Fabricated Plastic Parts and Semi-Finished Shapes Specifications

Help with Fabricated Plastic Parts and Semi-Finished Shapes specifications:

Material System

	Chemical / Polymer System Type
	Your choices are...
	ABS		Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) is a hard, rigid, thermoplastic polymer. It provides good chemical and creep resistance along with dimensional stability. ABS is used in many industries and in a wide array of applications. It is generally inexpensive, but prone to crack under stress. Common trade names include Cycolac® (GE Plastics), Lustran® (Bayer) and Novodur® (Bayer).
	Acetal		Polyacetal or polyoxymethylene (POM) provides a higher strength material compared to polyethylene-type polymers; however, polyacetal materials are susceptible to oxidation at elevated temperatures. DuPont’s Delrin® is a common polyacetal engineering resin that is also used to mold plastic parts.
	Acrylic		Acrylic polymers are formed by polymerizing acrylic acids through a reaction with a suitable catalyst. Acrylics provide excellent environmental resistance and have faster-setting times than other resin systems.
	Butyl Rubber		Elastomeric materials are based upon or use a butyl, polybutene, or polyisobutylene chemical system. Chlorinated isobutylene or chlorobutyl can be used alone or in blends with other polymers to achieve special properties. Butyl is a commonly-used term for the isobutylene isoprene elastomer. It is known for its resistance to water, steam, alkalis, and oxygenated solvents. Butyl has low gas permeation and is capable of providing high-energy absorption (dampening) and good hot tear strength. Butyl's suggested operating temperature is -75° to 250° F.
	Epoxy		Epoxy resins exhibit high strength and low shrinkage during curing. Epoxies are known for their toughness and resistance to chemical and environmental damage. Most epoxies are two-part resins cured at room temperature. Some thermally-cured or thermoset one-part epoxies are also available. Depending on the formulation, epoxy resins are used as casting resins, potting agents, resin binders, or laminating resins in fiberglass or composite construction. They are also used as encapsulants, electrical conductors in microelectronic packaging, and adhesives in structural bonding applications.
	Fluoropolymer (PTFE / PVDF)		Polymers are based on fluoropolymer chemical systems such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Fluoropolymers are used in applications requiring superior chemical resistance. PTFE is used in applications requiring superior chemical resistance or low friction.
	Ionomer		Thermoplastics are based on the ionomer polymer system.
	Isoprene		Natural rubber is based on the polyisoprene or isoprene chemical system. Synthetic or man-made versions of isoprene are also available.
	Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP)		Liquid crystal polymers (LCP) are thermoplastics with high strength and temperature resistance. Liquid crystal polymers are used in electrical, electronic, and medical applications where the high cost of the material is not an issue.
	PEEK		Ketones encompass polyaryletherketone or polyetheretherketone (PEEK). PEEK is an engineered thermoplastic that can resist high temperatures. It has excellent chemical resistance, fatigue resistance, and thermal stability. PEEK is inert to all common solvents and resists a wide range of organic and inorganic liquids. PEEK has a maximum continuous working temperature of 480°F and retains its mechanical properties up to 570°F in steam or high-pressure applications.
	Phenolics		Phenolic and formaldehyde resins are thermosetting molding compounds and adhesives that offer strong bonds and provide good resistance to high temperatures. Phenolic or phenol formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde, furan, and melamine resins fit into this category. Phenolic resin adhesives made from chemicals of the phenol group and formaldehyde are generally the most durable. Phenolic resins are available in liquid, powder, and film form. Special phenolic resins are available that harden at moderate temperatures when mixed with suitable accelerators. Phenol-formaldehyde, resorcinol-formaldehyde, resol, and novalac resins are types of phenolic resins. Urea resin adhesives are made from urea, formaldehyde, and catalysts or hardeners. Urea formaldehyde resins can harden rapidly at moderate temperatures, but generally do not have the properties of phenolic resins. Melamine resins are made through a reaction of dicyandiamide with formaldehyde. Most of the resins in this group have excellent dielectric properties. Furan formaldehyde (FF) resins are made by the polymerization or poly-condensation of furfural, furfural alcohol, or other compounds containing a furan ring, or by the reaction of these furan compounds with other compounds (not over 50%). Fire-retardant furans are used in hand lay-up, spray-up, and filament-winding operations. Furans are commonly used in foundry binders, grinding wheels, refractories, and other high temperature applications. Furan resins and chemicals are also used in fiberglass composites, hybrid resins combined with epoxy or phenolics, and in corrosion-resistant cements.
	Polyamide / Nylon		Polyamide is a commonly-used system for molding high-strength engineered components. Polyamides are also used to produce strong hot-melt adhesives. Polyamides provide higher strength than polyethylene or other commodity-type polymers.  Nylon is a well-known example of a polyamide engineering resin that is also used to mold plastic parts.
	Polyamide-imide		Polyamide-imides are amorphous thermoplastic materials with excellent mechanical properties, especially at elevated temperatures. Trimellitic anhydrides react with aromatic diamines to produce polyamide-imides. Polyamide-imides are applied in demanding engineering applications. Solvay Advanced Polymer's Torlon® is a well-known example of a polyamide-imide engineering resin that is also used to mold, extrude, or machine plastic parts and stock.
