Thermo-Formables

Industry Tradenames: Kydex, ABS, Polystyrene

Material Description

As more and more types of plastics became available some are made up by actually blending two or more types together to create a new material. Many of these “blends” help to make up a group of plastics commonly referred to as thermoformables. This label refers more so to the process that is used to reach their final shape as a finished part. Many plastics can be shaped by means of thermoforming although here are a select few plastics kwown first as thermoformables.

Kydex

High performance thermoplastic sheet for thermoforming, membrane pressing, laminating and fabrication of damage resistant components. KYDEX sheet products are extremely durable thermoplastic alloys extruded in a range of colors, patterns, textures, thicknesses and grades

ABS

ABS resins are terpolymers of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. These medium-priced, amorphous thermoplastics are hard, rigid and tough, even at low temperatures. Various grades offer different levels of impact strength - a function of butadiene content. Heat resistant, flame-retardant and palatable grades are also available. Most natural ABS resins are translucent to opaque, but they are also produced in transparent grades, and they can be pigmented to almost any color. Grades are available for injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, foam molding and thermoforming.

Polystyrene

A versatile amorphous thermoplastic available in a wide range of formulations from general-purpose crystal and impact grades, to specialized resins for foam molding and extrusions. The wide range of physical properties and ease of processing make polystyrene an attractive material for many applications. General-purpose polystyrenes are used for knobs, light shields, disposable beverage glasses, serviceware and packaging items. High-heat formulations are found in radio and TV cabinets, tape reels and appliance parts. Impact grades are used in appliances, toys, housewares and specialty items. Structural-foam polystyrene is used in wood-replacement products such as "carved" components for furniture and, in extruded form, trip strips and baseboards for residential and mobile-home use.

PETG

Polyethylene Terepthalate Glycol (PETG) is a high impact, FDA compliant thermoplastic co-polyester that provides toughness, chemical resistance and fabricates well using processes like die cutting, drilling, routing, bending and polishing without chipping or burs. Due to its low forming temperature, PETG is readily vacuum and pressure-formed, heat bent or it can also be easily bonded using solvents or adhesives. PETG can be screen printed using any number of inks and comes in custom colors to match any scheme. General-purpose PETG used for such applications as point-of-purchase and graphic displays, covers, glazing, guards, electronics, and medical braces.