Guide to Choosing the Best Plastic for Industrial Applications

Importance of Plastic Use in Industry

Plastics play a critical role in industrial applications thanks to their lightness, durability and versatility. However, not every type of plastic is suitable for every industrial application. A wrong choice can increase production costs or reduce product quality. In this guide, we will examine the most suitable types of plastic for different industries and the points to consider when making your choice.

Types of Industrial Plastics and Their Usage Areas

The choice of industrial plastics depends on the purpose of use and the application environment. Here are the most common types of plastics used in industries and their advantages:

1. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene):

   • Features: High impact resistance, good surface quality.

   • Areas of Use: Automotive parts, electronic device cases, toys.

2. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):

   • Features: Resistant to chemicals and UV rays.

   • Areas of Use: Pipes, window frames, waterproofing materials.

3. Polycarbonate (PC):

   • Features: Transparency, high heat resistance, impact resistance.

   • Areas of Use: Safety glass, automotive headlights, electronic equipment.

4. PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene):

   • Features: Low coefficient of friction, high heat and chemical resistance.

   • Areas of Use: Industrial seals, insulation materials, non-slip surfaces.

5. HDPE (High Density Polyethylene):

   • Features: Chemical resistance, water resistance.

   • Areas of Use: Storage tanks, pipes, food processing equipment.

6 Factors to Consider When Choosing Industrial Plastics

When choosing the right plastic for industrial applications, the following factors should be taken into consideration:

1. Heat Resistance:

   • Materials such as polycarbonate or PTFE are ideal for equipment that will operate in high temperature environments.

2. Chemical Resistance:

   • Plastics that will come into contact with chemicals must be chemically resistant, such as PVC or HDPE.

3. Mechanical Strength:

   • ABS and polycarbonate are preferred in applications requiring high impact and tensile strength.

4. Lightness:

   • Lightweight materials provide fuel savings in the automotive and aviation sectors. For example, ABS and polyethylene stand out with these features.

5. Recycling and Sustainability:

   • Environmentally responsible companies prioritize recyclable plastics.

6. Cost:

   • The choice of plastic should be cost effective and within your budget.

Advantages of Industrial Plastics

• Durability: Ideal for long-lasting products.

• Easy Processability: Saves time in mold production and shaping processes.

• Lightness: It is lighter than metal materials and reduces transportation costs.

• Chemical Resistance: Can be used safely in environments with corrosive chemicals.

Plastic Selection by Sectors

1. Automotive Industry:

   • Lightness and durability are of critical importance in the automotive industry.

   • Recommended Plastic Types: ABS, polycarbonate, nylon.

2. Health Sector:

   • Materials that are suitable for sterilization and biocompatible are required.

   • Recommended Plastic Types: Polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC).

3. Construction Industry:

   • Weather-resistant materials are preferred.

   • Recommended Plastic Types: PVC, HDPE.

4. Food Industry:

   • Food contact and hygiene are important.

   • Recommended Plastic Types: PET, polypropylene (PP).

New Trends in Plastic Selection: Bioplastics

Bioplastics are new generation materials that reduce environmental impacts. Materials such as PLA (Polylactic Acid) and PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) are preferred by businesses that want to reduce their carbon footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which type of plastic is most resistant to high temperatures? Plastics such as polycarbonate and PTFE excel in high-temperature environments.

2. Which plastic is most resistant to chemicals? PTFE and PVC are the types of plastic with the highest chemical resistance.

3. What are the properties of plastics used in the food industry? Plastics used in the food industry must have food contact compatibility and sterilization properties. PET and PP are used for this purpose.

4. What are the types of recyclable plastic? PET, HDPE and polypropylene (PP) are types of plastic suitable for recycling.

5. Can bioplastics be used in industrial applications? Yes, bioplastics can be used in industrial applications that require low chemical resistance.

Steps to Success in Choosing Industrial Plastics

Choosing the right plastic is a critical step in determining the success of your industrial projects. You can choose the most suitable material for your application by considering factors such as heat, chemical resistance, durability and cost. Additionally, environmentally friendly options such as bioplastics can both enhance your business’s reputation and contribute to your sustainability goals.