	Polybutadiene		Polybutadiene is a commonly-used polymer system with dielectric potting compounds and coatings. It can be combined with other rubber polymers to form flexible sealants. Polybutadiene remains flexible even at low temperatures.
	Polycarbonate (PC)		Polycarbonate is an amorphous material with excellent impact strength, clarity, and optical properties. Polycarbonate has excellent mechanical properties, and can be molded to tight tolerances. Polycarbonates can be attacked by solvents and petrochemicals. Brand names include Caliber® (Dow) and Lexan® (GE) as well as Makrofol® and Makrolon® (Bayer).
	Polyethylene (PE)		Polymers or resins are based on the polyethylene chemical system. Low density polyethylene polymers are used to form a variety of common or commodity-plastic components. High density (HDPE) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW PE) have good friction and mechanical properties. They are used in medical devices, wear parts, and engineered components.
	Polyester (PET / PBT)		The polyethylene terphthalate (PET) and polybutylene terphthalate (PBT) polymer systems are based on a thermoplastic polyester or terphthalate system.
	Vinyl Ester		Thermosetting resins or plastics are based on the polyester (alkyd) or vinyl ester system. These materials should not be confused with thermoplastic polyesters or PET resins.
	Polyether Block Amide (PEBA)		Polyether block amide (PEBA) resins are a type of polyamide with thermoplastic elastomer characteristics. PEBA can be molded to form flexible components such as hydraulic hose, pneumatic tube, boots, and other parts.
	Polyetherimide (PEI)		Polymers or thermoplastic compounds are based on the polyetherimide chemical system.
	Polyimide (PI)		Products are based on thermoplastic polyimide resin or thermoset bismaleimide (BMI) resin. Aromatic polyimides are among the most thermally-stable organic materials. DuPont’s Kapton® film materials are an example of thermoplastic polyimide. Polyimide thermoplastics and BMI thermoset resins have high temperature resistance. Bismaleimide (BMI) resins have processing characteristics similar to epoxy resins and are used as laminating resins, prepregs, and adhesives.
	Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO)		Polymers or thermoplastics are based on the polyphenylene oxide (PPO) chemical system.
	Aramid		Thermoplastics are based on a polyphthalamide or aromatic polyamide system with a highly crystalline or linear nature. Aramid fibers are based on a polyphthalamide system. DuPont’s Kevlar® fibers are an example of aramid fibers.
	Polypropylene (PP)		Polypropylene (PP) is commonly used in hot-melt adhesive systems. PP is a polymer based on polypropylene chemical bonds.
	Polysulphide (PPS)		Polymer resins or compounds are based on polysulfide or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) chemical systems.
	Polysulphone		Sulphones include polysulphones, polyarylsulphones, and polyethersulphones.
	Polyurethane (PU)		Polyurethane (PUR) resins provide excellent flexibility, impact resistance, and durability. Polyurethanes are formed through the reaction of an isocyanate component with polyols or other active hydroxyl group compounds. Polyurethanes require a catalyst, heat, or air evaporation to initiate and complete curing.
	Silicone		Plastic compounds, elastomer resins, or polymers are based on the silicone chemical system. Silicones are produced through the hydrolysis and polymerization of silanes and siloxanes.
	Polystyrene		Polymers are based on a styrene or polystyrene chemical system.
	Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)		Polymers are based on the vinyl chemical system. Examples include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDF), polyvinyl vinyl acetate (PVA), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH).
	Specialty / Other		Other specialty, proprietary or unlisted resins, chemical systems or compounds or polymer types.
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	Filler Material:
	Your choices are...
	Unfilled		Raw materials or unfilled resins do not contain any additional modifiers such as fillers, colorants, dispersants, plasticizers, wetting agents, levelers, or defoamers. These products are used as starting components or raw materials for the production of finished plastic resins, elastomers, adhesives, sealant, coatings, or other polymer-based products.
	Aramid Fiber		Polyimide (polyphthalamide) is a fiber-based reinforcement, such as DuPont’s Kevlar® fiber material. Aromatic polyimides are among the most thermally stable organic materials known.
	Carbon / Graphite		Compounded polymers or elastomers use carbon, graphite powder, or fiber filler. Depending on the structure, carbon can strengthen or provide some improvement in electrical and thermal conductivity.
	Fabric		Polymer or elastomer products use woven cloth or non-woven mat reinforcements to provide improved strength and/or stiffness.
	Fibers - Chopped		Polymer or elastomer products use chopped fiber reinforcement to provide improved strength and/or stiffness.  Sheet molding compounds (SMC) are provided in the form of sheets, usually with a carrier or release liner. Bulk molding compounds (BMC) are provided in larger, bulk shapes.
	Fibers - Continuous		Polymer or elastomer products use continuous fiber reinforcement to provide improved strength and/or stiffness.
	Fiber Glass		Compounded polymer or elastomer products use glass powder, fibers, or cloth to provide improved strength and/or stiffness.
	Metal		Compounds using metal powder or fiber filler.
	Mineral / Inorganic		Compounded polymers or elastomers are filled with a mineral, ceramic, silicate, or other inorganic powder or fiber.
	Other		Other unlisted, specialized, or proprietary filler types.
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Form / Shape

