--- title: "Customer FAQ: Why Do I Need to Purge If I Only Process Black Resins?" description: Purging Expert Hector Sanchez discusses why it's still important to use purge even when running just black polymers. image: https://www.asaclean.com/hubfs/How%20to%20Choose%20the%20Best%20Purge%20photo.jpg --- [ Order Online ](https://asaclean.my.site.com/b2bstore) [ Free Sample ](https://offers.asaclean.com/free-sample) ## [ Asaclean Blog ](https://www.asaclean.com/blog) Browse by Topic " aerospace asaclean asaclean news Asaclean® benefits asahi kasei automotive Best Practices black specks blisters blow molding blown-film extrusion buyers caps and closures carbon contamination cast-film extrusion Chemical Purging Compounds clear applications Color Changeovers Company News compounding consumer products contamination Cost savings custom molders Customer Success Story decreasing scrap defects electronics Energy Efficiency EX Grade extruder cleaning Extrusion fillament glass filled Glitter Grade Selection HDPE High and Low Temp Changeovers hold a bubble Hot Runners Injection Molding Injection Molding Tips LDPE Lightweight automotive components LLDPE low residue maintenance Material Changeovers Mechanical Purging Compounds medical Melt Flow Index NPE 24 nylons on the fly packaging PCR PEEK Polypropylene Post Consumer Resins preventative preventative purging processing tips profile extrusion Purge Program purge programs Purge Training Purge Trial purging purging compounds purging concentrates purging procedures Purging Tips quality recycled resins residue issues scrap reduction Screw Pulls sheet extrusion shutdown and sealing start-up super engineering resins Sustainability Tech Day technical support training trials Troubleshooting Twin Screw twin screw extrusion two step purging U Grade ULTEM venting Viscosity webinars wire extrusion - [All](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/page/1) - More - [aerospace](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/aerospace) - [asaclean](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/asaclean) - [asaclean news](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/asaclean-news) - [Asaclean® benefits](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/asaclean-benefits) - [asahi kasei](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/asahi-kasei) - [automotive](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/automotive) - [Best Practices](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/best-practices) - [black specks](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/black-specks) - [blisters](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/blisters) - [blow molding](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/blow-molding) - [blown-film extrusion](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/blown-film-extrusion) - [buyers](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/buyers) - [caps and closures](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/caps-and-closures) - [carbon contamination](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/carbon-contamination) - [cast-film extrusion](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/cast-film-extrusion) - [Chemical Purging Compounds](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/chemical-purging-compounds) - [clear applications](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/clear-applications) - [Color Changeovers](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/color-changeovers) - [Company News](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/company-news) - [compounding](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/compounding) - [consumer products](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/consumer-products) - [contamination](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/contamination) - [Cost savings](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/cost-savings) - [custom molders](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/custom-molders) - [Customer Success Story](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/customer-success-story) - [decreasing scrap](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/decreasing-scrap) - [defects](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/defects) - [electronics](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/electronics) - [Energy Efficiency](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/energy-efficiency) - [EX Grade](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/ex-grade) - [extruder cleaning](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/extruder-cleaning) - [Extrusion](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/extrusion) - [fillament](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/fillament) - [glass filled](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/glass-filled) - [Glitter](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/glitter) - [Grade Selection](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/grade-selection) - [HDPE](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/hdpe) - [High and Low Temp Changeovers](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/high-and-low-temp-changeovers) - [hold a bubble](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/hold-a-bubble) - [Hot