The following types of plastic materials can be used in thermal molding:
Polystyrene
includes general purpose (GPPS), high impact (HIPS) and biaxially oriented grade (BOPS), suitable for transparent packaging containers, trays, covers, etc. It has the characteristics of high surface hardness and good transparency, but it needs to be modified to improve its impact resistance.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Divided into rigid and flexible. Rigid PVC is often used in food packaging containers because of its rigidity and low cost, while soft PVC is suitable for cushions and wallets because of its flexibility. It is important to note that its thermal stability is relatively poor and temperature control is required during processing.
Polyolefin
- Polyethylene (PE): Includes high density polyethylene (HDPE) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) with good low temperature toughness and low water absorption, suitable for laboratory equipment, kitchen utensils, packaging containers, etc.
- Polypropylene: Excellent heat resistance and good electrical performance, suitable for microwave containers, medical devices, etc. Its thermoforming temperature needs to be 5-50°C above the melting point to improve dimensional stability.
- Polyethylene terephthalate: High tensile strength, lightweight, recyclable, notabsorbent, not chemical reaction with food, widely used in food packaging, such as beverage bottles, blister packaging.
- Engineering plastics: Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS): tough, hard, heat resistant, suitable for aircraft canopies, auto parts and appliance housings.
- Polycarbonate: High light transmittance and impact resistance for aircraft canopies, lampshades and medical equipment.
- Polymethacrylate (PMMA, plexiglass): high transparency, good aging resistance, suitable for lampshades, ceilings and chemical equipment.
- Cellulose Plastics: Fiber acetate: good toughness, high impact strength, suitable for transparent packaging containers and exhibition containers. During processing, attention must be paid to the evaporation of plasticizers, which can be resolved by adding vents or using positive molds.
Other special materials
- Polyamide (PA, nylon): Good toughness, abrasion resistance and heat resistance for food packaging such as fish.
- Polylactic Acid (PLA): Biodegradable material suitable for the outer shell of consumer goods and biomedical materials.
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