Guill Tool opens in-house rheology lab

Extrusion tooling manufacturer Guill Tool has opened an in-house rheology laboratory at its headquarters in West Warwick, R.I.

The lab, which the company said is the only such lab to be offered by an extrusion tooling maker, features a range of testing equipment, including a hybrid rotational rheometer, a differential scanning calorimeter, and a thermal conductivity meter.

“Third-party testing facilities are typically not experienced in extrusion processes, and simply supply data, not recommendations,” Guill Tool said in a statement. “We can not only gather data the same way third-party testers can, but can also interpret that data as it applies specifically to extrusion. We are now equipped to both test a customer’s materials and work with them to create extrusion tooling that will give them a competitive edge.”

The new Guill rheology lab processes standard materials, custom formulae, and it is equipped to mix materials, including plastics, thermoplastic elastomers, and all types of rubber and silicone. “Information from the lab is transmitted directly to the Guill engineering department via computer link for review by the design team,” the company said.

The lab will be offered for use by extruders and chemical formulators, among others in the industry.