FULL SERVICE
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
PLASTICS SOLUTIONS
About Us
Service Polymers was founded in 1995 with the goal of providing an unmatched level of personalized service to small and medium sized plastic processors that are typically overlooked by the large, national resin distributors.
Learn more
Products
Services
Service Polymers offers a comprehensive range of laboratory testing, design & consulting services.
Learn more
Thermoplastic Resin - An Overview
A thermoplastic resin is a material that softens to a liquid when exposed to high heat and cures again when cooled. These properties allow thermoplastic materials to be molded into a variety of shapes and structures, making plastic resins useful and applicable to numerous industries and applications.
Thermoplastics are commonly used in injection molding applications. A large variety of thermoplastic polymer resins are available, from polycarbonate to nylon to acrylic, with each material type offering unique properties, strengths and weaknesses and use cases. Nylon is commonly used in automotive applications and ropes. Acrylic is also used in aquariums, windows and signs. Thermoplastics are commonly used across a wide range of different markets and applications.
Thermoplastics are ideal for injection molding
Thermoplastic polymers form when repeating units called monomers link into chains or branches. Since they soften when heated, thermoplastic polymers are easy to mold into a variety of shapes and also lend themselves to recycling. Thermoplastics offer recycling advantages over thermoset plastics.
The bonds of the various types of molecules contained in a polymer chain determine the type of properties that a plastic material exhibits. When plastic resin is heated in an injection molding machine, the molecular binding weakens, resulting in a viscous molten liquid that can be injected into a mold. As the plastic cools, the polymer chain solidifies to produce a plastic part with the desired specifications
Thermoplastics versus Thermosets
Thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics are two different classes of polymers with different properties. The main difference between the two is the melting point and the reaction to heat. Thermoplastics can melt when exposed to heat after curing, while thermoset materials will retain their form and will stay solid when exposed to heat after initially curing.
Since thermoplastics have a low melting point and can be melted multiple times, they are ideal for applications that required recycled materials.
How do I know if a Thermoplastic Resin is suitable for my application?
Thermoplastic polymer resin materials are used across a broad spectrum of applications covering most industries. A thermoplastic’s fit for a particular application depends on the specific performance requirements and environmental considerations of each application. Different thermoplastics offer different strengths and weaknesses to consider including:
-
Impact resistance
-
Chemical resistance
-
UV resistance
-
Dimensional stability
-
Transparent or Opaque color/appearance
-
Moisture exposure
-
Temperature requirements/long-term high heat exposure
-
FDA, Medical or food contact requirements
-
Manufacturing method
-
Life cycle – disposable part versus long-term use
Service Polymers is one of the top thermoplastic material suppliers in the USA. Our experts can help you find the right material that is ideally suited for the specific requirements of your application. Please feel free to contact us for more information on our thermoplastic product line.