Hard plastic sheet can be used in everything from cutting out the shape for gift cards to crafting terminal boards for industrial and electronic applications. Hard plastic sheet tends to be heat and water resistant, is easily machinable into a desired shape and is durable for ongoing use. Yet determining the right hard plastic sheet to buy is not always easy. Here are some tips for buying this product.
1) Consider the Application
First, consider the application you will use the product for. This will help you determine which product you need. If the sheet is going to be used in food packaging or preparation, for example, you will need something that is easy to clean and sanitize. If it is going to be used in manufacturing, it will need strong load bearing properties.
2) Consider Your Budget
Different types of hard plastic sheet will have different purchase prices, so your budget is another key consideration. Outline your budget, then work with your plastics provider to find a product that fits.
3) Consider Fabrication Needs
Finally, consider how you will be utilizing the material. Will you need to be able to mold it or fabricate with it? Not all hard-plastic sheet is easily molded, so choose a material that fits within your needs.
Common Types of Hard Plastic Sheet
Piedmont Plastics stocks many types of hard plastic sheet for your consideration. One of our more popular options is polyurethane. Polyurethane sheet is available in a range of hardness and densities, so you can easily find one that fits your application. It has excellent load bearing capabilities and is tear and abrasion resistant. It works similarly to steel and aluminum sheet, but with the benefits of plastic. It can be fabricated or machined into a variety of shapes.
Rigid vinyl film, or rigid PVC, is antihero popular choice. This budget-friendly product is chemical and corrosion resistant. Because it comes in a range of colors, finishes and gauges, it can be used for everything from food packaging and processing to gift card production and even construction projects.
Finally, consider phenolic as your hard plastic sheet of choice. This plastic material is made by taking layers of paper, cotton or glass fabric and merging them with synthetic resin. The end result is a strong, durable product that is lightweight but stands up well under years of use. The low water absorbtion and dissipation factors make phenolic excellent for circuit boards, terminal boards, gaskets, and gears, among other applications. It can also be used as ballistic or storm protection.
No matter which type of hard plastic sheet you need, you can trust Piedmont Plastics to deliver quality products that fit your application well. Contact our sales team today to discuss your need and let us help you find the plastic material that will fit that need well.