PC_Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate (PC) - This material is formed by a condensation polymerization resulting in a carbon that is bonded to three oxygens. The most common system for this polymerization is formed by a reaction of bisphenol A and phosgene. Applications of polycarbonate are almost always those which take advantage of its uniquely high impact strength and its exceptional clarity. These unique properties have resulted in applications such as bulletproof windows, break resistant lenses, compact discs, etc. More recently however, additional interest has resulted because of the low flammability of polycarbonate.

LDPE_Low-density polyethylene

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic made from petroleum. It was the first grade of polyethylene, produced in 1933 by Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) using a high pressure process via free radical polymerization. Its manufacture employs the same method today. LDPE is commonly recycled and has the number "4" as its recycling symbol. Despite competition from more modern polymers, LDPE continues to be an important plastic grade. In 2009 the worldwide LDPE market reached a volume of 22.2 billion US-Dollars (15.9 billion Euro).

HDPE_Plastic Properties of High Density Polyethylene

Plastic Properties of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)


A linear polymer, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is prepared from ethylene by a catalytic process. The absence of branching results in a more closely packed structure with a higher density and somewhat higher chemical resistance than LDPE. HDPE is also somewhat harder and more opaque and it can withstand rather higher temperatures (120° Celsius for short periods, 110° Celsius continuously).

What is Bioplastics

Bioplastics

A form of plastics derived from plant sources such as hemp oil, soy bean oil and corn starch rather than traditional plastics which are derived from petroleum. This is regarded as a more sustainable activity, as it relies less on fossil fuel imports and produces less greenhouse emissions, producing between 0.8 and 3.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide less per tonne of bioplastics compared to the same weight in petroleum-based plastics

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) - This material is a terpolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. Usual compositions are about half styrene with the balance divided between butadiene and acrylonitrile. Considerable variation is, of course, possible resulting in many different grades of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene with a wide range of features and applications. In addition, many blends with other materials such as polyvinylchloride, polycarbonates and polysulfones have been developed. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene materials can be processed by any of the standard thermoplastic processing methods.

The Injection molding process

There are many sizes and types of injection molding machines, but the machines all follow the sequence shown in this animation.


A mold is bolted into the Clamping section of the machine. The machine closes the mold, then applies a large force to “Lock” the mold closed. Inside the closed mold is a cavity that is the exact shape of the plastic part.

The Injection section of the machine has a hopper to hold plastic pellets; a barrel with heater bands to liquefy the plastic pellets; a feed screw to move the pellets forward in the barrel; a check valve to force the liquid plastic into the mold, and a nozzle to seal the injection section to the mold. The liquefied plastic is forced into the cavity of the mold with high pressure.