Plastic Fabricator Materials

Plastic fabricators may use polycarbonate or acrylic to design and engineer protective covers for industrial machinery, transparent barriers for safety enclosures, or sturdy housing for electronic equipment.

ABS or HDPE can be chosen by plastic fabricators for applications such as chemical storage tanks, automotive interior components, or outdoor applications that require resistance to chemicals, impacts, and weathering.

Acrylic, expanded PVC, PETG, styrene, and other materials can be cut and shaped by plastic fabricators to create point-of-purchase displays, signage, or decorative panels for architectural purposes.

Plastic fabricators may weld or bond polypropylene or PVC components to fabricate tanks, pipes, or ductwork used in chemical processing, plumbing systems, or ventilation systems.

ABS or polystyrene can be formed and molded by plastic fabricators to produce automotive parts, such as interior trim, instrument panels, or exterior body panels.

Polycarbonate or acrylic surfaces can be finished and coated by plastic fabricators to create durable and scratch-resistant windows, skylights, or protective shields for security applications.

Materials for plastic fabrication applications fall under NAICS codes #3261 and 326199.

• [Extruded ABS Datasheet]
• [Machine Grade ABS Datasheet]
• [Acrylic Datasheet]
• [HDPE Datasheet]
• [PETG Datasheet]
• [Renovo-MPC^™ Datasheet]
• [Polycarbonate Datasheet]
• [Polypropylene Datasheet]
• [PVC Type 1 Datasheet]
• [Styrene Datasheet]

• Cutting and Machining: This involves using cutting tools, such as saws, routers, or laser cutters, to shape and cut plastic sheets or blocks into desired sizes and geometries. It is a versatile method for creating flat panels, intricate shapes, or precise dimensions.
• Thermoforming: Thermoforming is a process where a plastic sheet is heated until it becomes pliable, then stretched over or vacuum-formed onto a mold to create a specific shape. This method is commonly used to produce items like trays, packaging containers, automotive interior components, and appliance parts.
• Injection Molding: Injection molding is a highly efficient and widely used method for mass-producing plastic products. It involves injecting molten plastic material into a mold cavity, allowing it to cool and solidify, and then ejecting the molded part. This technique is employed for producing a broad range of products, including complex shapes, such as bottle caps, automotive components, toys, and consumer electronics.
• Extrusion: Extrusion is a process where plastic pellets or granules are melted and forced through a die to produce continuous profiles with a consistent cross-section. The extruded plastic can be cut into various lengths or coiled for later use. Examples of extruded products include pipes, tubes, rods, and plastic sheets used for packaging, construction, and industrial applications.
• Welding and Joining: Plastic welding techniques are used to fuse plastic parts together to create a strong and seamless bond. Common methods include hot plate welding, ultrasonic welding, solvent bonding, and friction welding. This allows fabricators to create large structures or repair plastic components efficiently.
• 3D Printing: Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing involves creating three-dimensional objects by layering successive layers of molten plastic or thermoplastic filaments. This method enables the production of complex and customized plastic parts with intricate geometries, prototypes, and small-scale production runs.
• Vacuum Forming: Vacuum forming is a process where a heated plastic sheet is placed over a mold, and a vacuum is applied to shape the plastic tightly against the mold surface. This technique is commonly used for creating products like packaging trays, blister packs, and signage.