Plastics

Plastics

Acrylic
1. Stiff and Brittle
2. Used to make signs and objects in 2D and 3D
Polyvinyl sheet (PVC)
1. Stiff, strong, tough and resists scratching
2. Used to make 2D and 3D shapes and may be used for vacuum-forming
High-density PVC foam
1. Stiff, hard, tough and lightweight, with a good resistance to chemicals
2. Machining of 2D and 3D shapes
Polystyrene sheet (or styrene sheet)
1. Lightweight, hard, stiff, transparent and brittle. Good water resistance
2. Used for vacuum-forming
Corrugated polypropylene
1. Lightweight and tough. Stiff, but not very strong. Hard but scratches easily. Resistant to chemicals.
2. Used for making large constructions
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
1. Strong, tough, hard, lightweight, and durable. A good surface finish and resistant to chemicals
2. Used to make square or round shaped tubes and is good for making structures. Corrugated polypropylene is available in a range of shapes and colours
Polystyrene foam (Styrofoam)
1. Brittle in tension, lightweight, with good heat and sound insulation
2. Available in blocks and used for product-modelling
Cellophane
1. Tough, hard, stiff, lightweight, transparent, and non-flammable
2. Used for wrapping round products
Polythene
1. Hard, stiff and able to be sterilised
2. Used to make bottles and for shrink-wrapping products.

Resource summary

	Created by immyimogen about 10 years ago