Molded Plastic
Molded plastics are used to make virtually every plastic
product in commercial sectors including automotive, electrical, health care,
construction, packaging and consumer goods. Thermoplastics are used, which are able to heat into liquid form by a
tool and dye process called Injection Molding. Types of Thermoplastics include
polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyester, polyvinyl chloride,
acrylics, nylons, spandex-type polyurethanes, and cellulosics. Thermoset plastics, such as polyester, do not
melt or soften regardless of temperature, and therefore are never used when
molding plastics.
Molded plastics are able to take on many different shapes,
sizes, colors and thicknesses. They are
also able to take on different firmness properties, depending on their Tg at
room temperature. Their Tg, or glass
transition temperature, determines how hard or soft the plastic is. At room temperature, hard plastics are below
their Tg, and soft plastics are above. Sometimes additives are used during the molding process. Antioxidants, UV stabilizers, fire
retardants, lubricants and plasticizers are used to help certain plastics do
different things such as become softer or more durable, inhibit fire, or reduce
surface friction.
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Molded Plastics Image
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