There are a variety of plastic materials that can be used for extrusion, each with their own set of benefits and drawbacks. In this guide, we’ll go over some of the most common plastic materials used in extrusion so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your project.
Here are some benefits and applications for each material that Applied Plastics offers:
Applied Plastics offers a wide range of plastic extrusion materials to meet the unique needs of our customers. With the help of our material chart, we can determine the best possible material for your needs.
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Acetal
(Copolymer) (Homopolymer): Acetal is a strong, stiff plastic that has excellent chemical and moisture resistance. It's often used in food-service applications because it can withstand repeated sterilization.
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Acrylic
Acrylic is a clear plastic that has good UV resistance and is often used in outdoor applications. It can be easily molded and formed, making it a good choice for complex shapes. It has excellent optical properties and is shatter-resistant.
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Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene
(ABS): ABS is a tough, impact-resistant plastic that is easy to mold and form. It has good chemical resistance and is often used in food-service applications.
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Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
(Butyrate): Butyrate is a strong, stiff plastic that has excellent moisture resistance. It's often used in food-service applications because it can withstand repeated sterilization.
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Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride
(CPVC): CPVC is a tough, impact-resistant plastic that has good chemical resistance. It's often used in piping and plumbing applications because it can withstand high temperatures.
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Copolyester
(PETG): PETG is a clear plastic that has good UV resistance and is often used in outdoor applications. It can be easily molded and formed, making it a good choice for complex shapes.
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Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
(EVA): EVA is a soft, flexible plastic that has excellent moisture resistance. It's often used in food-service applications because it can withstand repeated sterilization.
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Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a clear plastic that has good UV resistance and is often used in outdoor applications. It's impact-resistant and can be easily molded and formed, making it a good choice for complex shapes.
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Polyester
Polyester is a strong, stiff plastic that has excellent chemical and moisture resistance. It's often used in food-service applications because it can withstand repeated sterilization.
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Polyethermide
(PEI): PEI is a tough, impact-resistant plastic that has good chemical resistance. It's often used in piping and plumbing applications because it can withstand high temperatures.
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Polyethylene
(HDPE): HDPE is a tough, impact-resistant plastic that is easy to mold and form. It has good chemical resistance and is often used in food-service applications.
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Polyethylene
(LDPE): LDPE is a soft, flexible plastic that has excellent moisture resistance. It's often used in food-service applications because it can withstand repeated sterilization.
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Polyphenylene
Polyphenylene is a strong, stiff plastic that has excellent chemical and moisture resistance. It's often used in food-service applications because it can withstand repeated sterilization.
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Polypropylene
(Copolymer) (Hompolymer): Polypropylene is a strong, stiff plastic that has excellent chemical and moisture resistance. It's often used in food-service applications because it can withstand repeated sterilization.
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Polystyrene
(Crystal): Crystal polystyrene is a clear plastic that has good UV resistance and is often used in outdoor applications. It can be easily molded and formed, making it a good choice for complex shapes.
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Polystyrene
(High Impact): High impact polystyrene is a tough, impact-resistant plastic that is easy to mold and form. It has good chemical resistance and is often used in food-service applications.
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Polysulfone
Polysulfone is a clear plastic that has good UV resistance and is often used in outdoor applications. It's impact-resistant and can be easily molded and formed, making it a good choice for complex shapes.
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Polyurethane
(Ester) (Ether) - Polyurethane is a strong, stiff plastic that has excellent chemical and moisture resistance. It's often used in food-service applications because it can withstand repeated sterilization.
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Polyvinyl Chloride
(Flexible PVC) - Polyvinyl chloride is a soft, flexible plastic that has excellent moisture resistance. It's often used in food-service applications because it can withstand repeated sterilization.
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Thermoplastic Rubber
(TPR) - Thermoplastic rubber is a tough, impact-resistant plastic that has good chemical resistance. It's often used in piping and plumbing applications because it can withstand high temperatures.
What should you consider while selecting a material for plastic extrusions?
Choosing the right material for plastic extrusions is a critical step in the manufacturing process. There are a number of factors that need to be considered when making this decision, including the intended use of the finished product, the desired properties of the finished product, and the available budget.
One important factor to consider is the intended use of the product. Different materials will have different strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose a material that is well-suited for the task at hand. For example, if you need a material that is strong and durable, then you’ll want to avoid materials that are prone to breaking or shattering.
Another factor to consider is the desired properties of the finished product. This includes things like the color, texture, and overall appearance of the product. You’ll need to choose a material that can meet these desired properties while still being able to withstand the manufacturing process.
Finally, you’ll need to consider the available budget when choosing a material for plastic extrusions. In general, more expensive materials will be of higher quality and easier to work with. However, there are some cheaper materials that can still produce good results if used properly. Ultimately, it’s up to you to weigh all of these factors and choose a material that is right for your specific needs.
If you’re not sure which material is right for your plastic extrusion project, then consult with a professional manufacturer. They will be able to help you choose the right material based on your specific needs and requirements. With their assistance, you can be sure that your finished product will be of the highest quality possible.
Quality Materials by Applied Plastics
Plastic extrusion is a process that can be used to create a wide variety of objects and products. The material that you use for your project will depend on the specific requirements of your application. We take into account the unique needs of your application and provide expert guidance to ensure that you get the perfect material for your project.
At Applied Plastics, we pride ourselves on being able to help our customers choose the right material for their plastic extrusion needs. We take into account the unique needs of each application and provide expert guidance on what kind of material will work best, without overspending. We also have a sample room where you can see and feel different materials to determine if they’re right for your project.
