Frequently Asked Questions

What polymers do Spectra do masterbatches for?

Spectra provide polymer specific masterbatches for PPCO, PPHO, HDPE, LDPE, GPPS, HIPS, SAN, ABS, EVA, POM, PET and PETG.

What polymers can I use Spectra's Universal Masterbatches?

Spectra's range of universal masterbatches are suitable for use in PPCO, PPHO, HDPE, LDPE, GPPS, HIPS, SAN, ABS, EVA, POM, PVC, PA and PC. Shades and suitability may vary dependent on on material grades and customers are advised to trial all colours before starting production. Spectra offer free 100mg samples on request.

Can I combine effects?

Effects can be combined though in some cases this may be counter-productive. The best combinations tend to combine effects pigments with coloured pigments, giving a different tint to the effect.

What is the minimum let down rate I can use?

The let down you use will be dependent on the way you dose or mix your colour. Using high quality gravimetric dosing equipment it may be possible to dose as low as 1% however this only really works when moulding high volumes of components, where you can set the process and optimise it to run for days at a time. As you move on to volumetric dosing or premixing a higher let down is desirable to ensure consistent colour.

What is the maximum let down rate I can use?

Theoretically you could use whatever let down you wanted. The higher the let down you use the greater your colour stability will be. This is especially relevant to translucent colours. However this needs to be offset against the raw material cost of your product as the higher your let down rate the greater your colouring cost will be.

How can colour affect the let down?

As explained previously, masterbatch is made of a polymer carrier and a pigment system. The loading of pigment is dependent on the strength of the colour and the let down used. For instance a 1% masterbatch will contain 3 times as much pigment as a 3% masterbatch of the same colour and strength and strength.This means that while a translucent tint could be done at a 1% let down (although as already explained this may not be advisable), conversely, a strong or bright colour may need a higher let down as the pigment loadings must be higher.

What is the maximum translucency I can achieve?

Translucency is very much dependent on the on the polymer you are moulding in (see the Polymers page of this site). However, even in glass clear materials such as GPPS translucency is limited to approximately 15% alpha as shown on the Spectra Colour Matcher.

How long will it take to get a colour match?

Colour matching is usually with our customers in 3 working days. Short notice matching can be done when required.

How long will it take for me to get a sample?

All colour matching is done with sample as standard unless otherwise requested.

How long will it take to get masterbatch production?

Masterbatch production is usually with our customers in 5 working days. Short notice production can be done when required.

What is the cost of delivery?

Spectra offer free delivery to anywhere within the UK. Countries outside of the UK may be charged for delivery but this will be built into the per-kilo cost of their masterbatch.