtration components, for major automotive manufacturers and their suppliers. Many of the utilized resins are sensitive to moisture making appropriate pellet drying prior to molding mandatory in order to optimize production and guarantee high quality plastic parts.

Production Proven Moisture Determination
Karl Küfner KG has been using plastics in its products for a long time and has recognized the increasing customer demand for consistent product quality and the consequent need for better regulated processes in plastics handling. Mr. Hans Lang, head of quality management at Karl Küfner KG, explaines, “Moisture in plastics is a very important factor influencing product quality so we routinely monitor moisture content in plastics both before and during production.” Mr. Lang continued, “The traditional plastics moisture measurement is determined with Karl Fischer titration but it is too complicated for normal, day-to-day applications – we wanted equipment that is intuitive and can be used by every member of staff. We have chosen METTLER TOLEDO’s HR83 because it is very easy and quick to use and is suitable for use in production environments. It provides reproducible results, which is very important in order to keep our materials within tight moisture tolerances.”

Higher productivity thanks to optimized processes
Using this enabling technology, Karl Küfner KG is in a strong position to satisfy the demanding requirements of
Its customers. “We didn’t do any moisture testing as it was not common practice. Now, up to five tests are
performed every day by four or five operators,” says Mr. Lang. “When we first started to use the HR83, we
changed our processes based on the results it produced. We have now optimized our washing and injection processes on the strength of these measurements, mainly by changing the duration of the washing process and adapting the granule drying phase.” Karl Küfner’s customers now benefit from the stringent process control that is in place. Mr. Lang concludes, “We think this type of quality control will be important for all automotive plastic parts in the future.”