Acrylic (Polymethyl Methacrylate or PMMA)

Acrylic, also known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), is a thermoplastic polymer known for its high transparency, lightweight, and resistance to impact and weathering.

Some of the uses of acrylic include:

• Windows and skylights: Acrylic is used in the construction industry as a glazing material for windows and skylights due to its high transparency, lightweight and resistance to weathering.
• Signage: Acrylic is used in the manufacturing of signs, display cases and POP displays due to its high transparency and ability to be easily fabricated and formed into different shapes
• Lighting: Acrylic is used in lighting fixtures and lenses due to its high light transmission and UV resistance.
• Aquariums: Acrylic is used to make aquariums because it is strong, clear, and safe for fish and other aquatic life.
• Medical devices: Acrylic is used in medical devices such as artificial eyes and dentures due to its high transparency and ability to be easily fabricated and shaped.

Some of the benefits of acrylic include:

• High transparency: Acrylic is highly transparent and allows for good light transmission, making it a popular choice for applications such as windows, skylights and lighting fixtures.
• Lightweight: Acrylic is lightweight, making it easy to handle and install.
• UV resistance: Acrylic is UV resistant and will not yellow or degrade when exposed to sunlight.
• Weather resistance: Acrylic is resistant to weathering and can withstand exposure to the elements without becoming brittle or cracking.
• Good machinability: Acrylic is easy to machine and can be cut, drilled, and formed into different shapes

Some potential downsides of acrylic include:

• Limited impact resistance: Standard acrylic is not as impact resistant as other plastics and can crack or break when subjected to significant force. Impact modified acrylics should be used to prevent cracking.
• Limited temperature resistance: Acrylic can become brittle at low temperatures and may crack or break.
• Scratches easily: Acrylic can scratch easily, which can affect its transparency and overall appearance. Frosted acrylic can help minimize or hide scratches

We use several different types of acrylic for LED lenses, tubes and rods, including:

• Clear: Used in optical and Fresnel lenses.
• Frosted: Used to help hide the diodes. Our frosted materials also have similar light transmission to clear acrylic.  They also have a textured finish.
• Diffuse: Similar to frosted, but with a smooth texture. Diffuse can help hide diodes better than frosted, but can significantly decrease light transmission
• Impact modified: Impact modified acrylic helps make the lens more flexible, which is important when snapping into the aluminum frame. Impact modified also helps prevent cracking and splintering overtime in outside applications.  Impact modified acrylics are available in clear, frosted and diffuse grades.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate (PC) is a thermoplastic polymer known for its high strength, transparency, and resistance to impact and heat.

Some of the uses of polycarbonate include:

• Safety glasses: Polycarbonate is commonly used to make safety glasses, goggles, and face shields due to its ability to withstand impact and protect the eyes from flying debris.
• Automotive parts: Polycarbonate is used in the automotive industry for parts like headlight lenses and taillight lenses because of its transparency and resistance to impact.
• Medical devices: PC is used in medical devices such as test tubes, petri dishes, and centrifuge tubes due to its transparency, ability to withstand high temperatures and resistance to impact.
• Electronic devices: Polycarbonate is used to make electronic devices such as cell phone cases, tablets, and laptop covers due to its durability and resistance to impact.
• Construction: Polycarbonate sheets are used in construction as roofing, glazing and cladding, providing high impact resistance, good light transmission and UV protection.

Some of the benefits of polycarbonate include:

• High impact resistance: Polycarbonate is able to withstand significant impact and force, making it a suitable material for safety equipment, automotive parts, and other applications where impact resistance is important.
• Transparency: Polycarbonate is highly transparent, making it a popular choice for applications such as windows, skylights, and greenhouses.
• Heat resistance: Polycarbonate is able to withstand high temperatures, making it a suitable material for use in hot environments.
• Lightweight: Polycarbonate is lightweight compared to glass, which can be beneficial in applications where weight is a concern, such as in aircraft and automobiles.
• Weather resistance: Polycarbonate is able to resist weathering, making it a suitable material for outdoor applications.