	Form / Shape
	Your choices are...
	Film / Sheet		Material is supplied or available in the form of sheets or films. Sheets have a thickness between 0.006" and 0.250" and are 24" inches (609.6 mm) or more in width. Sheets are typically formed to precise thicknesses and/or width requirements.
	Flat / Bar Stock		Materials are supplied or available in the form of bar with a rectangular (flat) or square cross-section.
	Plate		Material is supplied or available in the form of plates. Plates have a thickness of at least 0.250 in. (1/4") or more.
	Extruded Profile		Material is supplied or available in the form of extruded profiles or structural shapes such as angles, channels, I-beams, tees, rectangular tubes, or other cross-sectional shapes.
	Pultruded Profile		Material is supplied or available in the form of pultruded profiles or structural shapes such as angles, channels, I-beams, tees, rectangular tubes, or other cross-sectional shapes.
	Rod / Round Stock		Material is supplied or available in the form of bar or rod stock with a round cross-section.
	Hex Stock		Material is supplied or available in a hex stock form with a hexagonal cross-section.
	Shim Stock		Thin stock or shim stock is manufactured to a precise thickness for shimming, chocking, or spacing applications.
	Specialty / Other		Other specialty, proprietary or unlisted material forms.
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	Hollow / Tubular Stock?		Material is supplied or available in the form of tubes, pipes, or hollow stock with an open internal bore.
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Size / Dimensions

