Why Color Masterbatch Is More Practical Than Raw Pigment
Many industries utilize colored plastics as they provide visual appeal and practicality. Pigments or masterbatches are used to add the coloring. Masterbatch is pellets, while pigment comes in powdered form. Raw pigment and color masterbatch are both used to add color to plastic products. However, many industries prefer masterbatch over pigment.
What makes color masterbatch the superior option?
- Pigments tend to contaminate other manufacturing lines as they can become airborne during the process.
- Color masterbatch is easy to manipulate, move, and store due to its shape.
- Masterbatch allows for a finished product with excellent color distribution. Unfortunately, pigments do not disperse as well.
- Masterbatch provides a better color consistency than raw pigments.
- When using color masterbatch, it’s easy to match the binding agent to the polymer for better melting.
- During the manufacturing process, it’s easier to handle masterbatch than pigments.
- Since pigments are in their raw and powdered form, you will need more product for production. Color masterbatch requires less.
- You can include additive concentrates to color masterbatch, such as UV stability, optical brightening, chemical resistance, and flame retardancy.
- There is a lower chance of variance during the processing with color masterbatch as you can use additive ingredients in predetermined ratios.
Color masterbatch is one of the many forms of specialty compounding that adds characteristics to a final plastic product. When looking to add coloring to your plastics, consider using color masterbatch over raw pigment.
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