ABS / PA / PC / PE / PMMA / PP / PS / TPU / PVC / PVDF

The chemical resistance for ABS is relatively good and it is not affected by water, non organic salts, acids and basic. The material will dissolve in aldehyde, ketone, ester and some chlorinated hydrocarbons.

If the surface finish is of importance for the product, the ABS can be treated with varnish, chromium plated or doubled by a layer of acrylic or polyester.

ABS can be glued to it self by use of a glue containing dissolvent. Polyurethane based or epoxy based glue can be used for gluing to other materials.

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Polyamide is hygroscopic. The material do absorb water. This absorption will change some of the materials properties as insulation, tensile strength and stiffness. The impact resistance is increased by a higher content of water.

The polyamide has a white or slightly yellow colour.

Polyamide can be glued to itself by use of a glue containing dissolvent. A two component epoxy glue can be used for gluing to non organic materials. The surfaces will need degreasing and grinding before gluing.

Polyamide can with a good result be hot welded or friction welded.

Compared to the other thermoplastics PA is a relatively expensive material.

PA is used by the industry for tubes bolts, toothed wheels, joints etc where the need for high abrasion resistance and good mechanical properties are of importance. Further it can be mentioned that the well known nylon stockings/panties are made from PA.

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Gluing of polycarbonate to it self is done by the use of solvents. Polyurethane or epoxy glue can be used for gluing to other plastic materials. Two component epoxy is recommended for gluing to metals. The surfaces must be thoroughly degreased.

Friction or ultrasound welding methods can be used for welding of polycarbonate. For hot welding a temperature of approx. 400°C.

PC con be varnished metalled or applied printing. The selection of varnish and glue should be done carefully as components can be applied that will damage the material.

Polycarbonate is a natural choice in manufacturing of electrical components due to the good electrical properties and the self-extinguishing effect. PC is commonly used for shielding of work places and machines, sight glass, tubes etc. due to its transparency and high impact resistance.

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The electrical properties for PE are very good.

PE has very good chemical resistant properties. It can withstand most chemicals with the exception of strong oxidant acids and some organic solvents. PE do not absorb water. One should be aware of that the chemical properties for PE will alter some when exposed to high temperatures.

Gluing of PE is very difficult and will require extensive pre-treatment. The material is well suited for joining by most welding methods.

Compared to other thermoplastics PE is a relatively inexpensive material.

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The electrical properties are very good.

PMMA can be hot welded by using a PVC or PMMA thread. Recommended temperatures are 220-260°C for PVC and 200-220°C for PMMA. The material can also be contact welded at 190-220 °C or ultrasonic welded.

Gluing of PMMA can be done by use of a glue containing solvent, or by use of a two component glue of the brand Araldit or similar. The material has to be thoroughly de-greased by methylene chloride or chloroform. The gluing process requires a high degree of skill as stress corrosion in the material can easily occur. Often the PMMA parts will need heat treatment to eliminate the stress.

The "glass looks" and the water resistant property of PMMA makes it commonly used for decoration articles, transparent tubes, signs, windows, level glass etc.

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PP will degrade exposed to direct sunlight. Adding additives as UV stabiliser or carbon black can compensate for this effect.

Gluing of PP is difficult and do require an extensive pre-treatment. The material is well suited for the most welding methods.

PP is among the most inexpensive thermoplastic on the marked.

PP are used for tubes, fittings, packing material, auto parts etc. The material is often used for hinges as it can be flexed millions of times before breaking.

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PS has a limited use in the electrical industry due to the weak heat resistance and the tendency to take electrostatic charge.

PP can be glued to itself by the use of a solvent like acetone, toluene, methylene chloride etc. Gluing to other materials can be achieved by use of glues based on acrylics, epoxy or polyurethane.

PS can be welded by ultrasonic or hot weld.

PS is commonly used for disposable articles, signs, cabinets, machine parts and picture frames etc.

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The electrical conductance is very low. TPU is a hygroscopic material, and the conductance is dependent on the content of moisture.

TPU is easy to glue and many types of glue can be used. It is important to thoroughly clean the surfaces before gluing.

TPU are used for hoses, tubes, sleeves, cushions, coating, insulators, apron rollers etc.

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Hard PVC has a high mechanical strength and stiffness with a good resistance to chemicals and weather. PVC can be mixed with stabilisers and lubricants and made into products with a high degree of transparency and/or softness. Hard PVC is from start a brittle material that can be made extremely impact resistant by the introduction of additives.

The properties of the soft PVC can not be generalised as they are dependant of the type and content of softener. Soft PVC can be tailor made for many applications by adding the feasible additives. Soft PVC can be delivered as transparent or dyed.

Normally PVC has a softening point of approx. 80°C as can limit the applications. There is also qualities with a softening point of more than 100°C.

The electrical properties for PVC are good.

PVC can be welded by most known methods and is easily glued.

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PVDF is non-glueable, but can easily be hot welded at welding temperatures 175-180°C.

PVDF has very good mechanical properties. The additional good chemical properties and the high temperature tolerance makes it fit for a wide range of industrial products as tubes, fittings, sliding surface, guides, machine parts, containers etc.

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