10 Different Types of Plastic & Their Uses

With more than four decades of experience manufacturing premium-quality plastic products at BCJ Plastic Products, it’s safe to say we know our Perspex from our polypropylene. We also have extensive experience across a range of plastic uses, from mining and automotive to domestic and commercial.

Do you require plastic products for your business or home? Get a quote online or call us on (08) 9353 3477. The team will be more than happy to give you the rundown on top-selling products, including the various types of plastic below.

1. Acrylic

Strong and transparent, acrylic offers the same clarity as glass without the risk of shattering. Acrylic can be manufactured in a variety of forms, including High Impact Acrylic (HIA) for superior durability. Acrylic also boasts excellent weather resistance, making it a great choice for outdoor installations.

2. Polypropylene

From temporary signage to printed advertising banners, polypropylene is a versatile plastic with a myriad of uses. It’s manufactured via chain-growth polymerisation and is strong, lightweight and resistant to chemicals, oil and water. As well as signage and POS displays, other common polypropylene uses clinging film, yogurt pots and pharmaceutical containers.

3. PVC

Short for polyvinyl chloride, PVC is one of the most widely produced synthetic plastic polymers in the world. It’s available in either rigid or flexible forms and is used to manufacture pipes, bottles, electrical cables, flooring and imitation leather. Thanks to excellent versatility and robustness, foamed PVC is popular within the signage and exhibition industries.

4. Polyethylene

Popular among builders, architects and interior designers, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene high-density (PEHD) is a thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene. With a high strength-to-density ratio, HDPE is used in the production of plastic bottles, corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes, cutting boards in houses and on boats, plastic garden bed liners, pond liners and plastic lumber.

5. Corflute

Also known as fluted polypropylene, Corflute resembles corrugated cardboard and features external walls separated by internal ribbing. The ribbing creates air pockets and makes Corflute a robust, yet lightweight option for signage, POS displays and printed banners. Great weather resistance makes Corflute ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.

6. Nylon

Strong and rigid, nylon is a high-performance synthetic polymer with exceptional wear and tear properties. The robust molecular structure of nylon makes it the plastic of choice for replacing metal bearings and bushings.

7. Polyethylene Terephthalate

Manufactured via extrusion, polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) offers brilliant clarity, high impact resistance and exceptional thermoform ability. Light transmission of up to 91 percent makes it comparable to glass. PETG is readily available in sheet form, with applications including screen printing, signage, POS displays and industrial guards.

8. High Impact Polystyrene

High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) is a soft-touch plastic product that’s used extensively in vacuum applications, including refrigerator linings, food packing trays and POS Displays. HIPS boasts fantastic thermoform ability, as well as good chemical resistance and low water absorption rates.

9. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) combines first-rate impact resistance with excellent thermo formability and defence against chemicals. This makes it the product of choice for a variety of internal applications, including industrial casings, automotive trim panels, suitcases, paving trays and poker machine faces.

10. Aluminium Composite Material

Aluminium composite material (ACM), has emerged as a popular product among builders and signage designers. The product is lightweight and easy to fabricate, making it a good alternative to traditional materials, such as wood, stone and tiles.

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