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Preface ___________________________________________________________________ 2
1 General information about NOVOSYSTEMS® _________________________________ 3
2 What’s the NOVOSYSTEMS® product range ? _________________________________ 3
3 General information about NOVOCOLOR® ____________________________________ 4
3.1 What is NOVOCOLOR® ? _____________________________________________________4
3.2 What is the range of tones of NOVOCOLOR® ? ____________________________________5
3.3 At which plastic processing machines does NOVOCOLOR® work ? ____________________6
3.4 How does NOVOCOLOR® work ?_______________________________________________6
3.5 To which plastics is NOVOCOLOR® compatible ? __________________________________6
3.6 Which advantages does NOVOCOLOR® provide ? _________________________________7
3.7 Savings resulting from the use of NOVOCOLOR® __________________________________8
4 Specific information about NOVOCOLOR® ____________________________________ 9
4.1 Which information does the NOVOCOLOR® product code provide ? __________________9
4.2 Does NOVOCOLOR® contain toxicologic features ?_________________________________9
4.3 Which quality parameters are significant to NOVOCOLOR® ?_______________________10
4.3.1 CIELAB color measurement _________________________________________________________ 10
4.3.2 Viscosity / Pumpability _____________________________________________________________ 11
4.3.3 Density __________________________________________________________________________ 11
4.3.4 Particle size ______________________________________________________________________ 12
4.4 What else should be noticed regarding NOVOCOLOR® ? ___________________________12
5 NOVOSYSTEMS® metering pumps _________________________________________ 13
5.1 How do NOVOSYSTEMS® metering pumps work ? _______________________________13
5.2 The different types of NOVOSYSTEMS® metering pumps __________________________15
5.3 How does the metering with NOVOSYSTEMS® metering pumps happen ? _____________15
5.4 What should be payed attention to with NOVOSYSTEMS® metering pumps ? __________17
6 Which training is needed for the use of NOVOCOLOR® ? _______________________ 18
7 Security and handling information __________________________________________ 18
8 The “small print“ ________________________________________________________ 18

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Preface

This brochure shall convey a general idea of the efficiency and the use of NOVOCOLOR liquid
colorants.

Functional and objective advice are an essential step for the company into a fair and trusting
cooperation. So those who are using or may be interested in using NOVOCOLOR are always
welcome to contact NOVOSYSTEMS for further information.

NOVOSYSTEMS® GmbH Hamburg, May 2002

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1 General information about NOVOSYSTEMS®

NOVOSYSTEMS are for more than 20 years a supplier of environmentally sound

NOVOCOLOR liquid colorants. They offer the reliable economical and complete coloring
system for the plastics industry.

Very important for NOVOSYSTEMS is a steady quality control. The well known
NOVOSYSTEMS quality is strictly adhered to and steadily improved. Means for this
improvement are computer directed equipment for measurement and testing.

In addition to the quality the ecological aspects of the product and its manufacturing are of a
basic importance to the company. The biodegradability of the pigment carrier system as well as
its water solubility are essential there.

Cleaning is only done with water, without any use of solvents or chemicals, in the production
of NOVOSYSTEMS. The waste water is cleared by an especially constructed effluent cleaning
system.

This cleaning system is under permanent control of an independent environmentally aligned

institute. With official approval the waste water is directed into the municipal waste water
system.

The use of NOVCOLOR is an ecological directed decision as well:

NOVOCOLOR liquid colorants are free from heavy metal; an employment of solvents
becomes unnecessary; the cleaning effect of the carrier system reduces the waste of plastic
material.

2 What’s the NOVOSYSTEMS® product range ?

Besides the NOVOCOLOR liquid colorants and the NOVOSYSTEMS metering pumps
treated in this brochure NOVOSYSTEMS offers a range of additive products. Of course we
will send you further information about these additives if you wish so.

NOVOLUBE - series : gliding and floating modifiers for interior and exterior use
NOVOSLIDE - series : gliding modifiers especially designed for profile extrusion
NOVOFOAM - series : foaming modifiers
NOVOKEM - series : gliding modifiers; modifiers for improvement of viscosity
NOVOCLEAN - series : cleaning means for all plastic processing machines
working with a plasticising worm screw.

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3 General information about NOVOCOLOR®

3.1 What is NOVOCOLOR® ?

NOVOCOLOR is an ecological liquid colorant for thermoplastics. The carrier system is

biodegradable, free from solvents, and water soluble. NOVOCOLOR liquid colorants are free
from heavy metal-, cadmium-, or diaryl-pigments

NOVOCOLOR contains no water.

