Thermoforming Plastics

Question 1

LDPE

Answer 1

Very tough, good chemical resistance, weather proof, available in translucent, low level of rigidity
Safe work temp 65

Uses: squeezy detergent bottles, toys, carrier bags, bin liners, food wrap film, food trays,

Question 2

HDPE

Answer 2

Available in translucent , weather proof, tough, good chemical resistance
Safe work temp 65

Uses: chemical drums, jerry cans, toys, long-life carrier bags, buckets, bowls.

Question 3

Polypropylene (PP)

Answer 3

Available in translucent, good chemical resistance, tough, good fatigue resistance( hinge property)
Safe working temp 100

Uses: rope, folders, folio cases, food containers, medical equipment

Question 4

High-impact polystyrene (HIPS)

Answer 4

Hard, rigid, available in translucent, tough
Safe work temp 70

Uses: yoghurt pots, refrigerator linings, single-use drink cups, toilet seats, instrument control knobs.

Question 5

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

Answer 5

Tough, rigid, available in opaque
Safe work temp 80

Uses: telephone handsets, rigid luggage, domestic appliances, handles, computer housing, remote control casings, calculator casings

Question 6

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

Answer 6

Tough, hard, good chemical resistance, available in translucent.
Safe work temp 95

Uses: car light casings, laser cut items, lighting units, lighting covers, baths

Question 7

Nylon

Answer 7

Tough, corrosion resistant, good temperature resistance, low coefficient of friction.
Safe work temp 150

Uses: bearings, gears, curtain rails, textiles, boil-in-the-bag food packaging, car engine manifolds, cable ties.

Question 8

Rigid polyvinyl chloride (uPVC)

Answer 8

Rigid, opaque, tough, hard, good weathering resistance, good chemical resistance
Safe work temp 95

Uses: window forms, external doors, guttering and downpipes for buildings, water service pipes, bank cards

Question 9

Flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Answer 9

Available in translucent, tough, flexible, good weathering resistance, good chemical resistance.
Safe work temp 95

Uses: hose pipes, cable insulation, medical grade tubing, inflatable products, imitation leather, seat coverings