Materials Processed
UPVC (Rigid PVC)
The most widely used rigid material in plastic extrusion for its ease of processing and relative cheapness. There are a wide variety of grades available for all types of applications including outdoor, non toxic and clear. We offer a carbon free grade for use on radomes.
| Physical Properties | ||
| Tensile Strength | 2.60 | N/mm² |
| Notched Impact Strength | 2.0 – 45 | Kj/m² |
| Thermal Coefficient of expansion | 80 | x 10 -6 |
| Max Cont Use Temp | 60 | oC |
| Density | 1.38 – 1.42 | g/cm 3 |
PVC (Flexible PVC)
The cheapest alternative for flexible plastic extrusions. Available in a wide variety of grades from soft to semi rigid. Easily coloured to specification but also available in clear or natural. Often used in hoses, tubes, seals, edgings and trims, and can be used in conjunction with rigid PVC to form dual hardness profiles.
ABS
Rigid material with good temperature performances (high and low). Has excellent surface finish and colour (mainly indoor use). More expensive than PVC, but widely used in custom plastic extrusions, often in domestic appliances, housings and tubes for water applications. Fire retardant grades available.
| Physical Properties | ||
| Tensile Strength | 40-50 | N/mm² |
| Notched Impact Strength | 10 – 20 | Kj/m² |
| Thermal Coefficient of expansion | 70 – 90 | x 10 -6 |
| Max Cont Use Temp | 80 – 95 | oC |
| Density | 1.0 | g/cm 3 |
Styrene (HIPS and PS)
HIPS is mainly used indoors on point of sale with mid range pricing and has good impact strength. For clear custom extrusion applications we can also offer general purpose polystyrene for use on light diffusers for example but it tends to be brittle.
| Physical Properties HIPS | ||
| Tensile Strength | 2.20 – 2.70 | N/mm² |
| Notched Impact Strength | 10.0 – 20.0 | Kj/m² |
| Thermal Coefficient of expansion | 80 | x 10 -6 |
| Max Cont Use Temp | 60 – 80 | oC |
| Density | 1.0 | g/cm 3 |
Polycarbonate (PC)
Very rigid and strong with good high temperature performance but at relatively high cost. Often used in custom plastic extrusions, such as light diffusers and in vandal proof situations. Clear and colours available.
| Physical Properties | ||
| Tensile Strength | 70 – 80 | N/mm² |
| Notched Impact Strength | 60 – 80 | Kj/m² |
| Thermal Coefficient of expansion | 65 | x 10 -6 |
| Max Cont Use Temp | 125 | oC |
| Density | 1.20 | g/cm 3 |
Polyethylene (HDPE and LDPE)
Semi rigid with waxy finish, HDPE is good for custom plastic extrusions that have outdoor uses and has good low temperature performance and chemical resistance. Often used in tubing and packaging applications. Translucent only.
| Physical Properties | ||
| Tensile Strength | 0.20 – 0.40 | N/mm² |
| Notched Impact Strength | no break | Kj/m² |
| Thermal Coefficient of expansion | 100 – 220 | x 10 -6 |
| Max Cont Use Temp | 65 | oC |
| Density | 0.95 | g/cm 3 |
Polypropylene (PP)
Similar in feel to HDPE, this is a very tough material mainly for indoor use. Has a good high temperature performance. Often used in custom plastic extrusions such as hinges and tubing.
| Physical Properties | ||
| Tensile Strength | 0.95 – 1.30 | N/mm² |
| Notched Impact Strength | 3.0 – 30.0 | Kj/m² |
| Thermal Coefficient of expansion | 100 – 150 | x 10 -6 |
| Max Cont Use Temp | 80 | oC |
| Density | 0.9 | g/cm 3 |
Others available:
Rigid Materials
1) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – for high clarity tubing and ticketing applications
2) PPE / PPO (Polyphenylene Ether / Polyphenylene Oxide)
3) Noryl (modified PPO) – for electrical applications
4) Acrylic (Polymethyl Methacrylate PMMA) – for high clarity tubing and ticketing
5) SBC (Styrene Butadiene Copolymer)
6) PC / ABS blends – high cost / high performance materials
7) Nylon 6 / PA6 (Polyamide) – small tubes and rods only
8) CAB (Cellulose Acetate Butyrate) – clear material with encapsulated metallic strip. Cosmetically attractive
Flexible Materials
These materials can typically be extruded and injection moulded, and are rubber-like
9) NBR (Nitrile Based Rubber – a Butadiene / Acrylonitrile Copolymer)
10) SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene)
11) SEBS (Styrene Ethylbutadiene Styrene)
12) TEEE (Thermoplastic Elastomer Ether Ester)
13) TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanisate)
14) TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers)
Co-extrusion Materials
Successful combinations are dictated by family compatibility
15) UPVC / PVC – rigid profile with flexible attachment(s)
16) PVC / PVC – colour striping or other cosmetic requirements of flexible profiles
17) PP / TPE – rigid and flexible profile, avoiding the risk of PVC shrinkage
Please note that the information given above is for general purposes only and is not a definitive reference guide. Specification sheets for individual grades of material can be submitted on request.