Plastic Testing & Quality Control Procurement Checklist
intermediate45-60 minutes0/21 completed
Establishing a comprehensive plastic testing and quality control program requires careful procurement of equipment, standards, and services. This checklist ensures your lab has the essential capabilities for polymer characterization and incoming material inspection.
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Essential Testing Equipment Procurement
Procure melt flow index (MFI) tester with ASTM D1238 compliance
critical
Select universal testing machine for tensile testing per ASTM D638
critical
Acquire impact testing equipment (Izod and/or Charpy)
high
Procure differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) system
high
Obtain density measurement equipment
medium
Install muffle furnace for ash content testing
medium
Standards and Documentation Procurement
Purchase current ASTM testing standards library
critical
Procure certified reference materials (CRMs)
high
Obtain certified calibration weights and artifacts
high
Stock standard test specimens and molding materials
medium
Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs)
high
Quality System and Calibration Services
Establish calibration service contracts
critical
Implement laboratory information management system (LIMS)
medium
Enroll in proficiency testing programs
medium
Establish technician training and certification programs
high
Set up sample retention and storage system
medium
Vendor Qualification and Ongoing Support
Qualify testing equipment suppliers
high
Negotiate preventive maintenance agreements
high
Establish consumables supply chain
medium
Secure ongoing technical support resources
medium
Identify backup testing capabilities
low
Pro Tips
Cross-reference ASTM and ISO test methods early in procurement - many customers specify both, and understanding equivalencies prevents duplicate equipment purchases.
When sourcing reference materials, coordinate with your resin suppliers like Colorado Sun Inc to obtain certified samples of your most common grades for ongoing QC validation.
Budget 15-20% additional for installation, training, and validation costs beyond equipment purchase price - these hidden costs often catch procurement teams off-guard.
Establish measurement uncertainty budgets for each test method during equipment qualification to set realistic acceptance criteria and avoid unnecessary material rejections.
Document equipment specifications in your quality manual before procurement begins to ensure all stakeholders agree on capabilities and prevent scope creep during selection.