Because of optimal dispersion of pigments and colorants NOVOCOLOR is economical.

NOVOCOLOR mixed colorants are produced by utilising a system of basic colorants. That’s
why NOVOSYSTEMS is able to grant a very short time from order to delivery and
NOVOCOLOR can be supplied in flexible quantities.

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3.2 What is the range of tones of NOVOCOLOR® ?

NOVOCOLOR basic colorants are available in more than 80 tones

dayl i ght col or ant s

Cer ami C Ef f eCT COLORANTS

PeAr l Ef f eCt COLORANTS

LumI NESCENT COLORANTS

Tr anspar ent COLORANTS

I r i DESCENT PEARL EFFECT COLORANTS

GLI TTER EFFECT COLORANTS

GLI TTER EFFECT COLORANTS

Picture 1: NOVOCOLOR product range

In addition to this range an individual prescription of your requirement goes without saying.
Therefore we only require a color sample and some plastic material (approx. 2-3 kg) you are
working with as well as information about possible special demands on the colorant.

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3.3 At which plastic processing machines does NOVOCOLOR® work ?

NOVOCOLOR can be used at any plastic processing machine that works with a plasticising
worm screw.

So e.g.:

Picture 2: NOVOCOLOR application area

NOVOCOLOR- application area

molding machines blow molders

extruders

3.4 How does NOVOCOLOR® work ?

When NOVOCOLOR has been directed into a processing machine colorant and granulate
combine to a homogeneous mixture promptly. This mixture resulting from worm screw
rotation is much more evenly distributed than in a mixture with masterbatch or a pigmented
powder.

When the melting process is completed the NOVOCOLOR carrier system becomes an
integrated part of the plastomer.

3.5 To which plastics is NOVOCOLOR® compatible ?

NOVOCOLOR is compatible to nearly all types of thermoplastics.

The NOVOCOLOR carrier system is stable up to a temperature of 320°C. This allowes its
application in nearly all plasticising procedures.

The carrier system and its ingredients combine totally with the polymer at last. A sweating of
the material or a migration does normally not happen.

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3.6 Which advantages does NOVOCOLOR® provide ?

The use of
NOVOCOLOR

direct dosing at the processing

machine with the use of a
metering pump

- no necessity for a premixing

a water soluble carrier system
- no dust

- simple cleaning with water;

STO P no use of solvents

cleaning effect of the improvement of the polymer's

NOVOCOLOR- carrier system flowing features

-shorter cycle of the molding machines

-increase of the extruder capacity
-faster filling of the mold without an increase
of pressure and/or temperature
-reduction of the machine stress
-less thermic stress during the process
improves the product features

- a fast change from one colorant to

another becomes possible
- saving of cleaning granulate
- nearly no settlings on the screw

Picture 3: Advantages for the user of NOVOCOLOR

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3.7 Savings resulting from the use of NOVOCOLOR®

NOVOCOLOR is normally used with an addition of 0.1 - 2.0 %. The average addition comes
to only 0.6 - 0.8 % because of the rich fertility of the pigments achieved by predispersion.

Other possibilities to save costs have to be calculated also:

direct metering at the

processing machine no premixing is necssary
a saving of time and manpower

larger quantities of plastic

many sided applications material can be bought

of NOVOCOLOR better purchase conditions

no necessity to take a multitude

of colorants in a reduction of stock quantities
stock anymore

Applications
of
NOVOCOLOR

less cleaning time and

a water soluble carrier system cleaning material

a water soluble carrier system no necessity for solvents

no cost intensive waste disposal

STOP

reduction of trash
quality improvement less machine stand still

improvement of productivity

Picture 4: Savings resulting from the use of NOVOCOLOR

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4 Specific information about NOVOCOLOR®

4.1 Which information does the NOVOCOLOR® product code provide ?

The NOVOCOLOR product code is a combination of two letters and five or six numbers.

The letters are used to show the color type

BC - basic colors which contain only one pigment
MC - mixed colors containing various basic colors
CA - additives

The first number indicates the color tone

1 - black
2 - white
3 - red
4 - yellow / orange
5 - blue / violett
6 - green
7 - brown

The next numbers describe the color tone more exactly.

