Pigments not predisposed to fading when exposed over long periods of times to UV light. These pigments are generally used for outdoor applications. Not to be confused with UV stabilizers, Light Fast pigments must be selected if fading is to be avoided, whether or not the resin matrix has a UV additive in it (which protects against yellowing and/or polymer degradation when exposed to UV light) Pigments, which are light fast, retain their color despite their exposure, whereas non-light fast pigment will tend to dull and actually fade in terms of pigmentation when exposed

Pigments that can withstand high processing temperatures. Pigments, which lack heat stability, will burn when processed in temperature ranges exceeding their temperature window. This burning of pigment manifests itself as darkening and dirtying of the desired color. Resins that are processed at high temperatures require pigments that are heat stable so that they not change colour

In applications where the plastic part manufactured has an intended use in which it comes in contact with food, formulations must contain only pigments which individually are food approved. Additionally the formula once established must be submitted to government regulatory bodies to establish their suitability in the intended application.

Some yellow and orange pigments known as either Lead Chromates or Cadmium pigments. These pigments are economical to use, however there is some concern with their use in certain applications due to their heavy metal content. Clients can request heavy metal free formulations.

Pigments, which by design, will change from one color to another when exposed to heat or cold. Generally used in novelty items

Materials we incorporate into concentrate form to enhance the functionality of a particular resin in one form or another. UV stabilizers enhance performance by extending the life expectancy of a plastic product when exposed to UV light. Antistatic agents will dissipate static charges either on simple levels in a product or on higher levels, to enable the usage of the intended product in high-end electronic packaging applications. Antiblocking agents, slip agents, foaming agents, nucleating agents, antimicrobial are other additives that can be used in one form or another to achieve certain desired effects. Speak with your Unicolor sales representative to best design a product best suited for your own unique application.

Master Batches formulated to yield more than one single function. Unicolour designs composite concentrates that include multi-additive packages or a colour coupled with an additive. Speak with your Unicolour sales representative to best design a product best suited for your own unique application.

A Master Batch, which can be utilized with a wide variety of different resins. The term is a misnomer of sorts; a more accurate way of calling such a product would be Multi Polymer Concentrate or Master Batch. True universality does not exist, however certain resins even if not of the same family as the target resin, can exhibit acceptable compatibility in low usage ratios, with little or no detriment to the ultimate product or process. It is always the responsibility of the client to determine the true suitability of a “Universal Concentrate” in any given application. They are practical in as much as their use can eliminate double inventorying of coloring media in a project where more than one resin is being used on two or more separate parts. One must be conscious of the fact that a given Universal concentrate used with one resin may yield a different appearance when used with another resin. This difference is caused by the different natural color of the base resin, which ultimately contributes to the appearance of the final product.

The phenomenon of a colour differing in appearance under different light sources.

Many resins have a natural color of their own. Some, for example Acrylic (PMMA), Polycarbonate, or Crystal Styrene (GPPS), are clear and colorless, while others, such as Polyolefin, High Impact Polystyrene, ABS and most other resins, have their own natural color, which affect any pigment formula. This can cause shifts in color if the same formulation is used with different base resins. This color shift can even occur if a processor changes their resin source. In cases in which a color is very sensitive, it is advisable to provide Unicolor with a sample of the new resin to be processed so that we can make the appropriate corrections or modifications if required. In certain cases resin color contribution can cause the impossibility of achieving certain shades. For example certain colors may require a formula that is 100% void of any white influence. High Impact Styrene through its rubber content has considerable white content, which would make such a formula impossible to attain.

 

Unicolor extensive additives line

Processing Aids
Opacifiers
UV stabilizers
Antioxidants
Antistatic agents
Slip agents
Antislip agents
Antiblocking agents