As a plastic distribution company that’s been in the business since , we know a thing or two about the many different types of plastic sheets and what sets them apart from each other. Sometimes the applications they’re used for overlap, which can make it tricky to decide which variety will perform the best for your project. Whether you want to find out which types of plastic will suit your needs best or simply want to learn more about this incredibly versatile material, you’ve come to the right place. Dive into our plastic guide to get the ultimate rundown of our most popular plastics.
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Acrylic sheet, also known as plexiglass or brand names like Plexiglas® and Lucite, is an ideal substitute for glass in applications that require a high amount of clarity and strength. Acrylic is a thermoplastic, so it can easily be melted down and injection molded into any shape needed — and can even be reheated again later without degrading. Of all the different plastics, acrylic provides the best clarity for the longest amount of time, thanks to its resistance to scratches, abrasions and yellowing. It also protects against UV damage, which makes it a popular plastic solution for applications like advertising displays or picture framing. The only thing to keep in mind when you choose acrylic is that it can crack and chip easily during installation due to its rigidity.
There are all sorts of acrylic available to suit a variety of applications and industries.As you could see from the long list of acrylic products above, acrylic comes in all sorts of colors and strengths. Check out some of the industries these plastics can be used in.
Want to do some in-depth reading on acrylic? We have several resources that provide key examples of how acrylic can be used in a variety of projects. Perfect for lighting your inspiration!
If all the different types of plastic are superheros, polycarbonate is Superman. It’s over 250 times stronger than glass and just as clear, making it an ideal application for storefronts and any buildings or vehicles that need extremely impact resistant windows. As a thermoplastic like acrylic, polycarbonate can be heated and injection molded into any shape necessary, and then reheated later without degrading significantly. You can also cold form polycarbonate into the needed dimensions right on-site. Polycarbonate can also be treated to either transmit or protect against UV rays, so whether you need siding for your greenhouse or sturdy siding for an airplane, this plastic is up for the job. One drawback to polycarbonate is initial cost, but given how durable and long-lasting the material is, it winds up paying for itself over time. Also, while certain varieties of polycarbonate are abrasion resistant, it is somewhat easier to scratch or dent this plastic when compared to acrylic.
Polycarbonate, also known as Lexan or Makrolon, is used for many different applications and in more industries that you might imagine. Varieties of polycarbonate available at A&C Plastics include:Polycarbonate is one of our favorite types of plastic because of its versatility and strength. Just like acrylic, it can be used (and is currently being used) in industries of all kinds. Check out a few of the places you can find polycarbonate.
Want to do some in-depth reading on polycarbonates? We have several resources that provide key examples of how polycarbonates can be used in a variety of projects. Perfect for lighting your inspiration!
High-density polyethylene, or HDPE (which is much easier to pronounce) is a thermoplastic used in items ranging from hard hats to water bottles. Most other different types of plastic don’t quite match HDPE in its versatility and malleability — and did we mention it’s super eco-friendly? HDPE is one of the most widely recycled plastics on the market, meaning you can choose it with confidence knowing that it will both do its job well and be transformed into something new when the work is done.
HDPE shares qualities with acrylic and polycarbonate sheet, such as strong impact and abrasion resistance and a low coefficient of friction. These qualities also prevent it from retaining stains, sustaining moisture damage or gaining unpleasant odors over time. On the other hand, HDPE has incredible tensile strength and rigidity, setting it apart from other types of plastic.
A&C Plastics carries plenty of specialized HDPE sheet, including:Being one of the most versatile types of plastic, HDPE is used in several industries for a wide variety of applications. If you're operating in tough conditions, HDPE is the plastic that's up for the job. Here are just a few of the places HDPE is frequently found.
Even though you now have a “high density” of knowledge on HDPE, you might still be wondering if it’s the right plastic for your project. Use these resources to ensure you get a complete picture of HDPE and it’s uses.
This final category encompasses many different types of plastic with unique characteristics that make them suited for just about any task you could throw at them. Lightweight and durable, they can be used in a wide variety of industry applications.
Check out all the great products that fall within this category below.Being one of the most versatile types of plastic, HDPE is used in several industries for a wide variety of applications. If you're operating in tough conditions, HDPE is the plastic that's up for the job. Here are just a few of the places HDPE is frequently found.
There are many different types of plastic within the "industrial" category, which means there's plenty of learning to be done to make the best decision for your project! These articles might be just what you need.
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Plastic sheets include any flat, continuous piece of plastic material that is relatively stiff. These materials can be thin, but are generally more substantial than plastic film, which can be rolled and manipulated without any specialized equipment.
If you work with plastics regularly, you’re likely quite familiar with the basic qualities of plastic sheets. However, many industry professionals are so comfortable with the specific materials they already use, that they may not dedicate much thought to what goes into producing plastic sheets or all the different material options available for different purposes or use cases.
Whether you’re just getting involved with the powerful world of plastics or are already very familiar with the qualities of specific plastic sheets, here’s a guide to the elements you may not have considered.
There are a huge array of plastic materials available today. So the specific processes and polymers used may vary slightly. However, the basics are fairly consistent across many popular plastic sheet products.
Thermoplastics include popular materials like acrylic and polycarbonate, which can be easily molded or melted when heated to a specific degree, though the melting point of each polymer varies. These thermoplastics often start as liquid polymers that are squeezed through a tiny slit for casting. This process is often completed in bulk with multiple cooling rows filled at one time. Once the molds cool down, the plastic is solid and can be removed from the rows, leaving stiff sheets of the same size and material. This process can be completed for plastic sheets of various gauges and dimensions. These stock sizes can also be cut, shaped, and machined once they’re produced.
Plastic sheets can be used for a huge array of applications, especially once they’re cut to size, routed, and machined to suit the needs of specific industries. Though the specific applications are nearly endless, here are some of top industries that use these materials regularly:
Every type of plastic offers its own set of benefits for specific industries and applications. For example, polycarbonate provides extreme impact resistance, while HDPE offers very low water absorption. So there are advantages of specific products that go above and beyond the qualities listed here, but these are some of the most prominent reasons why people choose to work with plastic sheets in general.
Since there are so many types of plastic sheets available, it is an incredibly versatile material that’s well-suited for numerous applications. Basic sheets can even be cut to size, produced in various colors and finishes, and thermoformed into various shapes. So it’s much easier to customize plastics to the needs of each project than it is to manipulate other strong materials like metal and wood.
Most plastics are also incredibly durable, with different benefits for different types of plastics. Some provide chemical resistance, while others are well suited for standing up against friction.
When compared to other strong materials like metal and glass, plastics are very lightweight. This makes them easy to handle and transport. It also makes them attractive for automotive and aerospace applications where keeping weight down can make high-powered systems more efficient.
Since plastic sheets can be produced and customized at scale, it also tends to be a fairly cost-effective material. This varies depending on the type of plastic and what value-added services are needed, but it does tend to be an affordable alternative to other options like metal.
The plastic sheets market is currently very strong. It’s grown significantly over the past several years and is expected to continue on that trajectory. The benefits listed above, along with the efficient processes and customization options available have contributed to this growth across an array of different industries served.
The pandemic also made a major impact on the demand for plastic sheets. These materials were often used as sneeze guards, face shields, and protective barriers in medical facilities and essential businesses. As organizations begin adjusting to their new normal, many of these safety features are likely to remain, and facilities are continuing to find new ways to make their spaces safer for everyone.
The plastics industry has of course felt the effects of supply chain issues and economic disruptions just like every other business in . However, the ease of producing, transporting, and customizing large amounts of plastic sheets at scale make this product still widely available for many industries across the world.
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