Plastic, what are the processing options?
Plastic is a versatile and durable material that is increasingly being used in industry, design, construction and interior design. It is cost-effective, often fire-resistant and offers a wide range of processing options. These properties make plastic ideal for both creative projects and technical applications.
However, not all plastics are the same. To make the right choice for your project, it is important to understand the differences between PVC, plexiglass (acrylic) and polycarbonate. In this article, we list the properties and processing options of these three popular plastics.
PVC – flexible and robust
PVC is available in two types: soft (foamed) PVC and hard PVC.
- Soft PVC is light, flexible and easy to work with. It is often used for applications where creativity and versatility are important, such as displays, lettering and interior design projects.
- Hard PVC is more robust and ideal for projects that require extra durability and structural stability. In addition, hard PVC is easy to weld, making it suitable for piping systems and constructions.
Processing options for PVC
Soft PVC:
- Cutting, sawing, milling, drilling, bending
- Lettering, painting, screen printing, gluing, sticking stickers
Hard PVC:
- Sawing, milling, drilling, welding, bending (hot)
- Laser engraving, lettering
This makes PVC ideal for signage, machine parts and customised solutions.
Acrylic (Plexiglas) – strong, light and aesthetically pleasing
Acrylic, better known as Plexiglas, combines transparency with high strength. It is almost 30 times stronger than glass and very easy to work with. Thanks to the many colours and finishes available, it is a popular choice for interior construction, partition walls, windows and boat windows.
Processing options for plexiglass
- Sawing, milling, drilling, bending, polishing
- Laser cutting, engraving, gluing
Plexiglas therefore offers countless possibilities for design, creative projects and functional applications.
Polycarbonate – extremely strong and impact resistant
Polycarbonate is one of the strongest plastics on the market, with 250 times the strength of glass. It is often used for applications where safety and durability are essential, such as safety glazing, canopies and industrial applications.
Processing options for polycarbonate
- Sawing, milling, drilling, bending (hot)
- Gluing, screen printing, laser cutting
Thanks to its combination of impact resistance, clarity and flexibility, polycarbonate is ideal for demanding projects, both indoors and outdoors.
Select the appropriate plastic for your project
Still unsure about which material is best suited to your project?
Contact Metaplex. Our team of experts is happy to assist you as your partner in plastic solutions.