The use of metallic pigments in plastics has existed for a number of years. Recently, the increase in use of these types of pigments (metallics, pearlescents and iridescents) also has increased the demand for a higher performance level from these products.

Metallics, pearlescents and iridescents have a tendency to create flow or weld lines in an end product. These so-called "streaks" or lines are caused by the process technology at the customer as well as at the supplier, in combination with the metallic pigment used. At the injection point of an injection-molding machine, the flow lines are very difficult to eliminate. The shear during production causes the metallic pigments to break, fold, bend, or distort from the original shape and size and create a flow line. The flow line can be seen because the light that falls on the distorted pigment is reflected in a different way. The vertical orientation of the edges of pigments causes the knit / weld / flow line effect. Our customers demand a metallics effect which does not create flow lines (no-knit metallics).

Now, there is no need to apply primers and liquid paint in a costly two-step process. Not with Ferro's new technology.

Recently, new generations of metallic masterbatches have been introduced. They have the ability to reduce the flow lines in a product. However, these flow lines can only be completely eliminated by a combination of process and pigment technology.

Ferro has critically examined the masterbatch production process at all their facilities and has developed a technology for no-knit metallics, suitable for the injection molding industry. Still, this is just part of the solution. Ferro found, through close collaboration with customers, that to be able to produce a complete injection molded part without any flow lines, the customer's process technology will also have to be carefully examined, and if necessary, adjusted.

This makes Ferro's new technology a unique combination of process technology and pigment knowledge, for use in various polymers (even glass filled) and available in different metallic colors.