Tips for Selecting the Best Plastic Type for Your Project

November 29, 2018 7:13 am Published by Leave your thoughts

What project is next on your list? Do you have an innovative product in mind? Are you revamping or enhancing an old project? Do you need to decide which type of plastic will be best for your plastic fabrication in Utah?

Since there are thousands of plastic options on the market today, the process of choosing one can feel overwhelming. Use the following guide to narrow your search:

  • For transparent parts: Does your part require a window or clear lenses? If so, acrylic is your best option. This type of plastic is used for creating Plexiglass products and other shatterproof products. It offers rigidity as well as resistance to scratches. It is also an economical option for large quantities. However, if you need something that is more impact resistant or chemical resistant, polycarbonate offers these qualities.
  • For hardware: Does your project need to withstand high impact? If you’re looking for resilience to breaking, a good choice is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). It is lightweight and offers sufficient hardness and toughness to provide longevity during harsh use.
  • For wearables: The qualities that make ABS a good choice for hardware items also make it a nice fit for wearable devices. It can be shaped into a lightweight and durable case for items such as watches. For another versatile option that is impact resistant, consider high-impact polystyrene. Keep in mind, however, that this product is not on the list of environmentally friendly options.
  • For plastic containers: Are you working on a food-storage container or other type of vessel? Polypropylene (PP) is your best choice. It is heat resistant and food safe. You can also shape PP into a hinge that will open and close repeatedly without breaking. Polyethylene (PE) is another good choice for containers. This plastic is the most common one in the world. You’ll find this low-rigidity plastic in the form of milk containers and medicine bottles.
  • For mechanical parts: A common solution for plastic fabrication in Utah for mechanical parts is nylon (polyamide). It is resistant to abrasion and works well at elevated temperatures. When mixed with molybdenum, it provides a slick surface that allows free motion. A second option for parts is polyoxymethylene (POM). This resin works well for screws, wheels, gears and more. It offers good strength and stiffness. However, POM can decay with exposure to hot water or chlorine.
  • For rubber: Do you need a soft, elastic property? Look to thermoplastic polyurethane. This is available in a variety of formulas to create the elasticity and performance you need. It is often used in sporting goods and cable insulation, and is also found in industrial environments due to its strength and abrasion resistance. For projects designed to cover or cushion, thermoplastic rubber is an affordable and easy-to-shape choice.

Are you ready to select your material for your plastic fabrication in Utah? Whether you are ready to jump in or need additional information, contact the experts at D&D Plastics. If you can think it up, we can make it! Our team specializes in custom plastics, sheets of plastic, tubing, thermoforming, vacuum forming, acrylic, plastic rod, ABS, polycarbonate and much more. We focus on creating a win-win with our customers and want them to succeed and grow with us. Contact us today to get started.

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