🧪 How to Read a Polymer TDS (Technical Data Sheet)? – A Comprehensive Guide for Manufacturers
- Fatma Akcay
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
In plastic production, selecting the right polymer isn’t just about price or lead time. Just as important are the technical properties of the material, which are often presented by suppliers in a TDS (Technical Data Sheet).
Yet, these technical documents are often overlooked or misinterpreted. In reality, a TDS is a technical roadmap that helps ensure efficient production, proper machine settings, and error-free output.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how to read a Polymer Technical Data Sheet, explain the most important technical terms, and show you how to interpret the data for real-world manufacturing applications.
📄 What is a TDS (Technical Data Sheet)?
A TDS is a document that outlines the physical, mechanical, thermal, and processing properties of a polymer product. It tells you:
What applications the material is suitable for (e.g., injection molding, extrusion, film blowing)
What temperatures to use in processing
How strong, flexible, or heat-resistant the material is
It's a technical document—but one that can make or break your production if read correctly.
🔍 Key Terms Found in a Polymer Technical Data Sheet
1. MFI – Melt Flow Index
Definition: The amount of polymer (in grams) that flows through a standard die under specific heat and pressure within 10 minutes.
Why it matters: It determines the flowability of the material, and different manufacturing methods require different MFI values.
Application | Typical MFI |
Pipe Extrusion (HDPE) | 0.2 – 0.5 g/10 min |
Injection Molding | 8 – 20 g/10 min |
Film Blowing (LDPE, LLDPE) | 0.8 – 3 g/10 min |
⚠️ Incorrect MFI can cause mold filling issues, burning, or low output in your production line.
2. Density
Unit: g/cm³
Measures the mass per unit volume.
Higher density polymers are usually tougher and more rigid.
For HDPE, typical density is 0.940 – 0.970 g/cm³
📌 Lower density = more flexibility / Higher density = more strength and rigidity
3. Tensile Strength
Unit: MPa
Indicates the maximum stress the material can handle before breaking.
High tensile strength = stronger parts (like crates, pipes, caps)
4. Elongation at Break
The percentage a material can stretch before it breaks.
Very important for packaging films and flexible products.
5. Izod Impact Strength
Describes the material’s resistance to sudden impacts.
Important in pipes, boxes, toys, and durable goods.
6. Vicat Softening Point / HDT
Shows at what temperature the material begins to soften or deform.
Crucial for products used in high-temperature environments.
7. Processing Temperature
TDS often includes recommended temperature ranges for molding or extrusion.
Helps operators set machine parameters correctly.
❗️ What Happens If You Misinterpret the TDS?
Wrong material selection → Cracks, warping, or short shots in final product
Low heat resistance → Deformation in heat-exposed applications
Poor impact strength → Easy breakage during handling or use
Incompatible MFI → Production stops or significant inefficiencies
These mistakes cost time, money, and customer satisfaction.
✅ How Minerva Polymer Supports You
At Minerva Polymer, we do more than supply plastic raw materials. We act as your technical partner, offering:
Up-to-date TDS and MSDS documents for every product
Support in both English and Turkish
Guidance in material selection tailored to your process
Tips for MFI selection, additives, and production settings
Our goal is to make sure you get it right the first time—saving you from production headaches and maximizing efficiency.
🧠 Conclusion
A Polymer TDS is more than a datasheet—it's a technical compass that guides your production to success. Reading and understanding it properly can improve product quality, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.
At Minerva Polymer, we're not just your supplier—we're your solution partner in polymers and compounds.
📩 Need technical support or the right material for your application?
Email us at info@minervapolymer.com
or call +90 534 050 4017
🌐 Visit: www.minervapolymer.com
Comments