Category: Uncategorized

Weather-resistant plastics have superior durability suited for extensive outdoor applications. These plastics have been widely adopted over the past century. The development of weather-resistant plastics has been one of the major innovations in material science, supplanting traditional materials like metal, glass, wood, and cotton. The appeal of many plastics stems from their better resistance to… Read more »

The primary challenge in distinguishing an elastomer vs. polymer is that elastomers are a subset of polymers. When you hear the word ‘elastomer,’ think ‘elastic,’ for the term is in fact derived from ‘elastic polymer.’ The elasticity of elastomers is a good reason why this particular polymer is often used interchangeably with the word, ‘rubber.’… Read more »

The manufacturing of plastic parts and products is an integral part of the global economy. A variety of plastic fabrication methods are performed to manufacture components for every industrial sector—medical and pharmaceutical, aerospace, shipping and packaging, electronics and electrical, automotive, transportation, durable goods and household items, construction, heavy equipment, agriculture, and so much more. There… Read more »

High heat resistance is one of the defining properties of high-performance plastics known as thermosets. Long touted for their light-weight and chemical-resistant properties, it is the high heat-resistance that makes the performance of thermoset plastics exceptional in demanding applications and environments. Why Thermosets are the Best Temperature-Resistant Plastics Several decades ago, the thermoplastics in use… Read more »

Regarding the manufacturing costs of plastic parts, it is often noted that thermoplastic prices are lower than thermoset plastics. While this may be true to a certain degree, thermoplastics offer limited advantages when compared to their thermoset plastic counterparts. Upfront tooling costs, part strength and performance, and even appearance play an important part in determining… Read more »

The usefulness of gel coating vs. paint for thermoset plastic parts is relative to the applications, needs, and requirements of the specific part. Gel coating is ideal and cost-effective for products produced via Resin Transfer Molding, because throughput is reduced when compared to a secondary painting process. However, if a part requires multiple colors or… Read more »

In the world of material sciences and plastics, the difference between monomer vs polymer is often confused, if not confusing. Because the terms relate to plastic, they are seen in the broader, wider range of malleable synthetic or semi-synthetic organic compounds that are molded into solid objects. Nevertheless, synthetic monomers and polymers played a significant… Read more »

Stop and take a look around you. Whether you are inside, outside, or even in your vehicle, chances are you see something that is made out of plastic. Today, more and more manufacturers are substituting metals for plastics, as the properties of plastic make it a durable, flexible and cost-effective material. So how did we… Read more »

The applications and uses for thermosetting plastics have grown substantially over the years. The success and benefits of this type of plastic is due in large part to its favorable plastic properties. Thermoset plastics polymers cross-link together when curing to form an irreversible chemical bond. It is one of two organic polymer-based plastic materials, the… Read more »

Polymers and Plastics are encountered in everyday life and used for a variety of purposes. A large number of everyday household items are comprised of plastics and polymers. If someone asked you on the spot to explain the differences between polymer vs plastic, would you be able to give a cohesive answer? Today we discuss… Read more »