Technical Articles
General Plastics Manufacturing Co. has published these technical articles:
(Development and Prototyping Services)
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For manufacturing industries such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and wind energy, prototyping is a familiar part of the product development process, commonly used for R&D testing, product...
(Calibration and Testing Services)
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In this post, we highlight two customers with two very different test requirements, resulting in the same outcome - accurate and fast results....
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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From deep-diving construction engineers and underwater surveillance vehicles to surfers and paddle-boarders, users of polyurethane foams fulfill diverse subsea and marine applications. Thanks to their...
(Materials)
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Composite core materials are used to complete the function of engineered structures by making up for a type of design or performance need, whether it's weight reduction, providing energy absorption,...
(Calibration Instruments, Standards and Reference Sources)
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How to Choose the Right Tooling Board for Your Job...
(Molding Services)
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A misconception is that molding is more expensive than machining. After decades of working with clients on a wide variety of complex applications, we have recommended cast molding for our foams,...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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Tooling is a key technology used in aerospace, automotive, and other major industries to manufacture parts or components. Different types of tooling include work holding tools, jigs and fixtures, and...
(Materials)
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Discover how manufacturers can utilize polyurethane foam to achieve lightweighting in the automotive and aerospace industries....
(Materials)
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The "Reduce Costs and Develop More Accurate Tooling with Polyurethane Foam" technical paper discusses the various methods in which to increase manufacturing outputs by utilizing polyurethane foam as a...
(Machine Shop Services)
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Pebble Technology International® (PTI), known as The World's Most Trusted Pool Finishes™, has been the originator and leading provider of pebble aggregate surfaces for swimming pools for...
(Machine Shop Services)
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BLR Aerospace used General Plastics' FR-4700 high-temperature tooling board for its stability, uniformity, and excellent machinability for tight tolerances....
(Materials)
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Polyurethane Foam: Dielectric Materials for Use in Radomes and Other Applications
Many polyurethane foams offer a wide variety of physical properties, as well as desirable dielectric properties for...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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For the past three decades, Columbiana Hi Tech (CHT) has supported the full Nuclear Fuel Cycle, specializing in custom fabrication and specialty products for the nuclear industry. Manufactured...
(Materials)
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When Outland Technology, manufacturer of underwater systems, video cameras, and lights for diving companies and military operations expanded their product line 16 years ago, they faced a challenge....
(Materials)
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When Solid Terrain Modeling was established, they needed a supplier with the ability to fulfill large orders of high-quality foam to serve as base for their three-dimensional relief maps. In addition,...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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For over 30 years, Pacific Research Laboratories, Inc., also known as Sawbones, has been changing the way medical practitioners train and prepare for surgery. The first and largest provider of...
(Composites, Textiles and Reinforcements)
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The advent of higher-temperature resins and carbon-fiber composites such as Hexcel's HexTOOL®*, created the need for polyurethane foam that can withstand much higher process temperatures. It...
(Materials)
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LAST-A-FOAM® models and components have also been used to construct full-scale mockups of high-profile aircraft. These include Lockheed Martin's X-33 single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) experimental...
(Materials)
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Creative Spectrum, Inc. principal and product designer Roman Kashalapov crafted his "Voll" action figure using General Plastics' LAST-A-FOAM® FR-7108 model and prototype foam. Kashalapov's...
(Materials)
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Los Angeles-based sculptor Laura Larson used our LAST-A-FOAM® FR-6706 Aerospace-Grade material to create mold patterns for terra cotta sculptures. These sculptures decorate columns at the front...
(Composites, Textiles and Reinforcements)
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The Air National Guard (ANG) contacted General Plastics as it explored rigid polyurethane foam solutions to munitions storage for its civil air defense facilities. In particular, it sought a...
(Materials)
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The complex polyurethane foam sculpture depicted above was crafted from our LAST-A-FOAM® FR-6712 Aerospace-Grade material by sculptor Joy Taylor of Newport Beach, California...
(Materials)
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General Plastics plays a pivotal role in allowing individuals whose faces are severely burned to live a more normal life. Our LAST-A-FOAM®FR-4540 tooling board material is used by CimMed, Inc. of...
