Materials
At Welch Plastics, we pride ourselves on using high-quality materials to meet your fabrication needs. Our extensive range of plastics includes acrylic, polycarbonate, PETG, ABS, HDPE, expanded PVC, (and more upon request), each offering unique properties to suit a variety of applications. Explore below to learn more about the exceptional materials we use to create durable, versatile, and custom plastic products.
Acrylic (Polymethyl Methacrylate, PMMA)
Description: Acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic often used as a lightweight and shatter-resistant alternative to glass.
Properties: High clarity(crystal-clear appearance), excellent weather resistance, good impact resistance (though less than polycarbonate), and easy to fabricate.
Uses: Signage, display cases, windows, aquariums, and lighting.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Description: Polycarbonate is a durable, impact-resistant thermoplastic that is known for its high strength and transparency.
Properties: Extremely high impact resistance, good optical clarity, heat resistance, and flame retardancy.
Uses: Safety goggles, bulletproof glass, greenhouse panels, and electronic components
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified)
Description: PETG is a clear thermoplastic with a balance of properties similar to acrylic and polycarbonate. It has better impact resistance than acrylic, but appears slightly less crystal-clear due to its lower rigidity.
Properties: Good impact resistance, clarity, and chemical resistance, easy to thermoform, and good weather resistance.
Uses: Medical devices, food packaging, point-of-purchase displays, and protective shields.
Expanded PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Description: PVC is a versatile thermoplastic polymer widely used in construction and industrial applications due to its durability, chemical resistance, and ease of fabrication. More specifically, expanded PVC is a lightweight, rigid form of PVC with a fine, closed-cell structure, e.g. Sintra and Komatex
Properties: Lightweight, good impact resistance, easy to cut and shape, good insulation properties, and flame retardant.
Uses: Signs, displays, POP exhibits, and indoor/outdoor applications(where a lightweight, rigid material is advantageous).
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
Description: HDPE is a strong, durable thermoplastic with a high strength-to-density ratio.
Properties: High impact resistance, chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, and good electrical insulation.
Uses: Piping, plastic bottles, geomembranes, and cutting boards.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Description: ABS is a tough, rigid thermoplastic with high impact resistance and good mechanical properties.
Properties: High impact resistance, good heat resistance, easy to mold, and cost-effective.
Uses: Automotive parts, electronic housings, LEGO bricks, and consumer products.
Frequently Asked Questions
A direct comparison between the materials to better help you decide what material best suits your needs.
Polycarbonate has the highest impact resistance, followed by ABS, PETG, HDPE, acrylic, and then expanded PVC.
Acrylic offers the highest optical clarity, so it is often used as a glass substitute. The next most optically clear material is polycarbonate, followed by PETG.
Polycarbonate is extremely high impact resistant, making it the most durable material. It is then followed by HDPE, PETG, acrylic, ABS, and then lastly, expanded PVC.
Acrylic has excellent weather resistance and can be exposed to strong UV rays without yellowing. It is then followed by polycarbonate, PETG, HDPE, ABS, and then lastly, expanded PVC.
HDPE has excellent chemical resistance, and can be resistant to a wide range of acids, alkalis, and solvents. It is then followed by PETG, acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS, and then lastly, expanded PVC.