	Overall Thickness		For stock shapes this is the overall thickness of a stock form, tube wall, or other fabricated component. Stock forms include bars, rods, plates, and tubes.
	Search Logic:		User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.
	Overall Width / O.D.		This is the width or outer diameter (OD) of stock-form material such as bars, plates, and tubes. It is also the average particulate diameter of raw materials such as powders, granules, or pellets.
	Search Logic:		User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.
	Overall Length		The length of a stock-form material such as bars, rods, plates, or tubes.
	Search Logic:		User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.
	ID		The inner diameter (ID) or internal dimension of a tube or other hollow stock shape.
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Features and Industry

	Material Type / Grade
	Your choices are...
	100% Natural / Recycled Material		The product is comprised solely of natural ("green") or recycled raw materials.
	Anti-static		The material is designed with relatively high electrical conductivity or low electrical resistivity for electronic, anti-static, or electrostatic discharge (ESD) applications.
	Armor / Bullet Proof		The plastic shape has strength and energy absorptive properties that make it suitable for use as armor, ballistic shielding, or bulletproof protection.
	Biocompatible		The shape or form is made from a biopolymer or a biocompatible polymer suitable for medical and biological use in contact with living tissue.
	Electrically Conductive		Resins or compounds with a high degree of electrical conductivity (low resistivity) are designed for applications such as anti-static or ESD control, EMI/RFI shielding, thick-film metallization, and device and board-level electrical interconnection.
	Dielectric / Electrically Insulating		Dielectric compounds and electrical insulation materials are used to form a barrier or isolator between electrical or electronic components. The voltage potential between the conductor and conductive components influences material selection (based on the dielectric strength) in order to reduce shorting. Dielectric constant and loss tangent are important parameters in minimizing crosstalk between insulated circuit paths.
	EMI / RFI Shielding		Polymers or elastomers are designed to provide shielding from electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI). Typically, these compounds have a high degree of electrical conductivity.
	Flame Retardant (e.g. UL 94 Rated)		The material is flame retardant in accordance with industry standards, such as Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL), Flame Class 94, or other ISO standards. Flame retardant materials reduce the spread of flame or resist ignition when exposed to high temperatures. They also insulate the substrate and delay damage to it.
	Flexible / Dampening		Products are designed to provide flexibility or dampening of sound, vibration, or shock in suitable applications. Flexible adhesives or sealants form a layer that can bend or flex without cracking or delaminating.
	Optical Grade		Polymers or elastomers are designed for optical or photonics applications such as transparent polycarbonate or acrylic lens materials.
	Thermally Conductive		Materials are designed to form a thermally conductive layer on the substrate, between components, or within a finished electronic product. Thermally conductive resins, thermoplastics, encapsulants, potting compounds, tapes, pads, adhesives, and greases are often used between a heat-generating electrical device and a heat sink to improve heat dissipation.
	Thermally Insulating		Thermally insulating resins, plastics, compounds, and encapsulants provide a thermal barrier between components and a hot or cold source.
	UL Approved		The material is approved to or recognized under one or more requirements of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL).
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	Industry:
	Your choices are...
	Aerospace		Products are designed for aerospace applications. For example, they can be used to bond composite structures to other composite or metallic frame components.
	Automotive		Products are designed for automotive applications. For example, they can be used to bond panels and seal windows.
	Electronics		Products are designed for electronics applications. For example, they can be used in potting or encapsulating compounds, conductive adhesives, and dielectric sealants.
	Electric Power		Products are resins, compounds, and plastic composites that are suitable for electrical power or high voltage applications such as generator or motor assemblies, coil or transformer manufacturing, and switch or circuit breaker insulation.
	Energy Conversion (Battery/Fuel Cell/PV)		The plastic shape is suitable for use in batteries, fuel cells, photovoltaic and related devices.
	Optoelectronics		Products are designed for optoelectronics or photonics applications. Examples include cements for bonding simple lenses into compound structures.
	Semiconductors / ICs		Products are designed or suitable for semiconductor or semiconductor packaging applications.
	Composite Structures		Products are designed for constructing laminating strip structures or SCRIMP matrix resins for composite construction. SCRIMP is an acronym for "Seemann composites resin infusion molding process".
	Marine		Products are designed for marine applications. They can be immersed in water and withstand exposure to marine atmospheres.
	Medical / Food (FDA, USDA)		Products are suitable for medical or food-contact applications. They typically comply with requirements from regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Science Foundation (NSF), 3A-Dairy, Canada AG, or USP Class VI.
	Military / Government (MIL-SPEC)		Products adhere to U.S. military specifications (MIL-SPEC).
	General Industrial		Products are designed for use by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for the assembly, sealing, or fabrication of products.
	Building / Construction		Products are designed for use by construction contractors and in maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) applications. Adhesives or sealants can be designed for general-purpose construction or architectural applications. Construction materials include wood, wood products, glass, cement products (mortar, concrete, masonry), plaster board, metal trim, flooring tile, sub-floor or underlayment, plaster board, sheet metal roofing or flash, metal ties, insulation materials (fiberglass, foam), and bitumen-based roofing materials.
	Tooling / Mold Material		Products are designed for tooling or mold fabrication such as polyurethane shapes or castable silicones.
	Other		Other unlisted industries.
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Thermal Properties

