Plastics for Wheelchair Manufacturing and Wheelchair Components

Wheelchair manufacturers choose plastics for many components in wheelchairs due to their durability, light weight, overall strength, and ease of machining/fabrication.

ABS: Tough and impact resistant ABS sees use in wheelchair armrests, footrests, and other structural components. Its moldability and variety of colors and textures allow it to fit many design requirements.

Acetal: Acetal's low friction and high structural strength make it a good material for various wheelchair components that undergo wear, such as bearings, gears, and other parts.

HDPE: High Density Polyethylene, or HDPE, is used in wheelchair seats and backrests. Its high impact strength, light weight, chemical resistance, and general mechanical properties provide the support and ease of cleaning that wheelchair seats and backrests need.

Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate (PC) is a transparent material that is virtually unbreakable. In wheelchairs, polycarbonate forms wheelchair guards and protective covers that ensure an unobstructed view while providing durable protection.

Polypropylene: Lightweight, rigid, and good chemical resistance are the properties that make polypropylene a good fit for wheelchair frames and other components.

UHMW: Like acetal, UHMW is a low friction material with high impact strength used for wear components in wheelchairs, including bearings, bushings, and rollers. UHMW is a self-lubricating material which can reduce the need for external lubrication.

Materials for wheelchair manufacturing applications fall under NAICS codes #339112 and 339113 as well as SIC code #3842.

• [Extruded ABS Datasheet]
• [Machine Grade ABS Datasheet]
• [Acetal Datasheet]
• [HDPE Datasheet]
• [Renovo-MPC^™ Datasheet]
• [Polycarbonate Datasheet]
• [Polypropylene Datasheet]
• [UHMW Datasheet]