(Materials)
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Solid Terrain Models (STM) of Fillmore, California has created highly accurate topographical models and maps using our LAST-A-FOAM® FR-7100 Multi-use Core and Modeling Board Series. These models...
(Development and Prototyping Services)
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Applied Aerospace Structures Corp. looked to General Plastics' Multi-Use Core Series for it's fine-cell structure, stability, and easy-to-machine benefits.
Already familiar with its physical...
(Composites, Textiles and Reinforcements)
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Defense Subcontractor slashes three-fourths of its prototyping costs & time using multi-use core form...
(Materials)
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Manufacturer of rocket boosters for NASA's Space Launch System proves protective qualities of GP foam in nozzle closures....
(Molding Services)
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Extending from the flight deck in the fore to lavatories in the aft, General Plastics' flexible polyurethane foam parts play integral yet unsung roles in today's aircraft. While few prompt even a...
(Composites, Textiles and Reinforcements)
From this Article:
Common materials for orthopedic testing and education - most often, cadaver specimens, but also animal bones and wood - while utilitarian, are far from ideal for today's researchers and students....
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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The process of creating the tool needed to produce parts is a critical portion of the manufacturing process. It is critical enough where the quality of the finished part is dependent on choosing the...
(Materials)
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NASA Space Launch System is a super-heavy lift launch vehicle. We will launch in 2018 with the first flight that's designed to enable deep space exploration missions. The rocket boosters that General...
(Plastics, Elastomers and Polymers)
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General Plastics' chemistry laboratory manager, Joel Meyer, Ph.D., offers additional insights into foam core selection specifically for aerospace and nuclear applications....
(Manufacturing Equipment and Components)
From this Article:
For manufacturing industries such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and wind energy, prototyping is a familiar part of the product development process, commonly used for R&D testing, product...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
From this Article:
In 2016, Promontory, Utah, nozzle plugs made from General Plastics' LAST-A-FOAM® FR-4300 played an important role in protecting rockets for NASA's Space Launch System (SLS). General Plastics'...
(Plastics, Elastomers and Polymers)
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Versatility, Durability and Machinability of FR-4515 Tooling Boards Leads to Lighter, Stronger, Better Bowls at Lower Cost...
(Plastics, Elastomers and Polymers)
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Faster True-to-Life Prototyping Speeds New Products to Market Thanks to Expertly Machined High-Temp. Tooling Boards...
(Materials)
From this Article:
When it comes to choosing the right material, design engineers tend to focus primarily on the material properties and cost. Does it meet the specifications you need while still staying under budget?...
(Composites, Textiles and Reinforcements)
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Streamlining the supply chain is one of the top challenges of many companies. The design engineer finds the materials needed for the project, the program manager approves it, and the buyer purchases...
(Composites, Textiles and Reinforcements)
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When design engineers work with General Plastics, we often delve straight into the technical details of the intended application and our polyurethane materials. Together, the two parties discuss...
(Composites, Textiles and Reinforcements)
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It's important to select the right composite core material that performs as intended and provides the properties specified for your application. However, with so many viable material options...
(Materials)
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Learn how General Plastics helped ACP find the panel that appealed to their customers that didn't necessarily require the rigorous engineering and processing standards of aerospace, but still meet the...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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D2 and General Plastics Work Together to Keep Healthcare Workers Safe...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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The tooling option you choose affects the project budget, time-to-market, and product quality - so which method is best for your application?...
(Materials)
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DEFENSE SUBCONTRACTOR SLASHES THREE-FOURTHS OF ITS PROTOTYPING COSTS & TIME USING GP'S MULTI-USE CORE FOAM...
(Materials)
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MEDICAL RESEARCHERS AND EDUCATORS LOOK TO LAST-A-FOAM® FOR ORTHOPEDIC MODELS...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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General Plastics LAST-A-FOAM® FR-3700 series of rigid foam has been used to protect radioactive material containers for almost 50 years by mitigating the damage caused by impact energies and fire...
(Part Fabrication Services)
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Made from high-density, rigid cellular polyurethane material, the foam blocks can be used for thermal control from roof to the foundation - a critical element in construction....
