Material Selection

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Acrylic         Also recognized under the brand names of Plexiglass® and Lucite®, acrylic is an optically clear, transparent material having outstanding weather resistance, high impact strength, and excellent thermoforming and machining properties. Formulations include sheet, rod and tube. Acrylic sheet is available in various colors and tints. Applications include: safety shields, chart enclosures, phone stands, organizers, card and tag holders, display boxes, instrument covers, boat windshields, sight glasses, valve stem covers and transparent tanks. Polycarbonate         Polycarbonate sheet (Lexan®, Hyzod®) is a virtually unbreakable transparent thermoplastic. It is excellent in applications where safety and security are essential. Formulations include sheet, rod and tube. Polycarbonate is available in UV-resistant and scratch-resistant forms. It can be used in many of the same applications as acrylic when impact strength is a factor. Some common uses are as safety shields, sight glasses and chair mats. PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)         PVC is a chemically non-reactive and corrosion-resistant thermoplastic with a broad range of applications. It has high impact strength, good weather resistance, and is easily machined, heat formed and welded. Formulations include: sheet, rod, pipe, valves and fittings. Applications include: tanks, fume hoods, fluid transmission, exhaust systems, marine uses, laboratory equipment, sample stations, battery boxes, drip trays, manifolds, headers and spargers. CPVC (Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride)         CPVC has physical properties similar to PVC, but offers higher heat deflection properties for extended temperature range use. CPVC is used in the same applications as PVC, but in higher temperature considerations. An excellent use for CPVC is tower internals. HDPE (High density polyethylene)         HDPE is an economical, lightweight thermoplastic with characteristics including excellent chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, good impact strength, excellent low-temperature properties, low coefficient of friction, and abrasion resistance. Formulations include: sheet, rod and tube. Applications include: lab sinks, chemical-resistant tanks an containers, radiation shielding, food-cutting surfaces, corrosion-resistant countertops, fume hoods and labware carriers. UHMWPE (Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene)         UHMWPE has extremely high abrasion resistance when compared to other thermoplastics. It also has exceptional impact resistance, even at cryogenic temperatures, and is superior to stainless steel. Other advantages include: low moisture absorption, good electrical and thermal insulation, FDA and USDA acceptance, self-lubrication and chemical inertness (except in some acids). Formulations include: sheet, rod and tube. Some excellent uses are as wear strips, chain guides, chute and hopper linings, bushings, and boat and truck bed liners. PPL (Polypropylene)         Polypropylene is an economical material that offers a combination of outstanding physical characteristics not found in any other thermoplastic. PPL is lightweight, impact-resistant, has low moisture absorption, resists most alkallies and acids, resists stress cracking, has high tensile strength and is non-toxic. Formulations include: sheet, rod, tube, pipe and fittings. Applications include: chemical-resistant tanks and containers, laboratory sinks and countertops, clean room liners, water treatment equipment and flange spaces. PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride)         PVDF, also known by the brand name Kynar®, combines great mechanical strength and high abrasion resistance with thermal stability at temperatures up to 250 F. PVDF is non-dripping and self-extinguishing. In addition to resisting most chemicals and solvents, it has good resistance to UV degradation and nuclear radiation. Formulations include: sheet, rod, tube, pipe and fittings. PVDF is an excellent material of choice for use as tower internals and wherever superior thermoplastic characteristics are required. PTFE (Polytetrafluoruethylene)         Teflon® is the DuPont Company's registered trademark for its various fluorocarbon resins used to produce products which have service temperature capabilities exceeding all other thermoplastics. It has a combination of chemical, electrical, mechanical and thermal properties unmatched by any other thermoplastic, and is the most chemically inert of any material known. Almost nothing sticks to Teflon®, and it is the most heat resistant of organic materials. It is unaffected by outdoor weathering and is an excellent electrical insulator. Formulations include: sheet, rod, tube, pipe and fittings. Applications include: gasket and packing material, numerous machined parts, medical equipment, seals and flange spacers. Miscellaneous         Various other thermoplastics include: Delrin® (acetal), Nylon and ABS. Each has it's own unique characteristics, proving its value in various applications. Ask about these and other thermoplastics that may be suitable for your needs.