ACRYLIC: POLY METHYL METHACRYLATE (PMMA)
A clear and totally transparent thermoplastic and is commonly referred to as acrylic glass or simply acrylic.
Developed in 1928 as Plexiglsss, acrylic is often used in competition with polycarbonate (pc) as a low cost plastic replacement for glass, such as Perspex sheeting, windscreens and variety of moulded uses as in light and lens covers.
Thermoplastic pmma (acrylic) is typically processed between 240 & 250*c making it ideal for the plastic injection moulding processes.
INJECTION MOULDING PROCESS
Liquid silicone rubbers are supplied in barrels for a 2 part mix. The two components are pumped through a static mixer by a dosing pump. A colouring paste can be added before the material enters the static mixer. The material is then transferred through a cooled barrel on the injection moulding machine. The compound is then injected through into a heated cavity where curing occurs.
POLYCARBONATE
Polycarbonates are a group of thermoplastic polymers. They are easily processed in injection moulding. Characteristics are temperature resistance to 150 degrees on general purpose polycarbonates, up to 200 degrees on high heat grades, impact resistance, optical glass like appearance, which places this material between a commodity plastic and an engineering plastic.
Typical applications would include medical devices, drinking glasses, headlight lenses, compact discs, drinking bottles or any application where a more durable, resilient plastic part is required.
POLYETHYLENE
Polyethylene (PE) is a commodity thermoplastic commonly used in consumer products. Polyethylene falls into several different categories, based mainly on density from ultra high density through to very low density.
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) is used commonly in packaging and utility products such as viniclips where it has to maintain a high level of structural stability in varying climates.
POLYURETHANE (PU)
Polyurethane is a unique material offering an extremely wide variety of hardness and stiffness. From the durability of steel replacement right down to very soft sponge it allows for the replacement of rubber, plastic and metal, with extreme abrasive resistance reducing the need for replacement and down time.
Advantages of Polyurethane:
- Extremely abrasion resistant
- Tear resistant
- Weather resistant
- High load bearing capacities
- Excellent noise dampening abilities
- Excellent electrical insulation properties.
Typical applications would include mounting pads, wear strips, wear mats, gears, sound dampening pads, rollers and wheels, hand grips, gaskets, engineering parts, mining applications and couplings.
THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMERS (TPE)
These are often referred to as Thermoplastic rubbers, a co polymer or a mix of polymers( usually a plastic and a rubber), giving you a combination of both Thermoplastic and Elastomeric properties. Injection moulded Thermoplastic polymers show both advantages typical of rubber and plastic materials. TPE products include Kraton, Pellethnae, Hytrel, Santoprene and Alcryn.
Typical Applications
TPE compounds are used in a variety of applications:
- Automotive/Seals/Gromets/Insulation
- Tools Handles Grips/Co Bonding
- House Wears/ Grip Handles appliances
- Sporting goods/Medical/Vibrational Dampeners/Support Feet etc. The list is endless.