|
LIST OF PLASTIC MATERIALS |
Mercury Plastics works with dozens of plastic materials. Among the most commonly requested ones are the following:
|
HIPS
|
High Impact Polystyrene
|
|
Opaque material available in black, white and a wide variety of PMS colors; economical, formable, amenable to screen printing, hot stamping, and most adhesives; not ideal for outdoor applications.
|
|
ABS
|
Acrylonitrate Butadiene Styrene
|
|
Opaque material available in black, white and wide variety of PMS colors; more impact and weather resistant than HIPS, but also more expensive.
|
|
HDPE
|
High Density Polyethylene
|
|
Available in black, white and colors; more flexible than ABS for forming, and particularly durable at low temperatures; contains natural UV inhibitors; not amenable to adhesives nor to screen printing.
|
|
Utility HIPS
|
Recycled High Impact Polystyrene
|
|
Utility grade of regrind offers an eco-friendly solution at economical prices; tends to resist UV degradation, no compromise in material integrity, but may contain some pits and blemishes.
|
|
PETG
|
Glycol Infused Polyethylene Terephthalate
|
|
Generally crystal clear but also available in tints or ‘frost;’ forms well but can be brittle; prone to yellow over time when exposed to UV light.
|
|
RPET
|
Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate
|
|
Eco-friendly solution for clear formable material at economical price; generally available in gauges ranging from .015-.060; no compromise in material integrity, but may contain some pits and blemishes.
|
|
PVC
|
Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride
|
|
Most popular in clear, although also available in colors (caution: minimums apply); transparent sometimes takes on a slight blue or gray hue; generally in gauges from .010-.040; commonly used for packaging applications; caution: toxic fumes upon burning.
|
|
PC
|
Polycarbonate
|
|
Crystal clear, but also available in tints; extremely high impact strength but low scratch resistance; good UV inhibitor for outdoor applications; much more expensive than PETG.
|
|
Acrylic
|
Polymethyl Methacrylate
|
|
Highly transparent, formable & easy to heat bend; produces a polished edge when laser cut; not as strong or scratch resistant as PETG; receptive to screen printing but not amenable to many adhesives.
|
|
Co-ex
|
Co-extruded Plastics
|
|
Typically in the P.O.P. industry, a high gloss, clear coat layered over a matte finish HIPS of any color in order to convey a more decorative look to a cosmetic, perfume or other personal care accessory tray or display component.
|
|