FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions


International Fine Chemistry is a Service industry specializing in reducing plastic resins sizes and shapes to moderate to fine particles to be used in specialty application.

  • What methods are used?

    Attrition milling, sometimes known as plate grinding utilizes two round plate mills affixed with blade configurations on the top and bottom plates. Sizing can be controlled by the distance between the two blades. The resins are forced between the two plates which are spinning at a high rate of speed.

  • What type of processes are used?

    Both ambient (room temperature) and cryogenically frozen. Many plastics are capable of ambient milling but several require to be cooled / frozen to mitigate melting issues.

  • What materials does IFC typically mill?

    Nearly all engineering resins. PA6, Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, PEI, PLA as well as several elastomers. 

  • Do you process post consumer / recycle plastic?

    In some cases, primarily ambiently. Due to the complex nature of the cryogenic process, utilizing liquid Nitrogen, we restrict it to primarily prime resins. The risks of contamination especially metals could be dramatic. Special circumstances could be considered.

  • Do you control to quality targets and supply COAs?

    Yes. We routinely test, control, and document required quality parameters. i.e. Particle size, moisture, VIR, flowability as required by end use applications.

  • Where is IFC located?

    In southwest Indiana just north of Evansville surrounded by dozens of plastic producers, compounders and distributors. Conveniently located very close to I-64 east/west and I-69 north/south. 

  • What end uses require plastic resins in powder form?

    Rotational molding, processing aides where powders are require to improve consistency in plastic processing, powder coating, and 3D printing.

  • How does IFC charge for the service?

    Tolling fees are calculated by desired particle size, and the robustness of the polymer. The harder to grind the more energy it takes which greatly effects output rate. Other considerations such as packaging can also be a factor. 

  • Do you offer small lot?

    Our minimum order size is 1,000lb on ambient and 5,000lb on Cryogenic. We do however offer small lot qualifications services. We do offer a day rate for R&D trial work.

  • What are your typical lead times?

    Our target is 2 weeks from delivery of material on large lot. 100% performance rating.

  • What is the typical yield / returned powder?

    99.9 %, Typical material loss is less than 20 pounds regardless of lot size. 

  • What kind of containers do you package in?

    Bulk pack back into bulk pack. Super sacks, drums and 50lb bags. Most Customers sully their packaging and labels. 

  • How do qualifications for new Customers / products work

    Feel free to contact us to discuss the specifics of your needs. You may also fill out and submit the NEW CUSTOMER FORM found on this web page. In many cases we will have set-up history related to your polymer and end use applications. We always encourage a trial run for qualification approval.

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