However, polycarbonate also has some disadvantages, such as:

• Scratching: Polycarbonate can be scratched easily, which can affect its transparency and strength.
• UV sensitivity: Polycarbonate can yellow or degrade when exposed to sunlight. To overcome this, UV resistant polycarbonates are available.
• Chemical sensitivity: Polycarbonate can be affected by certain chemicals, such as acetone, which can cause it to become cloudy and lose its strength.
• Cost: Polycarbonate is generally more expensive than other types of plastic.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) is a thermoplastic polymer commonly used in a variety of applications due to its strength, durability, and resistance to impact and chemicals.

Some of the uses of ABS include:

• Automotive parts: ABS is often used to make automotive parts such as dashboards, trim, and bumpers due to its strength and resistance to impact.
• Electronic housings: ABS is a popular choice for electronic housings due to its resistance to impact and chemicals, as well as its ability to be easily molded into complex shapes.
• Legos: ABS is the material used to make Lego bricks due to its strength, durability and ability to be molded in different colors.
• Plastic piping: ABS is used for making plastic piping for drain, waste and vent systems.
• Industrial products: ABS is commonly used in industrial products such as gears, rollers, and other machine parts due to its strength and resistance to impact and chemicals.

Some of the benefits of ABS include:

• High impact resistance: ABS is highly resistant to impact, making it a popular choice for products that are subject to regular wear and tear.
• Chemical resistance: ABS is resistant to many chemicals, making it a good choice for storage tanks and chemical containers.
• High temperature resistance: ABS can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Good colorability: ABS can be colored easily and is available in a wide variety of colors.
• Good machinability: ABS is easy to machine and can be cut, drilled, and milled to create precise parts.

Some potential downsides of ABS include:

• Low UV resistance: ABS can become brittle and discolored when exposed to sunlight, so it may require UV inhibitors to protect it.
• Limited weather resistance: ABS is not resistant to weather and may become brittle and crack over time when exposed to the elements.

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is a thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum. It is known for its durability, strength, and resistance to chemical and environmental degradation.

Some of the uses of HDPE include:

• Packaging: HDPE is commonly used to make bottles, containers, and other packaging products because of its strength and chemical resistance.
• Pipes: HDPE pipes are widely used in the water supply and natural gas industries because of their durability and resistance to corrosion.
• Plastic bags: HDPE is commonly used to make plastic bags and other types of flexible packaging due to its low cost and strength.
• Plastic lumber: HDPE is used to make plastic lumber and other outdoor products that are resistant to moisture, insects, and UV light.
• Industrial products: HDPE is used in a variety of industrial products such as tanks, pipes, and liners.

Some of the benefits of HDPE include:

• High impact resistance: HDPE is highly resistant to impact, making it a popular choice for products that are subject to regular wear and tear.
• Chemical resistance: HDPE is resistant to many chemicals, making it a good choice for storage tanks and chemical containers.
• Low moisture absorption: HDPE has a very low moisture absorption rate, which means it is less likely to warp or swell when exposed to moisture.
• Low friction coefficient: HDPE has a low friction coefficient, which makes it easy to slide or roll.
• Low cost: HDPE is less expensive than many other plastics, making it a cost-effective choice for many applications.

Some potential downsides of HDPE include:

• Low temperature resistance: HDPE becomes brittle at low temperatures and may crack or break.
• Limited UV resistance: HDPE is not UV resistant and can become brittle and discolored when exposed to sunlight.
• Limited color options: HDPE is typically only available in natural, white, or black.
• Not suitable for high-temperature applications: HDPE is not suitable for high-temperature applications and may soften or deform at high temperatures.

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) is a thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum. It is known for its flexibility, transparency, and resistance to chemicals.

