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You will need to consider your design and select the most appropriate plastic for the job. Use the information and question sheet below to complete your research section and evaluate how it will affect your design choices.
You will need to consider your design and select the most appropriate plastic for the job. Use the information and question sheet below to complete your research section and evaluate how it will affect your design choices.
Thermosetting
Thermosetting
Thermosetting plastics are plastics that set in shape and can't be softened or remoulded. They are also non-recyclable
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy Resin
Properties: Epoxy containes a resin and Hardener, when mixed together it will set in a short amount of time. It is a good electrical insulator, hard, brittle unless reinforced, resists chemicals well
Uses: Can be used to create castings moulds. Can be mixed in large volumes to encapsulate objects. It is a very versatile adhesive and can be used for bonding mix of other materials
Melamine formaldehyde
Melamine formaldehyde
Properties: It is a resin that when set will be Stiff, hard, strong, resists some chemicals and stains
Uses: Often used as a laminate for work surfaces i.e. Kitchen Worktop, it also demonstrates very good heat insulation, this makes it ideal for Picnic-ware and kitchen utensils.
Urea Formaldehyde
Urea Formaldehyde
Properties: Urea Formaldehyde is a non-clear resin that is stiff, hard, strong, brittle, but also a good electrical insulator
Uses: Electrical fittings, handles and control knobs on electrical items, and formed as an adhesive for making MDF and other woods.
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics
Plastics which will soften when heated and can be softened and reshaped repeatedly. They are also able to be recycled.
Nylon (polyamide)
Nylon (polyamide)
Appearance: Creamy colour, tough, fairly hard, resists wear, self-lubricating, good resistance to chemicals
Uses: Nylon is a very versatile material. Often used in bearings for moving parts, gear wheels, casings for power tools, hinges for small cupboards, curtain rail fittings and clothing.
Acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate)
Acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate)
Appearance: Stiff, hard but scratches easily, durable, brittle in small sections, good electrical insulator, machined easily and polishes well
Uses: Signs, covers of storage boxes, aircraft canopies and windows, covers for car lights, wash basins and baths
ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
Appearance: Stiff, strong and tough material, resistant to impact and scratches, durable and glossy in finish. Excellent thermal and Chemical properties. Available in a range of colours that can be mixed.
Uses: Used in a wide range of products including electrical parts, product casings, Lego bricks and musical instruments.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene
Appearance: Light, hard but scratches easily, tough, good resistance to chemicals, resists work fatigue
Uses: Medical equipment, containers with built-in hinges, string, rope, kitchen equipment such as chopping boards
Expanded Polystyrene
Expanded Polystyrene
Appearance: Light fluffy balls of foam, often compacted together into moulded shapes. Very strong, but can be brittle, also water resistant
Uses: Packaging material, it can be formed into most shapes to hold items securely in the box.
High Impact Polystyrene
High Impact Polystyrene
Appearance: Light, hard, stiff, transparent, brittle, with good water resistance. Available in single sheets, and a large variety of colours
Uses: Toys, especially model kits, packaging, 'plastic' boxes and containers. Used a lot for Vacuum Formed parts.
Low density polythene (LDPE)
Low density polythene (LDPE)
Appearance: Clear/Opaque material, tough, good resistance to chemicals, flexible, fairly soft, good electrical insulator
Uses: Packaging, especially bottles, toys, packaging film and bags
high density polythene (LDPE)
high density polythene (LDPE)
Appearance: Clear/Opaque material, tough, good resistance to chemicals, flexible, fairly soft, good electrical insulator
Uses: Packaging, especially bottles, toys, packaging film and bags
Biodegradable Plastics vs Bio Plastics
Biodegradable Plastics vs Bio Plastics
As the issues around plastic waste increases manufacturers are turning to Bioplastics and Biodegradable plastics. Whilst these offer alternatives to manufacturing from Fossil Fuels it is worth noting that these materials need to be recycled in Industrial Recycling facilities or in strict conditions to decompose effectively. Whilst technology and science initiatives are constantly sourcing a material that will replace conventional plastic as a resource, it is still likely to ensure that your product is made from recycled plastic or can be fully recycled.
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