Runners](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/hot-runners) - [Injection Molding](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/injection-molding) - [Injection Molding Tips](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/injection-molding-tips) - [LDPE](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/ldpe) - [Lightweight automotive components](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/lightweight-automotive-components) - [LLDPE](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/lldpe) - [low residue](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/low-residue) - [maintenance](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/maintenance) - [Material Changeovers](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/material-changeovers) - [Mechanical Purging Compounds](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/mechanical-purging-compounds) - [medical](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/medical) - [Melt Flow Index](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/melt-flow-index) - [NPE 24](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/npe-24) - [nylons](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/nylons) - [on the fly](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/on-the-fly) - [packaging](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/packaging) - [PCR](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/pcr) - [PEEK](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/peek) - [Polypropylene](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/polypropylene) - [Post Consumer Resins](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/post-consumer-resins) - [preventative](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/preventative) - [preventative purging](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/preventative-purging) - [processing tips](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/processing-tips) - [profile extrusion](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/profile-extrusion) - [Purge Program](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/purge-program) - [purge programs](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/purge-programs) - [Purge Training](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/purge-training) - [Purge Trial](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/purge-trial) - [purging](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/purging) - [purging compounds](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/purging-compounds) - [purging concentrates](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/purging-concentrates) - [purging procedures](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/purging-procedures) - [Purging Tips](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/purging-tips) - [quality](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/quality) - [recycled resins](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/recycled-resins) - [residue issues](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/residue-issues) - [scrap reduction](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/scrap-reduction) - [Screw Pulls](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/screw-pulls) - [sheet extrusion](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/sheet-extrusion) - [shutdown and sealing](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/shutdown-and-sealing) - [start-up](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/start-up) - [super engineering resins](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/super-engineering-resins) - [Sustainability](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/sustainability) - [Tech Day](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/tech-day) - [technical support](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/technical-support) - [training](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/training) - [trials](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/trials) - [Troubleshooting](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/troubleshooting) - [Twin Screw](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/twin-screw) - [twin screw extrusion](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/twin-screw-extrusion) - [two step purging](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/two-step-purging) - [U Grade](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/u-grade) - [ULTEM](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/ultem) - [venting](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/venting) - [Viscosity](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/viscosity) - [webinars](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/webinars) - [wire extrusion](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/topic/wire-extrusion) [ Subscribe ](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/faq-why-do-i-need-to-purge-if-i-only-process-black-resins#subscribe-modal) ### Suscribirse defects / 5 min read / August 24, 2021 # Customer FAQ: Why Do I Need to Purge If I Only Process Black Resins? - [Facebook Share ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.asaclean.com%2Fblog%2Ffaq-why-do-i-need-to-purge-if-i-only-process-black-resins) - [Twitter Tweet ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.asaclean.com%2Fblog%2Ffaq-why-do-i-need-to-purge-if-i-only-process-black-resins&text=Customer+FAQ%3A+Why+Do+I+Need+to+Purge+If+I+Only+Process+Black+Resins%3F) - [LinkedIn Share ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.asaclean.com%2Fblog%2Ffaq-why-do-i-need-to-purge-if-i-only-process-black-resins&title=Customer%20FAQ%3A%20Why%20Do%20I%20Need%20to%20Purge%20If%20I%20Only%20Process%20Black%20Resins%3F&summary=Purging+Expert+Hector+Sanchez+discusses+why+it%27s+still+important+to+use+purge+even+when+running+just+black+polymers.