Some of the uses of LDPE include:

• Plastic bags: LDPE is commonly used to make plastic bags, such as grocery and trash bags, due to its flexibility, transparency and sealability.
• Squeezable bottles: LDPE is used to make squeezable bottles, such as ketchup, honey and mustard bottles, due to its flexibility and ability to be formed into different shapes.
• Film and sheeting: LDPE is used to make film and sheeting for use in construction, agriculture, and packaging due to its resistance to chemicals and water.
• Coating: LDPE can be used as a coating for wire and cable, to improve its insulation properties and resistance to moisture.
• Medical devices: LDPE is used in some medical devices, such as tubing and disposable gloves, due to its flexibility, transparency and resistance to chemicals.

Some of the benefits of LDPE include:

• Flexibility: LDPE is highly flexible and can be easily formed into different shapes and sizes.
• Transparency: LDPE is transparent and can be used to make clear bags and containers.
• Chemical resistance: LDPE is resistant to many chemicals, making it a good choice for storage tanks and chemical containers.
• Low cost: LDPE is less expensive than many other plastics, making it a cost-effective choice for many applications.
• Low moisture absorption: LDPE has a very low moisture absorption rate, which means it is less likely to warp or swell when exposed to moisture.

Some potential downsides of LDPE include:

• Low temperature resistance: LDPE becomes brittle at low temperatures and may crack or break.
• Limited UV resistance: LDPE is not UV resistant and can become brittle and discolored when exposed to sunlight.
• Not suitable for high-temperature applications: LDPE is not suitable for high-temperature applications and may soften or deform at high temperatures.
• Limited strength: LDPE is not as strong as other plastics and is not recommended for use in heavy-duty or high-stress applications.

PETG

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a thermoplastic polymer that is a variant of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), known for its clarity, strength and flexibility.

Some of the uses of PETG include:

• Packaging: PETG is commonly used to make bottles, containers, and other packaging products because of its clarity, strength and resistance to chemicals.
• 3D printing: PETG is a popular choice for 3D printing filament because of its ease of printing, good layer adhesion and durability.
• Medical Devices: PETG is used in the medical industry for items such as trays, containers, and instrument casings due to its transparency, strength, and resistance to chemicals.
• Signage: PETG is used in the manufacturing of signs, display cases and POP displays due to its high clarity and ability to be easily fabricated and formed into different shapes.
• Food packaging: PETG is food safe and can be used for food packaging due to its transparency, strength, and resistance to chemicals.

Some of the benefits of PETG include:

• High clarity: PETG is highly transparent and allows for good light transmission, making it a popular choice for applications such as bottles, containers and signs.
• High strength: PETG is strong and durable, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Chemical resistance: PETG is resistant to many chemicals, making it a good choice for storage tanks and chemical containers.
• Flexibility: PETG is flexible and can be bent and formed into different shapes without breaking.
• Good layer adhesion: PETG has good layer adhesion, which makes it a great choice for 3D printing.

Some potential downsides of PETG include:

• Limited UV resistance: PETG is not UV resistant and can become brittle and discolored when exposed to sunlight.
• Limited heat resistance: PETG has a lower heat resistance than other plastics, and it may warp or soften at high temperatures.
• Scratches easily: PETG can scratch easily, which can affect its transparency and overall appearance.

PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a thermoplastic polymer known for its durability, strength and resistance to chemicals.

Some of the uses of PVC include:

• Construction: PVC is commonly used in the construction industry for items such as pipes, window frames, and siding due to its durability, strength, and resistance to chemicals.
• Medical Devices: PVC is used in the medical industry for items such as tubing, blood bags, and IV bags due to its durability, strength, and resistance to chemicals.
• Signage: PVC is used in the manufacturing of signs, displays, and POP displays due to its durability, strength, and resistance to chemicals.
• Packaging: PVC is used in packaging applications as a barrier to moisture and gases, and as a substrate for laminates.
• Automotive: PVC is used in the automotive industry for items such as wire and cable insulation and other components due to its durability, strength, and resistance to chemicals.

