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.