4.2 Does NOVOCOLOR® contain toxicologic features ?

The following chapter explains the NOVOSYSTEMS’ point of view to steadily catch up with
laws and decrees regarding environmental or toxicologic aspects in various countries.

The NOVOCOLOR carrier system is of only non volatile contents. It is water soluble and free
from solvents. During the manufacturing it becomes a totally integrated part of the plastomer.
Various tests have shown that there are no extractable components after the process anymore.

All pigments and dyes used during the manufacturing of NOVOCOLOR fulfill the demands on
extractability of heavy metal in the valid laws and decrees regarding this matter.

A safety data sheet and a confirmation of harmlessness (EN71/3) is available for each
NOVOCOLOR liquid colorant.

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4.3 Which quality parameters are significant to NOVOCOLOR® ?

The quality of NOVOCOLOR is observed by the following parameters:

- CIELAB color measurement

- viscosity / pumpability
- density
- particle size

4.3.1 CIELAB color measurement

The computed color measurement at NOVOSYSTEMS is based on the CIELAB-color-

measurement-system. The following model is used here.

All colors can be imagined to be in a spherical room that is defined by three coordinate axles.

a* : green / red - axle

b* : blue / yellow - axle

L* : white / black - axle (light intensity)

Each color can be defined within these coordinates. The following illustration showes this
model:

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For comparison of two colors the differences between the color measurements are deciding.
Because of the three coordinates of each color three measurement differences are received.To
receive only one difference at last the formula

E*= ( L*) 2 + ( a*) 2 + ( b*) 2

is used.

A quality index of E* = 1 is commonly agreed to be the border of an invisible color

difference. NOVOSYSTEMS insist on a difference far beyond this. Therefore there is no
perceptible difference between sample and supply after that is processed.

4.3.2 Viscosity / Pumpability

The viscosity of a liquid colorant is of a central meaning for manufacturers because liquid
colorants are fed by metering pumps: If the viscosity of a liquid colorant is too high an exact
dosing is not possible anymore.

NOVOSYSTEMS viscosity measurement is carried out through “plate / taper“ - system. Here
a taper is turned on a plate that is coated with NOVOCOLOR. The occuring resistance is a
measure of the viscosity.

NOVOCOLOR is supplied in a viscosity condition that allowes a problemless dosing with

metering pumps.

4.3.3 Density

Density has got - beneath viscosity - a deciding influence on the pumpability of liquid
colorants.

Each batch of NOVOCOLOR is routinely checked on its density so that interferences will not
happen on this behalf.

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4.3.4 Particle size

The particle size gets its meaning for the plastic industry in view of the surface condition.

The particle size of NOVOCOLOR is beyond a level that will always produce a smooth and
clean surface.

4.4 What else should be noticed regarding NOVOCOLOR® ?

NOVOCOLOR is supplied in tin cans which are easy to handle. Out of the cans a metering can
directly be done.

NOVOCOLOR is exremely durable. Even after several years a NOVOCOLOR liquid colorant
can be used by simply stirring it up before metering.

NOVOCOLOR can not dry up because it contains no water. There are no special demands on
storing or transporting NOVOCOLOR because it is not volatile, hardly flammable, free from
solvents, and nontoxic.

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5 NOVOSYSTEMS® metering pumps

5.1 How do NOVOSYSTEMS® metering pumps work ?

NOVOSYSTEMS metering pumps complete the system for plastic coloration with liquid
colorants.

NOVOSYSTEMS offer various metering pumps which are used depending on the application
in moulding or extrusion and depending on the output.

NOVOSYSTEMS metering equipment is especially designed for the direct addition of

NOVOCOLOR and NOVOSYSTEMS additives for coloration in the moulding or extrusion
process.

With metering pumps it is...

easy working in connection with the EASYLOAD-pumphead tube

exchange is granted to take place in a few seconds

working at low costs by exact metering precise quantities are given time
(moulding) or capacity (extrusion) varying into the
machine

secure working by using the reliable principle of the tube pump

clean working the colorant does not get in touch with pump or
pumphead anywhere; cost intensive cleaning is not
necessary

reliable working by robust and practically oriented construction as well as

by using the high-grade NOVOSYSTEMS silicone tubes

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The precise metering with NOVOSYSTEMS metering pumps happens with assistance of the
metering signal from the moulding machine or extruder.

Changes at the processing machine are not necessary. Just an opening, four or five mm in
diameter, for the metering canal is needed.