Some of the benefits of PVC include:

• High strength: PVC is strong and durable, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Chemical resistance: PVC is resistant to many chemicals, making it a good choice for applications that require chemical resistance.
• Good barrier properties: PVC has good barrier properties to oxygen and moisture, making it a good choice for packaging applications.
• Low cost: PVC is less expensive than many other plastics, making it a cost-effective choice for many applications.
• Good machinability: PVC is easy to machine and can be cut, drilled, and formed into different shapes

Some potential downsides of PVC include:

• Limited heat resistance: PVC has a lower heat resistance than other plastics, and it may warp or soften at high temperatures.
• Not suitable for high-temperature applications: PVC is not suitable for high-temperature applications and may soften or deform at high temperatures.
• Clarity: Although there are clear versions of PVC, they do not have the same clarity as acrylic or polycarbonate.

Butyrate

Butyrate is a thermoplastic known for its transparency, toughness, and good moisture resistance. Some of the uses of butyrate include:

• Food packaging: Butyrate is used in food packaging due to its transparency, ability to retain its properties in high-moisture environments, and high resistance to moisture and oils.
• Medical Devices: Butyrate is used in medical devices such as test tubes, trays, and other containers due to its clarity, chemical resistance, and ability to maintain its properties in high-moisture environments.
• Optical applications: Butyrate is used in optical applications such as lenses and light covers due to its transparency and good weather resistance.
• Consumer products: Butyrate is used in a variety of consumer products such as toys, cases, and containers due to its good impact resistance, transparency, and toughness.

Some of the benefits of butyrate include:

• Transparency: Butyrate is highly transparent, making it a good choice for applications that require clarity.
• Good moisture resistance: Butyrate is highly resistant to moisture, making it a good choice for applications that require resistance to moisture and oils.
• Toughness: Butyrate is tough and impact resistant, making it a good choice for applications that require durability.
• Good processability: Butyrate is easy to process, making it a good choice for a wide range of applications.

Some potential downsides of butyrate include:

• Limited heat resistance: Butyrate has a low heat resistance and can deform at high temperatures.
• Limited chemical resistance: Butyrate is not as chemically resistant as some other plastics, which can be a limitation for some applications.
• Limited UV resistance: Butyrate is not UV resistant and can degrade when exposed to sunlight.

PET

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a thermoplastic polymer known for its clarity, strength, and resistance to impact and chemicals.

Some of the uses of PET include:

• Packaging: PET is commonly used to make bottles, containers, and other packaging products because of its clarity, strength, and resistance to chemicals.
• Textiles: PET is used to make textiles such as clothing and carpets because of its strength and resistance to wear and tear.
• Food packaging: PET is food safe and can be used for food packaging due to its clarity, strength, and resistance to chemicals.
• Medical Devices: PET is used in the medical industry for items such as trays, containers, and instrument casings due to its transparency, strength, and resistance to chemicals.
• Films and sheets: PET is used to make films and sheets that are used in packaging, electrical insulation, and as a substrate for laminates.

Some of the benefits of PET include:

• High clarity: PET is highly transparent and allows for good light transmission, making it a popular choice for applications such as bottles, containers, and signs.
• High strength: PET is strong and durable, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Chemical resistance: PET is resistant to many chemicals, making it a good choice for storage tanks and chemical containers.
• Good barrier properties: PET has good barrier properties to oxygen and moisture, making it a good choice for packaging applications.
• Good machinability: PET is easy to machine and can be cut, drilled, and formed into different shapes

Some potential downsides of PET include:

• Limited UV resistance: PET is not UV resistant and can become brittle and discolored when exposed to sunlight.
• Limited heat resistance: PET has a lower heat resistance than other plastics, and it may warp or soften at high temperatures.
• Scratches easily: PET can scratch easily, which can affect its transparency and overall appearance.
• Not suitable for high-temperature applications: PET is not suitable for high-temperature applications and may soften or deform at high temperatures.

