Thermoplastics include polymers like polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride of varying grades appropriate for different purposes. Some of the plastic manufacturers’ thermoplastics help create items such as window frames. Physical properties, electrical performance, thermal properties, and dimensional stability are some of the factors that determine the usage of these plastics. Here is a list of plastics that work well for plastic extrusion:
Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride
Polyvinyl chloride is used to create pipes, window frames, and roofing. Its mechanical strength and the light weight of the plastic material allow you to build durable and energy-efficient structures. These plastics have low thermal conductivity, making them suitable for manufacturing materials like foam board and bead board insulation.
Plastic manufacturers can offer rigid RPVC for use in making trims for caravan edges. These trims help bolster the visual appeal of your vehicle and enhance durability by covering exposed edges to prevent wear and tear.
Utilizing high UV resistance and high-impact performance materials helps manufacture strong window frames and sewage pipes. The chemical and thermal resistance make rigid PVC a viable option for plastic extrusion processes. This is because it can be reheated and remolded to form desirable shapes.
Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride
Flexible PVCs have varying degrees of softness, allowing a range of plastic extrusion processes, such as the manufacture of wire insulation and medical tubes. Semi-rigid PVCs are plastics for use as light packaging solutions.
The PVCs enable the safe packaging of pharmaceuticals and food items because they serve as an efficient barrier against moisture and air. This helps maintain the integrity and enhance the shelf life of commodities.
Adding plasticizers can improve plastics’ flexibility, which may help in special processes such as the manufacture of carrier bags. The plasticizers work by spreading out PVC molecules to decrease the density and increase the material’s flexibility. Some manufacturers apply flexible plastics when making seals for windows, doors, and vehicles.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene’s (ABS) hardness and rigidity make this plastic material useful in making items for protective gear, such as hard hats and helmets. The acrylonitrile, styrene, and butadiene monomers in ABS contribute to the enhanced strength of this plastic material.
The ratio of these monomers influences properties such as the material’s heat resistance, chemical resistance, and moldability. High amounts of acrylonitrile influence a higher chemical resistance, while higher amounts of butadiene enhance impact strength.
Sectors that use ABS include the automotive, electric, and consumer goods sectors. The malleability of ABS enhances the ease of processing this material during plastic extrusion. You can shape this material into different forms without breaking it. This property aids the use of ABS in manufacturing enclosures for electronics or building blocks as toys.
Polycarbonate
The heat-resistant and flame-retardant properties of polycarbonate enhance the insulation capability of this material. This enables its use in making safe power systems and hardware for telecommunication. The plastic material has features such as transparency and a high refractive index that facilitate the production of items like eyewear lenses, optical discs, and LED light covers.
Polycarbonate’s high impact resistance helps manufacture bulletproof windows and automotive components, such as polycarbonate sheets for car windows. Its high-temperature resistance can also help manufacture electrical and household items, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, which are often exposed to excess heat.
Polyamide
Polyamide’s strength and durability can help in replacing metal parts with plastic parts. The material can also be used as a load-support base that evenly distributes pressure exerted on a structure’s foundation during construction processes, enhancing the stability and safety of the construction.
You can enhance polyamide’s mechanical features, such as hardness, by adding fillers like high-tensile-strength carbon fiber. The polymer strengthens carbon fiber reinforcement by safeguarding the fibers and holding them together.
Reach Out to Plastic Manufacturers Today
Polyamide, polycarbonate, ABS, and polyvinyl chloride encompass some of the plastics suitable for extrusion because they can be remolded to create various items. Some plastics are strong enough to replace metals, while more flexible options can help manufacture items such as covers for electric cables. Factoring in your needs when selecting plastic for extrusion helps enhance your processes’ quality, usability, and outcomes. Contact plastic manufacturers today to learn more about materials that work well for plastic extrusion and your project.