The following sketch showes the placement of the metering canal.

STOP

additionofcolor
ca. 1 - 2 cm above
the screw

Picture 6: Placement of the metering canal

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5.2 The NOVOSYSTEMS® metering pump

NOVOSYSTEMS offers the PS3000 which is usable for the most particular applications.

PS 3000 for extrusion and moulding

The PS3000 can be fit out with various gears so that the right metering pump for each
application is available.

Modifications at the metering pump, as building in another gear, are easily carried out.

5.3 How does NOVOSYSTEMS® metering pump work ?

NOVOSYSTEMS metering pump works on the reliable principle of the tube pump (peristaltic
pump).

The addition of NOVOCOLOR liquid colorant takes place by sucking up the colorant and then
transporting it in exact the selected quantity into the moulding machine or extruder through the
metering canal.

The transport of the colorant is effected by rolls in the pumphead which press the tube so that
the colorant is sucked up and transported forward.

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The following picture showes this process:

Exact metering
T he N O V O LO A D - P u m p hea d- R o tor h as go t 3 b all-
b e a re d r o l ls b e a r i n g th e in l a y e d tu b e .
T o r e d u c e t h e p u ls a t io n a m p l i t u d e t h e c o n ta c t p r e s s u r e
o f th e t u b e b e t w e e n th e r o ll s o f t h e r o t o r i n c r e a s e s
p ro g r e s s iv e ly .

Pressure independance:
T h e v o lu m e b e tw e e n t h e ro lls i s c o n s ta n t l y t h e s a m e .
T h e r e i s a l w a y s o n e r o l l t o p r e s s th e tu b e . T h e r e f o re
a n o u t f l o w i n g o f t h e c o lo r a n t is r e l i a b ly p r e v e n te d .
A n e x a c t a n d r e p r o d u c a b le m e te r i n g is g r a n t e d - in d e -
p e n d e n t p r e s s u r e v a r ia t io n s a t t h e p r e s s u r e s i d e o f t h e
NOVOLO AD - Pum phead.

Maintenance-free; long lifetime:

N O V O L O A D - P u m p e n k ö p fe a re e x a c t ly p r o c e s s e d .
r b e ite t. I n c o n n e c tio n w i t h th e N O V O S Y S T E M S s i li c o n -
t u b e s a lo n g l i f e t i m e i s g r a n t e d .
T h e tu b e s a r e h e l d b y s p e c ia l d e t e n ts .
T h e r e a r e n o m o v a b le p a r t s e x c e p t t h e m a i n t e n a n c e -
f r e e r o l ls a n d t h e r e f o r e a m a n y y e a r s lo n g re l ia b il it y
w it h o u t m a i n t e n a n c e is w a r r a n t e d .

Picture 8: The working of NOVOSYSTEMS metering pumps

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5.4 What should be payed attention to regarding NOVOSYSTEMS® metering

pumps ?

1. The metering pump should stand as near by the metering canal as possible because the
tube length should be as short as possible.

2. The surrounding temperature should not come to more than 60°C.

3. Only the especially designed silicone tube should be used.

4. All tube connections have to be secure from loosening and must be airtight.

NOVOCOLOR

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6 Which training is needed for the use of NOVOCOLOR® ?

NOVOCOLOR liquid colorants and NOVOSYSTEMS metering pumps are easily handled in
each situation.

The technicians and engineers of NOVOSYSTEMS will do an introduction training to explain

the use in the different situations. A special course is usually not necessary.

7 Security and handling information

NOVOCOLOR liquid colorants are problemless if they are handled with care and are only used
for the intended application.

A few obvious angles should be taken care of nevertheless.

1. NOVOCOLOR should not get in touch with the eyes and if that happens the eyes shall
be cleaned with a lot of clean lukewarm water.

2. Drops on the skin should be cleaned with soap and water but are harmless.

3. NOVOCOLOR mustn’t be swallowed.

8 The “small print“

The information and recommendations given in this brochure correspond to our latest knowledge. They
shall motivate you to own trials to test our product regarding to special applications for a product.

NOVOSYSTEMS or other companies working on behalf of NOVOSYSTEMS are not liable for any
information given here.

NOVOSYSTEMS®
Farben und Additive GmbH
Winsener Landstraße 124
D-21217 Seevetal

Tel.: +49-4105/1458-0
Fax: +49-4105/1458-22

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