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Common Types Of Plastic

Plastic revolutionized the world as we knew it when it was first introduced in the early 20th century. Since then, humans have used plastic for just about everything. From food storage to components for advanced technology, plastics have given us many useful things since they were invented. However, did you know that there are several different kinds of plastics, all with their own benefits and disadvantages depending on which application you were planning on using them? In today’s blog, Ballyhoo Plastics, the providers of the best plastic pellets around, will be going over the most common types of plastics as well as their most common uses in the world today.

Polycarbonate Plastics

One of the most readily available plastics, polycarbonate, or PC plastic, is used in many different ways. PC plastic is tough, incredibly stable, and clear, which makes it a perfect replacement for glass when a more durable product is needed. In fact, PC is around 250 times stronger than glass, which makes this plastic one of the most popular options for engineering applications. One of the biggest advantages of polycarbonate plastic is that it has a lot of design flexibility. Unlike glass or other plastics, PC plastic can be cut without the need of pre-forming or fabrication. PC plastic is easy to work with, which helps make this plastic one of the most common forms of plastic in just about any form.

Products that use polycarbonate plastic:

  • DVDs

  • Sunglasses

  • Riot gear

  • Clear panels for greenhouses

  • Outdoor signs

Polyvinyl Chloride

One of the most produced plastic polymers in the world, polyvinyl chloride can be made to possess both rigid and flexible properties. More commonly known as PVC, this plastic is well known for its ability to blend with other kinds of materials. Rigid PVC is used in many different building and construction materials, while the more flexible form can be used in plumbing and electrical applications. Depending on what you pair your PVC with, you’ll get either the rigid or flexible form. When you need a reliable and durable plastic, then PVC may just be the perfect material for you.

Products that use PVC plastic:

  • Doors

  • Windows

  • Electrical cable insulation

  • Medical tubing

  • Plumbing products

Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene

One of the more difficult plastics to pronounce, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, or ABS, is made by polymerizing different plastics in the presence of polybutadiene. ABS is a flexible, glossy, and impact-resistant plastic that is also highly processable. This plastic material can be manufactured in a range of different thicknesses, with a maximum width of 1600mm. Because ABS has a lower manufacturing cost, it’s become one of the most common types of plastics. ABS is useful in many different forms, including plastic sheeting and plastic pellets for manufacturing purposes.

Products that use ABS plastic:

  • Protective headgear

  • Luggage

  • Toys

  • Autoparts

  • Boxes

Polyethylene Plastics

Polyethylene (PE) plastics are the most common forms of plastic on the planet. PE can be manufactured into different densities, each one giving the final polyethylene plastic a different and unique physical property. Because of this, PE plastics are used in all kinds of products across numerous industries all over the world. The four most common PE plastic densities include low-density polyethylene (LDPE), medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The kind of product each PE plastic produces depends on the density of the plastic used.

Products that use PE plastic:

  • Plastic bags

  • Clear food containers

  • Snowboards

  • Boats

  • Military body armor

  • Spine implants

  • Artificial ice rinks

Acrylic

One of the most commonly known plastics, acrylic, or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), has numerous applications across many different industries. Available in many different forms, acrylic is transparent, lightweight, and shatter-resistant, which makes it a popular glass replacement option. Manufacturers can also upgrade this plastic to add color while also making it anti-static, UV-tolerant, and even bullet resistant. Usually found in sheet form, acrylic can also take many different forms to be used in a multitude of applications. Easier to handle and process, acrylic is around 17 times more impact resistant than glass, which is why it’s preferred by many in industries where glass panels may take a lot of regular damage.

Products that use acrylic plastic:

  • Car wax

  • Plexiglass

  • Clothing

  • Fiber optics

  • Submarine windows

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When you need the best plastic pellets for your manufacturing company, then Ballyhoo Plastics has everything you need to make the perfect products. We carry all kinds of plastic pellets, including polycarbonate, PC/ABS, PVC, nylon, and much more. With wholesale options and our dedication to providing you with the best plastic materials around, our plastic company can give you with everything your business needs to grow and thrive. Learn more about our plastic pellets, get to know our plastic company, or contact Ballyhoo Plastics to answer any questions and to place your order today.

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