Materials

 

Vertex is has extensive experience with processing many different types of plastics and the most commonly used are described below:

 

Material Types

(Trade Names)

Abbreviation

Description

Typical Applications

Acetal
(Delrin, Hostaform, Lucel)
POM Opaque white, very tough; low/med. cost Gears, bearings, taps,  aerosol valves & insulators
Acrylic
(Diakon, Oroglas, Plexiglas)
PMMA Transparent and brittle; low/medium cost Lenses, automotive light housings & reflectors
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
(Cycolac, Magnum, Novodur, Terluran)
ABS Natural opaque and tough; low/medium cost Telephone handsets & housings
Polyamide 6 (Nylon)
(Akulon, Ultramid, Grilon)
PA6 Almost opaque/white, very tough; medium/high cost Bushes & bearings
Polyamide 6.6 (Nylon)
(Kopa, Zytel, Radilon)
PA6.6 Almost opaque/white, rigid & tough; medium/high cost Levers, housings, handles etc.
Polyamide 11+12 (Nylon)
(Rilsan, Grilamid)
PA11+12 Opaque to clear, rigid & tough; very high cost Air filters, safety masks, spectacle frames etc.
Polycarbonate
(Calibre, Lexan, Makrolon)
PC Transparent, very tough & resilient; high cost Street lamp covers & safety helmets
Polyethylene - Low Density
(Alkathene, Escorene, Novex)
LDPE Natural waxy appearance, tough & flexible; low cost Kitchenware and many sealing lids & closures
Polyethylene - High Density
(
Eraclene, Hostalen, Stamylan)
HDPE Natural waxy appearance, tough & stiff; low cost Chair seats & milk crates
Polyether Sulphone
(Victrex, Udel)
PES Clear, tough, very high chemical resistance; high cost Valve seat linings, metal replacement parts etc.
Polypropylene
(Novolen, Appryl, Escorene)
PP Natural waxy appearance, tough & stiff; low cost Beer crates & spade handles
Polyester-Thermoplastic
(Celanex, Crastin & Lupox, Rynite)
PBT
PET
Rigid & stable; medium/high cost Electrical sockets, housings & parts
Polyphenylene Oxide
(Noryl, Thermocomp, Vamporan)
PPO Tough & stable; high cost Electrical parts requiring tight tolerances
Polyphenylene Sulphide
(Ryton, Fortron)
PPS Brown, very good heat resistant, very high strength; very high cost Fuel system parts, guides, bearings, etc.
Polystyrene - General Purpose
(Lacqrene, Styron, Solarene)
GPPS Transparent & brittle; low cost Cosmetics packaging  ball-point & barrel pens
Polystyrene - High Impact
(Polystyrol, Kostil, Polystar)
HIPS Natural translucent & tough; low cost Food containers, cotton reels, & toy model kits
Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride
(Polycol, Trosiplast)
UPVC Transparent to opaque, tough; low cost Outdoor applications: gutters, drainpipes & fittings
Plasticised Polyvinyl Chloride
(Welvic, Varlan)
PVC Transparent to opaque, tough & flexible; low cost Shoe soles & electrical insulation
Styrene Acrylonitrile
(Luran, Arpylene, Starex)
SAN Transparent & brittle; low cost Table & picnicware
Thermoplastic Elastomer/Rubber
(Hytrel, Santoprene, Sarlink)
TPE/R Tough & flexible; high cost Electrically insulated parts, seals, bushes & washers