If you’re in need of high-quality custom plastic extrusions, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Applied Plastics today. We have a wide range of experience and expertise, and we’re always happy to help our clients meet their unique needs! Contact us today at customerservice@appliedplasticsinc.com to learn more about what we can do for you!
| Material | Appearances | Features | Secondary Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetal
(Copolymer) (Homopolymer) |
Opaque/ Can be Colored | – Good Toughness
– Superior Abrasion Resistance – Contains Internal Lubricant |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed |
| Acrylic | Clear, Transparent Tints or Translucent to Opaque Colors/ Can be Colored | – Good Chemical Resistance
– Good Contact Clarity – Impact Modified – Excellent Toughness Grade – Good Exterior Properties |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed – Punched |
| Acrylonitrile Butadiene- Styrene
(ABS) |
Opaque/ Red | – Excellent Toughness
– Good Formability – High Gloss Finish – Good Stiffness – High Impact Strength – Good Low Temp Properties – Good Chemical Resistance – Flame Retardant |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed – Punched |
| Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
(Butyrate) |
Clear, Transparent Tints or Translucent to Opaque Colors/ Can be Colored | – Excellent Clarity
– Good Toughness – Excellent Printability – Good Stiffness |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed – Punched |
| Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chlorided
(CPVC) |
Off-white/Grey | – High Heat Deflection Temperature
– High Impact Strength -Good Dimensional Stability – High Rigidity – Good Chemica Resistnace |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed – Punched |
| Copolyester
(PETG) |
Clear, Transparent Tints or Translucent to Opaque Colors/ Can be Colored | – Good Impact Strength
– High Flex Modulus – Good Chemical Resistance – Good Toughness – High Clarity |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed – Punched |
| Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
(EVA) |
Translucent/ Can be Colored | – Good Flexibility
– Good Toughness – Good Memory Retention |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Punched – Sealed |
| Polycarbonate | Transparent/ Can be Colored | – UV Grade
– FDA Grade – High Impact Strength – Good Electrical Properties – Good Dimensional Stability – High Rigidity – Excellent Clarity – Good Surface Gloss |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed – Punched |
| Polyester | Opaque / Can be Colored | – Good Toughness
– Superior Abrasion Resistance – Contains Internal Lubricant |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed |
| Polyethermide | Opaque/ Can be Colored | – Exceptional Strength and Modulus
– Flame Retardant – High Dielectric Strength – Good Chemical Resistance – Excellent Machinabilty |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed |
| Polyethylene
(HDPE) |
Opaque/ Can be Colored | – Moderate Stiffness
– Stress Crack Resistance – Excellent Electrical Properties – Good Chemical Resistance – Abrasion Resistant – Cost Effective |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed – Punched |
| Polyethylene
(LDPE) |
Opaque/ Can be Colored | – Excellent Electrical Properties
– Excellent Toughness – High Gloss Finish – Cost Effective – Good Durability |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed – Punched |
| Polyphenylene | Opaque/ Can be Colored | – Excellent Impact Resistance
– Excellent Toughness – Flame Retardant – Low Water Absorption |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed |
| Polypropylene
(Copolymer) (Hompolymer) |
Opaque/ Can be Colored | – Good Stiffness
– Good Impact Strength – Excellent Toughness – High Resistance to Solvents – Living Hinge |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed – Punched |
| Polystyrene
(Crystal) |
Clear, Transparent Tints or Translucent to Opaque Colors/ Can be Colored | – Good Stiffness
– Good Clarity – Low Impact Strength – Cost Effective – Excellent Printability |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed |
| Polystyrene
(High Impact) |
Clear, Transparent Tints or Translucent to Opaque Colors/ Can be Colored | – Good Stiffness
– Cost Effective – High Impact Strength – Excellent Printability |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed – Punched |
| Polysulfone | Translucent / Can be Colored | – High Tensile Strength
– High Modulus – Good Chemical Resistance – FDA Approved |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed |
| Polyurethane
(Ester) (Ether) |
Translucent/ Can be Colored | – Cut Resistant
– UV Grade – Good Clarity – Contains Internal Lubricant – Heat Resistant – Good Abrasion Resistance – Good Chemical Resistance – Low Temperature Flexibility – Oil Resistant – Good Tear Strength – Good Toughness |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed – Punched – Sealed |
| Polyvinyl Chloride
(Rigid PVC) |
Clear, Transparent Tints and Translucent to Opaque Colors/ Can be Colored | – Good Impact Strength
– Good Clarity – Good Toughness – Excellent Thermal Stability – Exterior Grade – Interior Grade – FDA Grade – Excellent Printability |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed – Punched |
| Polyvinyl Chloride
(Flexible PVC) Blended in-house |
Clear, Transparent Tints and Translucent to Opaque Colors/ Can be Colored | – Good for Industrial Applications
– Good Chemical Resistance – FDA Approved for Medical Applications – Flexibility from 60 to 90 Shore A Scale – Finishes can vary |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed – Punched |
| Thermoplastic Rubber
(TPR) |
Tan/ Can be Colored | – Excellent Flex Fatigue
– Flame Retardant – Good Weather Resistance – Good Memory Retention – Excellent Wear Resistance – Good Chemical Resistance |
– Sawed
– Drilled – Routed – Punched – Sealed |
