subject: Types Of Engineering Plastics [print this page] Plastic has many different uses within the field of engineering, but in order to choose the right kind of plastic for the job you have, it is essential that you understand the different types of plastics. An expert at a plastic supply company will be able to help you ensure that you get the perfect plastic for your needs, but here are the basics on some of the most common types of engineering plastics:
Teflon Although most people recognize the brand name for this plastic, the technical term is polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE. This type of plastic is good for much more than just cookware, although the most common property of use is its non-stick feature.
Nylon These synthetic plastics are known to provide a very silky material that can be used in a number of applications in engineering, especially in mechanical parts like gears and screws.
Acrylic This class of polymers are known especially for their see-through quality and elasticity. They are quite resistant to breaking and bend easily. These plastics do quite well under high heat levels, although they are not recommended when dealing with extremely cold temperatures.
PVC Polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as PVC, is the third most popular plastic in the world. Its easy to work with and often used in construction, although it can also be easily made softer by adding plasticizers, which often make it possible to use PVC as a replacement for rubber.
Polycarbonate This type of plastic is commonly sold under brand names like Makrolon and Lexan. There are many different kinds of polycarbonate plastics, and each one has slightly different properties. Overall, however, they are very easy to work, easy to mold, and they are thermoformed.
Polypropylene These plastics are a fairly economical choice when compared to other types of plastic. They are known for being both flexible and tough.
Of course these are just a few of the types of engineering plastics that are available. Most plastic supply companies offer these types of plastic in a variety of different forms, including tubes, rods, sheets, film, molded form, extruded form, or machined form. Many plastic supply companies offer even more options than the most common ones listed above.
