Prosessointiapuväline

Prosessointiapuväline is a Finnish term that translates to "processing aid" in English. It refers to a substance added to a material during its manufacturing process to improve its processing characteristics. These aids are not typically intended to remain as a permanent part of the final product, but rather to facilitate or enhance the transformation of the material into its desired form.

In the plastics industry, processing aids are commonly used to reduce melt viscosity, improve melt strength, enhance flow properties, and prevent sticking to processing equipment like extruders and injection molding machines. They can also help to improve surface finish and reduce processing defects. Different types of processing aids exist, including lubricants, flow improvers, and stabilizers. The specific type and amount of processing aid used depend on the polymer being processed, the processing method, and the desired outcome.

Beyond plastics, processing aids can be found in other manufacturing sectors such as rubber, food, and paper production. In food processing, for example, they might be used to improve dough handling or prevent sticking. The primary goal of a processing aid is to make the manufacturing process more efficient, economical, and to achieve a higher quality end product by overcoming inherent processing challenges of the base material.