Plastic Materials

ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is an impact-resistant, opaque thermoplastic that is commonly used in pressure forming, vacuum forming, and blow molding applications and can be fabricated by shearing, sawing, machining, drilling, or even cold-stamping. ABS is often used for telephone bodies, safety helmets, piping, furniture, car components, TV casings, radios, control panels, valve bodies, and material handling equipment.

Acetal
Acetal is also called polyacetal and polyoxymethylene (POM). This thermoplastic is extremely rigid and machines well. It is commonly used for mechanical parts, pulleys, sheaves, bearing surfaces, gears, bushings, and shafts.

Acrylic
Acrylic or Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a transparent thermoplastic commonly referred to as Plexiglass or Lucite. This high-impact resistance plastic is an excellent alternative to glass. It is 50% lighter

Plastic Materials

HDPE
High Density Polyethylene is an extremely rigid, high impact resistant, lightweight plastic uses commonly in food-grade products. It has a very low moisture absorption level and high tensile strength. This material machines very well and but does not react to gluing processes. HDPE can be mechanically fastened together but is preferably joined by hot air nitrogen welding, ultrasonic, laser, and infrared welding. It is approved for direct human contact by the FDA, USDA and NSF. Examples of common products made from HDPE are trays, tanks, pipe fittings, wear plates, hinges, cutting boards, and plastic bottles.

LDPE
Low Density Polyethylene is a soft, flexible, and lightweight plastic with great impact resistance commonly uses for packaging materials like plastic bags, shampoo and water bottles, film and shrink wrap, disposable cups, trays, lids, containers, and other lightweight products. LDPE is corrosion resistant and pliable making it very easy to weld and machine.

Nylon
Polyamides or Nylon has a high temperature and electrical resistance. Nylon exhibits excellent mechanical characteristics making it very easy to machine. It is often used as a substitute for low-strength metals due to its high strength, moisture absorption level, elasticity, and resistance to abrasion. Nylon is commonly used in clothing, rope, threading, flooring, rubber reinforcement like car tires, and insulation.

Plastic Materials

Polypropylene
The characteristics of Polypropylene (PP) makes it one of the most widely used plastics in the world. It is tough, rigid, has a high heat resistance, low density, and resistant to cracking and stress making it ideal of microwave containers, plating and chemical tanks, laboratory cabinetry, semi-conductor bench tops, fittings and connectors, sinks, and hoods. PP machines well and is autoclavable for use in biohazardous environments. it is best joined together via hot air or nitrogen welding but can be fastened mechanically using screws, rivets, or ultrasonic inserts as well.

Polyvinyl Chloride
PVC is an economical and very versatile thermoplastic commonly used in building and construction applications because it is lightweight, durable, easy to manufacture, and low in cost. PVC comes in 2 forms, a rigid, unplasticized polymer and flexible plastic. Rigid PVC, also known as vinyl, is used in construction as a pipe for plumbing and siding. Flexible PVC is commonly used as insulation on electrical wires or in flooring for homes, hospitals, and schools where a sterile environment is key.

Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate (PC) or typically known as Lexan is an extremely tough and durable thermoplastic. It is commonly used in high-impact resistant applications where transparency is required such as bulletproof glass, eyeglass lenses, greenhouses, boat windows, medical devices, demonstrative shields, machine guards, and automotive components. Polycarbonate is almost 300x stronger than glass and a suitable replacement for obsolete glass applications.

PTFE
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a versatile opaque plastic fluoropolymer. It is commonly used for a wide range of applications in industries such as aerospace, the food and drink industry, oil and gas, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals and telecommunications. PTFE is found in non-stick frying pan surfaces, medical and hospital uses including implants, surgical instruments and test equipment, and an excellent choice for use in gaskets, rings, and bearings.