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Color Concentrates, QMQS2

When an end-product manufacturer orders a Recognized plastic to be supplied in a custom color, the Recognized plastics supplier has to shut down production, clean out the machinery and proceed with a special run for the production of this custom-colored plastic. This is a time-consuming and costly procedure that is typically reflected in the cost of the order.

In addition to this, the end-product manufacturer may not be able to obtain a small quantity custom order unless it was for a "neat" natural resin.

The Color Concentrate category, QMQS2, offers the end-product manufacturer faced with these types of scenarios the option of ordering the necessary amount of the Recognized "neat" natural resin and also obtaining a Color Concentrate Recognized for use with this Recognized plastic. By dry-blending the two without exceeding the published maximum let-down ratio, the end-product manufacturer can produce the part it has contracted for, which is typically more cost-effective than utilizing a custom-ordered Recognized plastic.

Recognition of a Color Concentrate for use with a vertically rated Recognized base resin is "specific" and would require the submittal of standardized test samples. The samples, consisting of the Color Concentrate let-down into the Recognized base resin are tested to ensure that the use of the Color Concentrate does not compromise the flame rating of the Recognized base resin.

The specific Recognition of the Color Concentrates requires the submittal and testing for each Recognized vertically rated base resin.

Recognition for use with HB-rated Recognized base resins involve the submittal of standardized test samples of the Color Concentrate let-down into a Recognized HB rated base resin for testing. If this testing does not compromise the HB-flame rating of the Recognized base resin, the newly recognized Color Concentrate has a "generic" Recognition which permits its use in any Recognized HB-rated base resin of this particular generic type.

For further information concerning this particular category, contact your local UL office.

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