	Use Temperature		Use temperature is the range of temperatures to which products can be exposed without the degradation of structural or other required end-use properties.
	Search Logic:		User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.
	Deflection Temperature (264 psi, 1.8 MPa)		Deflection temperature is a range to which a material can be exposed without the degradation of structural or other required end-use properties at 264 psi or 1.8 MPa. .
	Search Logic:		User may specify either, both, or neither of the "At Least" and "No More Than" values. Products returned as matches will meet all specified criteria.
	Thermal Conductivity		Thermal conductivity is the linear heat transfer per unit area through a material for a given applied temperature gradient. Heat flux (h) = [thermal conductivity (k) ] x [temperature gradient (Δ T)]
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	Coeff. of Thermal Expansion (CTE)		Coefficient of linear expansion (CFE) is the amount of linear expansion or shrinkage that occurs in a material with a change in temperature.
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Mechanical Properties

	Tensile Strength (Break)		Tensile strength at break is the maximum amount of stress required to fail or break the material under tension loading test conditions. Tensile tests are typically performed according to test procedure standards such as ASTM D-638 or ISO 527-1, ASTM D-1708, ASTM D-2289 (plastics at high strain rates), and ASTM D-882 (thin plastic sheets) as well as other OEM proprietary standards.
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	Tensile Modulus		Young's modulus or the modulus of elasticity is a material constant that indicates the variation in strain produced under an applied tensile load. Materials with a higher modulus of elasticity have higher stiffness or rigidity.
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	Elongation		Elongation is the percent amount of deformation occurring during a tensile test or other mechanical test.
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Electrical and Optical Properties

	Electrical Resistivity		Resistivity is the longitudinal electrical resistance (ohm-cm) of a uniform rod of unit length and unit cross-sectional area. Resistivity is the inverse of conductivity.
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	Dielectric Strength		Dielectric strength is the maximum voltage field that the material can withstand before electrical breakdown occurs.
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	Dielectric Constant		The dielectric constant is the relative permittivity of a material compared to a vacuum or free space.  k = εr = ε / εo= where ε is the absolute permittivity of the material and εo is the absolute permittivity of a vacuum 8.85 x 10-12 F/m.
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	Index of Refraction		The index of refraction is a measure of the speed of light in a material.
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	Transmission		This is the amount of light transmitted through a material.
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Processing and Physical Properties

	Water Absorption		The amount of water absorbed by the material.
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