&source=) - [Pinterest Pin ](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.asaclean.com%2Fblog%2Ffaq-why-do-i-need-to-purge-if-i-only-process-black-resins) - [Email Email ](mailto:?subject=Customer%20FAQ%3A%20Why%20Do%20I%20Need%20to%20Purge%20If%20I%20Only%20Process%20Black%20Resins%3F&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.asaclean.com%2Fblog%2Ffaq-why-do-i-need-to-purge-if-i-only-process-black-resins) ![Customer FAQ: Why Do I Need to Purge If I Only Process Black Resins?](https://www.asaclean.com/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20Choose%20the%20Best%20Purge%20photo.jpg?width=640&height=500&name=How%20to%20Choose%20the%20Best%20Purge%20photo.jpg) ![How to Choose the Best Purge photo](https://www.asaclean.com/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20to%20Choose%20the%20Best%20Purge%20photo.jpg?width=329&name=How%20to%20Choose%20the%20Best%20Purge%20photo.jpg) In my career in plastics processing and working for Asaclean, I've run into many examples of plants that were hesitant to use purge because they only processed black resins.  It's an incredibly common process, but one that can lead to serious issues down the line.  It's perfectly logical. In many areas of life, if people can't see something being bad for them in real-time, then they discount or brush off the potential long-term consequences.  This is the case when it comes to skipping purge when using black resin. There is a false belief that there are far fewer defects in black parts.  If the part looks good, why should you purge?  Blemishes and processing issues that wouldn't be accepted in other colors are overlooked in black parts.  But just because a defect is hidden, that doesn't mean it isn't there. This idea is present in all industries that process plastic parts: automotive, household appliances, industrial product, electronics, etc. The process and quality engineer must not forget that there are materials that are sensitive to heat. There are resins like PVC and POM that burn easily. In the same way, some ingredients such as flame retardants, waxes and couplings can degrade as well. Fiberglass resins or other fillers can break down leaving residue on the screw and tooling. Regardless of whether the process is injection, blow extrusion, profile or sheet, I will list two benefits of cleaning the machines, even in this case of black resins: 1. You Will Always Guarantee Good Parts If you purge regularly, your machine will be clean and free of residue/contamination of any kind. Otherwise, the degradation will occur and simply will blend into the part. In the best of cases, it will generate a visible defect that can be observed. If you don't notice the defects, you may start having parts that will functionally fail on the market. The worst thing about degradation waste-related defects is knowing the root cause.  This can be a real headache for both the your business and your customer.  If your parts start failing, vendors will stop trusting you with their contracts.  The loss of material due to out-of-specification parts, even whenrecycled, always implies a cost: energy, waste, labor, or even storage. 2. Your Downtime Will Reduce *Significantly* A quick purge that avoids contamination means you will have quicker changeovers and fewer teardowns. Now consider downtime as any cause that makes you unable to take advantage of the machine to obtain the desired amount of parts in the desired time. So why let layers of degradation build up on the screw? This can lead to longer fill cycles that are reflected in fewer shots per hour in injection and blow extrusion, or slower production speeds that mean fewer meters or kilograms per hour in sheet, profile or blow extrusion. If we accumulate the seconds lost for each cycle in the machines that are not filled at the desired speed in a year, we can have cases in which the total loss can be from days to weeks. Then the Production and Plant Manager must be attentive to implement good cleaning practices that ensure the greater efficiency of the equipment.  When running black resins, keep the big picture in mind.  Working below the efficiency for which the process was designed is wasting money: labor, buying unnecessary extra machine capacity. **Ready to reduce your ****production downtime**** to protect your profits? Learn more about how ****purging compounds**** and process efficiency work in tandem.** ![Hector Sanchez](https://www.asaclean.