Everything You Need to Know About Plastic

Plastics have many different variations that manufacturers can take advantage of to create the specific applications they require and can be used in nearly every industry.

There are two main types of plastic, thermoset plastics, and thermoplastics. Thermoset plastics are those that will become solid and hold their shape once it has cooled and cannot return to their original form. These include materials such as epoxy resins and polyurethanes and are commonly used in tires, auto parts, and composites.  

Thermoplastics are more flexible and versatile and can return back to their original form when heated. These plastics are commonly used in a variety of applications and can be made into products like films, fibers, containers, electrical insulation, tubes, and many other forms. 

 

Specific Types of Plastic 

There are many types of plastic that are used across all industries, but here are the most common types of plastic used every day: 

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – This type of plastic is most commonly used for things like food storage and containers, and water bottles. 

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – This plastic is brittle, but stabilisers are added to it meaning it’s a softer plastic that is easy to mold into a variety of shapes. It is most commonly used for things such as plumbing, pipes, cables, and wires. 

Polystyrene – This type of plastic is very lightweight and easy to mold and works as an insulator. It is most commonly used for things such as furniture, packaging, glasses, and insulation. 

Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVC) – This type of plastic is a synthetic resin produced by the polymerisation of vinylidene chloride. It takes the form of a clear, flexible film that can be used to wrap food.  

Polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) – This is a strong, waxy, synthetic resin produced by the polymerisation of tetrafluroethylene. This plastic is commonly used for things such as pipe liners, bearings, wire insulations, and surface coatings. 

Polypropylene (PP) – This is a thermoplastic that is highly resistant and rigid and is used for a variety of applications including packaging (specifically for chemicals), medical equipment, and flexible containers (like shampoo bottles). 

Polyethylene – This is a lightweight, versatile material that is the most common form of plastic and can also be known as HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or LDPE (low-density polyethylene). This can be found in objects such as packaging, toys, wire and cable insulation, plastic bags, and houseware. 

These plastics are used in many products that you find around you and we’ve become almost dependent on many plastic materials for our products. 

 

Here at Rayda, we create bespoke plastic products for your specific requirements. If you have any questions about our process or any general plastic enquiries, please contact us today.