Plastics
Acrylic Sheeting Facts You Didn't Know
Plexiglass, a type of clear acrylic sheeting, is a versatile plastic material with several purposes and benefits. It is an impact-resistant alternative to glass that is also half the weight. This is a popular choice as it is easy to thermoform, and it bonds well with adhesives and solvents. In addition, it displays resistance to weathering unmatched by other general-purpose plastics.
Material Overview of ABS
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a thermoplastic polymer used to manufacture some of the most durable and widely used plastic products on the market. It has high chemical resistance, impact resistance, and offers excellent dimensional stability.
Material Overview of Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic plastic material popular for its toughness, low coefficient of friction, and resistance to abrasion and wear. It is one of the most widely engineered thermoplastics with applications including machining components, fabrics, and moving parts such as wheels and rollers.
Material Overview of Acrylic
Acrylic is a transparent plastic known for its high strength, stiffness, and optical clarity. Commonly known by its trade name Plexiglass, it is often used as an impact-resistant alternative to glass. Acrylic sheet is a popular choice because it is easy to fabricate and thermoform, and it bonds well with adhesives and solvents. Additionally, it displays resistance to weathering unmatched by other general-purpose plastics.
Material Overview of Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is an amorphous, transparent thermoplastic known for its outstanding strength, stiffness, and impact resistance. It makes an excellent alternative to glass as it is lightweight, possesses a natural UV filter, and promotes the internal transmission of light almost as effectively as glass. Polycarbonate is easy to machine and thermoform, making it ideal for a variety of applications.
Material Overview of Polyethylene
Polyethylene has asserted itself as one of the world's most popular plastic materials. This light, versatile thermoplastic is used for applications ranging from ketchup bottles to packaging film to automobile fuel tanks. It can also be slit or spun into synthetic fibers, useful for wire and cable insulation.
Material Comparison of Acetal and Delrin
Acetal, also known as polyoxymethylene (POM), is a semi-crystalline, engineered thermoplastic used for precision parts that require high stiffness, low surface friction, and good dimensional stability. It is made in several slightly different formulations and sold under various brands.
Material Overview of Polyvinyl Chloride
Polyvinyl chloride is a popular thermoplastic used extensively in many industries. It is strong, rigid, and offers excellent resistance to chemicals and corrosion. PVC is easy to thermoform and bonds well with adhesives and solvents, making it a convenient material to work with. Its low cost coupled with its high strength-to-weight ratio makes it an attractive option for demanding applications