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Hector.jpg?width=150&name=Hector.jpg) #### [ Hector Sanchez ](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/author/hector-sanchez) Hector Sanchez, the National Sales Manager at Asaclean - Asahi Kasei Plastics North America, leverages his extensive processing expertise to assist extruders and molders in achieving their operational goals. With a focus on reducing scrap and increasing profits, Hector's in-depth knowledge of Asaclean's Purging Compounds has made him a pivotal figure in the industry. Beyond his primary role, Hector is a dynamic speaker, regularly sharing his insights and strategies at webinars and tradeshows nationwide. His innovative approaches and dedication to customer success have established him as a valued leader and mentor in the plastic industry. - [Share On LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/plasticindustrysales) ## Related Posts [![Clear Savings: Why a 2-Purge Combo Might Be Your Key to Success](https://www.asaclean.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Header-2%20Step.jpg?width=450&height=250&name=Blog%20Header-2%20Step.jpg) Clear Savings: Why a 2-Purge Combo Might Be Your Key to Success Troubleshooting / 3 min read / December 03, 2021 ](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/clear-savings-why-a-2-purge-combo-might-be-your-key-to-success) [![Maximizing Efficiency with Purging Compounds: Real-World Tips for Processors](https://www.asaclean.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Road%20to%20Improvement%20written%20on%20desert%20road.jpeg?width=450&height=250&name=Road%20to%20Improvement%20written%20on%20desert%20road.jpeg) How to Maximize Efficiency with Purging Compounds in Thermoplastics Injection... / 5 min read / March 18, 2025 ](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/maximizing-efficiency-with-purging-compounds-real-world-tips-for-processors) ## Comments Get Started ## Ready to start improving your efficiency and increasing your profitability? - [Request a Consultation](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/faq-why-do-i-need-to-purge-if-i-only-process-black-resins#) - [Contact Sales](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/faq-why-do-i-need-to-purge-if-i-only-process-black-resins#) ![](https://www.asaclean.com/hubfs/assets/images/icons/icon-layers.svg) #### Free Sample Request a free sample of Asaclean® Purging Compounds for your plant and start saving today. [Request your free sample](https://offers.asaclean.com/en/free-sample?hsLang=en) ![](https://www.asaclean.com/hubfs/assets/images/icons/icon-calculator.svg) #### Cost Savings Calculator Use our free calculator to see how much you could be saving with Asaclean® Purging Compounds. [See your savings](https://www.asaclean.com/cost-savings-calculator) [ Back to Top ](https://www.asaclean.com/blog/faq-why-do-i-need-to-purge-if-i-only-process-black-resins#top) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Hector Sanchez", "url" : "https://www.asaclean.com/blog/author/hector-sanchez" }, "dateModified" : "2021-08-24T12:53:00.614Z", "datePublished" : "2021-08-24T12:53:00.000Z", "headline" : "Customer FAQ: Why Do I Need to Purge If I Only Process Black Resins?", "image" : [ "https://www.asaclean.com/hubfs/How%20to%20Choose%20the%20Best%20Purge%20photo.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.asaclean.com/blog/faq-why-do-i-need-to-purge-if-i-only-process-black-resins", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.asaclean.com/hubfs/Asaclean%20Logo%20TM.jpg" }, "name" : "Asahi Kasei Plastics North America" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Article", "articleBody" : "In my career in plastics processing and working for Asaclean, I've run into many examples of plants that were hesitant to use purge because they only processed black resins. It's an incredibly common process, but one that can lead to serious issues down the line. It's perfectly logical. In many areas of life, if people can't see something being bad for them in real-time, then they discount or brush off the potential long-term consequences. This is the case when it comes to skipping purge when using black resin. There is a false belief that there are far fewer defects in black parts. If the part looks good, why should you purge? Blemishes and processing issues that wouldn't be accepted in other colors are overlooked in black parts. But just because a defect is hidden, that doesn't mean it isn't there. This idea is present in all industries that process plastic parts: automotive, household appliances, industrial product, electronics, etc. The process and quality engineer must not forget that there are materials that are sensitive to heat. There are resins like PVC and POM that burn easily. In the same way, some ingredients such as flame retardants, waxes and couplings can degrade as well. Fiberglass resins or other fillers can break down leaving residue on the screw and tooling. Regardless of whether the process is injection, blow extrusion, profile or sheet, I will list two benefits of cleaning the machines, even in this case of black resins:", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Hector Sanchez" }, "datePublished" : "August 24, 2021", "headline" : "Customer FAQ: Why Do I Need to Purge If I Only Process Black Resins?", "image" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/468726/How%20to%20Choose%20the%20Best%20Purge%20photo.jpg", "name" : "Customer FAQ: Why Do I Need to Purge If I Only Process Black Resins?", "url" : "https://www.asaclean.com/blog/faq-why-do-i-need-to-purge-if-i-only-process-black-resins" } ```