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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Hazardous material container design requires considerations of shock absorption, fire protection, and conditions during use. Due to a combination of favorable properties, RPF has been installed in...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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With so many viable material options available, it's important to first identify the criteria the material needs to meet to help narrow down the decision-making process....
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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Using flame retardant foam not only protects people's lives, but also contributes to compliance with important safety regulations....
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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Why Polyurethane Insulation Blocks Matter for Your Property...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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Polyurethane foam board eliminates issues through one intelligent solution by creating a thermal envelope, eliminating drafts, and has a lifespan of 40 years or more....
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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Fire retardant foam insulation is one of the unsung heroes of construction and other industries, silently doing its part to keep things safe. So what precisely is it?...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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Benefits of Rigid Foam Board for Metal Buildings...
(Plastics, Elastomers and Polymers)
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Not All Foams Are Created Equal...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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What Are ASTM Fire Standards & Why They Matter...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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Beyond the Supplier: What to Look for in a Plastic Manufacturer...
(Materials)
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Understanding Closed-Cell Marine Foam Sheets...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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What Is Normal Polyurethane Foam?...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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Material Composition: Why Polyurethane Wins for Prototyping...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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Why Closed Cell Marine Foam Blocks Succeed...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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The Growing Need for Protection in Energy and Power Systems...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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Understanding Fire Resistance in Building Materials...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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Understanding the Chemistry of Flame Retardant Foam Insulation...
(Materials)
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What Makes a Material Flame Retardant?...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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Why Marine Applications Demand High-Performance Materials...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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Material Science Behind High-Density Polyurethane Foam...
(Materials)
From this Article:
Understanding High-Density Polyurethane Foam...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
From this Article:
Why Structural Insulation Foam Matters in Modern Construction...
(Materials)
From this Article:
How LAST-A-FOAM® Dielectric Foam for Complex Shapes Is Structured...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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The Performance Imperative for Tooling & Molds...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
From this Article:
What is Aerospace Polyurethane Foam?...
(Materials)
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AI Is Changing How Foam Is Made-In Real Time...
(Materials)
From this Article:
What Is Shock Absorbing Foam?...
(Materials)
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Why Industrial Equipment Needs Protection...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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Understanding Polyurethane - Its Nature & Strength Base...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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The 2025 Fire Safety Landscape...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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Why Use Insulation Foam Blocks for Pipes and Structural Applications...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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Finding the cheapest way to insulate a metal building can help reduce expenses while still ensuring proper insulation and energy efficiency. Fortunately, there are various reasonably priced insulating...
(Materials)
From this Article:
Choosing the appropriate insulation affects not just energy efficiency, but also structural safety and running expenses....
(Composites, Textiles and Reinforcements)
From this Article:
What Is Polyurethane Dielectric Foam?...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
From this Article:
Is Polyurethane Foam Safe for Home and Office Use?...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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What Is Polyurethane Foam and How Is It Engineered?...
(Plastics, Elastomers and Polymers)
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Understanding Polyethylene...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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What Is a Polyurethane Board and How Is It Made...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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What Are Polyurethane Boards and Traditional Insulation?...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
From this Article:
Choosing the best for insulation, whether polyurethane vs polystyrene, is not just a decision on product; it is about performance, safety, and cost savings in the future....
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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Why Shock Absorbing Foam Matters in Transport Packaging...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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Engineering Fire Safety: How Fire-Retardant Foam Protects the Cabin...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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The Science of High-Density Polyurethane Foam Sheets in Thermal Environments...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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Factors Influencing Polyurethane Modeling Foam Selection...
(Materials)
From this Article:
What Is Modeling Foam?...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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The Need for Speed and Agility in Aerospace Innovation...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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The Role of Dielectric Materials in Electrical Insulation...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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The Structural Evolution: Moving Beyond Wood Composites...
(Refractory, Fireproofing and Thermal Insulation)
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The Shift Toward High-Performance Insulation Materials...
(Plastic Shapes and Stock)
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Why Polyurethane Outperforms Other Packaging Materials...