Choosing the Right Plastic for Your Extrusion Project: A Material Comparison

When undertaking a plastic extrusion project, choosing the right plastic material is essential for your desired outcome. Each plastic material has very different properties, which can lead to very different outcomes. It’s important to understand the differences in these materials, so you can choose the correct one for your specific product and desired final result. 

Polyethylene (PE) 

This is one of the most commonly used plastic materials. It is flexible, lightweight, chemical resistant, durable, and versatile. It is also easy to process in most manufacturing methods and is low-cost, which makes it a popular choice. This material is most commonly used for products such as, films on packaging, pipes, wire insulation, plastic bags, plastic bottles, household goods, vehicle components, and medical equipment. 

Polypropylene (PP) 

This is a durable, versatile plastic material that is known for being lightweight, chemical-resistant, versatile, and having a high impact strength. It is also non-toxic, so is approved for use in food production. This material is used in the automative industry, medical industry, reusable containers, fibres (for things like carpets and ropes), and household items. 

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) 

Polyvinyl Chloride is a strong, durable, chemical resistant, and versatile material that is cost-effective. It is used for a variety of applications including, pipes, window frames, medical tubing and equipment, flooring, wiring, and a range of packaging and toys. 

Polycarbonate (PC) 

This is one of the strongest plastic materials you can use, with a high impact strength, good heat resistance, transparency, waterproofing, and lightweight. Polycarbonate is used to create a wide variety of products, such as, roofing materials, interior trim in cars, water bottles, eyewear, safety helmets, headlight lenses, electronic components, medical devices, and food containers. 

There is no guide to what you should be using for each of your extrusion processes, and this can be decided based on what you wish the final outcome to be. 

Here at Rayda Plastics, we create bespoke plastic products from extrusion methods, if you have any general enquiries about plastic, contact us today, and we will be more than happy to help!

For more information on Choosing the Right Plastic for Your Extrusion Project: A Material Comparison talk to Rayda Plastics Ltd