Nylon

Nylon is a thermoplastic polymer known for its strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear.

Some of the uses of nylon include:

• Textile manufacturing: Nylon is commonly used in the textile industry to make clothing, ropes, and carpets due to its strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear.
• Automotive components: Nylon is used in the automotive industry to make gears, bearings, and other components because of its strength and resistance to wear and tear.
• Industrial machinery: Nylon is used in industrial machinery to make gears, bearings, and other components because of its strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear.
• Food packaging: Nylon is used for food packaging as a barrier to moisture, gases, and light, and can be used in vacuum packaging and modified atmosphere packaging.
• 3D printing: Nylon is a popular choice for 3D printing filament because of its strength, flexibility and durability.

Some of the benefits of nylon include:

• High strength: Nylon is strong and durable, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Good abrasion resistance: Nylon has good resistance to wear and tear, making it suitable for applications that require high durability.
• Good chemical resistance: Nylon is resistant to many chemicals, making it a good choice for applications that require chemical resistance.
• Good flexibility: Nylon is flexible and can be bent and formed into different shapes without breaking.
• Good layer adhesion: Nylon has good layer adhesion which makes it a great choice for 3D printing.

Some potential downsides of nylon include:

• Limited UV resistance: Nylon is not UV resistant and can become brittle and discolored when exposed to sunlight.
• Limited heat resistance: Nylon has a lower heat resistance than other plastics, and it may warp or soften at high temperatures.
• Moisture absorption: Nylon has a high moisture absorption rate which can affect its physical properties.

PEEK

PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is a high-performance thermoplastic known for its excellent mechanical and thermal properties, as well as its resistance to chemicals and extreme temperatures.

Some of the uses of PEEK include:

• Aerospace and automotive: PEEK is used in aerospace and automotive applications for items such as bearings, gears, and other high-performance components due to its excellent mechanical and thermal properties.
• Medical Devices: PEEK is used in the medical industry for items such as spinal implants, surgical instruments, and dental implants due to its biocompatibility, strength, and resistance to chemicals and extreme temperatures.
• Industrial: PEEK is used in industrial applications such as oil and gas, semiconductor, and chemical processing due to its chemical resistance, strength, and ability to maintain its properties at high temperatures.
• Food packaging: PEEK can be used for food packaging as a barrier to moisture, gases and its high temperature resistance makes it perfect for high temperature sterilization.
• 3D printing: PEEK is used for 3D printing in aerospace, automotive, and medical applications due to its high strength and temperature resistance.

Some of the benefits of PEEK include:

• High strength: PEEK has an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for a wide range of high-performance applications.
• High temperature resistance: PEEK can withstand extreme temperatures and maintain its properties, making it suitable for high-temperature applications.
• Chemical resistance: PEEK is highly resistant to chemicals, making it a good choice for applications that require chemical resistance.
• Biocompatibility: PEEK is biocompatible, making it suitable for use in medical devices and other applications that come into contact with the human body.
• Low coefficient of friction: PEEK has a low coefficient of friction, making it suitable for use in applications that require low-friction and wear-resistant properties.

Some potential downsides of PEEK include:

• Cost: PEEK is more expensive than many other plastics, which can be a limitation for some applications.
• Limited UV resistance: PEEK is not UV resistant and can degrade when exposed to sunlight.
• Limited water absorption: PEEK has a low water absorption rate which can affect its physical properties.

Regrind

• We recycle roughly 95% of our scrap onsite to reduce landfill and ocean bound waste.  We reuse the recycled compound called regrind in our products when possible.   Clean regrind is critical to the reuse of the product so we have robust procedures to ensure quality, which include:
• • Keeping scrap clean during production and grinding process, including removing dust
  • Tracking relevant information including date, profile, size of regrind, compound, supplier, and generation of regrind

• Storage in our dedicated regrind staging area