technical
Melt Flow Rate (MFR / MFI)
Mass of polymer extruded through a standard capillary in 10 minutes under specified load and temperature. Inverse proxy for molecular weight. Higher MFR = easier flow, lower mechanical strength.
Why it matters for procurement
Understanding melt flow rate (mfr / mfi) matters whenever you need to translate a producer's technical data sheet into a procurement specification. Misreading the term can result in pricing the wrong material or accepting a non-compliant lot.
When you submit an RFQ, naming the relevant standard or property explicitly (rather than relying on a generic equivalent) reduces re-quote cycles and accelerates routing to the supplier with the matching grade in stock.
Related terms
regulatory
ISO 1133 (MFR Test Method)
International standard for melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and melt volume-flow rate (MVR). Specifies temperature, load (e.g. 230 °C / 2.16 kg for PP) and equipment.
technical
Vicat Softening Point
Temperature at which a flat-tipped needle penetrates 1 mm into a specimen under load. Useful proxy for upper service temperature.