5 Things to Know Before Buying Hard Plastic Panels

Hard plastic sheet can be used in everything from cutting out the shape for gift cards to crafting terminal boards for industrial and electronic applications. Hard plastic sheet tends to be heat and water resistant, is easily machinable into a desired shape and is durable for ongoing use. Yet determining the right hard plastic sheet to buy is not always easy. Here are some tips for buying this product.

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1) Consider the Application

First, consider the application you will use the product for. This will help you determine which product you need. If the sheet is going to be used in food packaging or preparation, for example, you will need something that is easy to clean and sanitize. If it is going to be used in manufacturing, it will need strong load bearing properties.

2) Consider Your Budget

Different types of hard plastic sheet will have different purchase prices, so your budget is another key consideration. Outline your budget, then work with your plastics provider to find a product that fits.

3) Consider Fabrication Needs

Finally, consider how you will be utilizing the material. Will you need to be able to mold it or fabricate with it? Not all hard-plastic sheet is easily molded, so choose a material that fits within your needs.

Common Types of Hard Plastic Sheet

Piedmont Plastics stocks many types of hard plastic sheet for your consideration. One of our more popular options is polyurethane. Polyurethane sheet is available in a range of hardness and densities, so you can easily find one that fits your application. It has excellent load bearing capabilities and is tear and abrasion resistant. It works similarly to steel and aluminum sheet, but with the benefits of plastic. It can be fabricated or machined into a variety of shapes.

Rigid vinyl film, or rigid PVC, is antihero popular choice. This budget-friendly product is chemical and corrosion resistant. Because it comes in a range of colors, finishes and gauges, it can be used for everything from food packaging and processing to gift card production and even construction projects.

Finally, consider phenolic as your hard plastic sheet of choice. This plastic material is made by taking layers of paper, cotton or glass fabric and merging them with synthetic resin. The end result is a strong, durable product that is lightweight but stands up well under years of use. The low water absorbtion and dissipation factors make phenolic excellent for circuit boards, terminal boards, gaskets, and gears, among other applications. It can also be used as ballistic or storm protection.

No matter which type of hard plastic sheet you need, you can trust Piedmont Plastics to deliver quality products that fit your application well. Contact our sales team today to discuss your need and let us help you find the plastic material that will fit that need well.

As a plastic distribution company that’s been in the business since , we know a thing or two about the many different types of plastic sheets and what sets them apart from each other. Sometimes the applications they’re used for overlap, which can make it tricky to decide which variety will perform the best for your project. Whether you want to find out which types of plastic will suit your needs best or simply want to learn more about this incredibly versatile material, you’ve come to the right place. Dive into our plastic guide to get the ultimate rundown of our most popular plastics.

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Acrylic

Acrylic sheet, also known as plexiglass or brand names like Plexiglas® and Lucite, is an ideal substitute for glass in applications that require a high amount of clarity and strength. Acrylic is a thermoplastic, so it can easily be melted down and injection molded into any shape needed — and can even be reheated again later without degrading. Of all the different plastics, acrylic provides the best clarity for the longest amount of time, thanks to its resistance to scratches, abrasions and yellowing. It also protects against UV damage, which makes it a popular plastic solution for applications like advertising displays or picture framing. The only thing to keep in mind when you choose acrylic is that it can crack and chip easily during installation due to its rigidity.

There are all sorts of acrylic available to suit a variety of applications and industries.
The varieties you can find at A&C Plastics include:

Pros & Cons of Acrylic

Acrylic Industry Solutions

As you could see from the long list of acrylic products above, acrylic comes in all sorts of colors and strengths. Check out some of the industries these plastics can be used in.

Acrylic Resources

Want to do some in-depth reading on acrylic? We have several resources that provide key examples of how acrylic can be used in a variety of projects. Perfect for lighting your inspiration!

Polycarbonate

If all the different types of plastic are superheros, polycarbonate is Superman. It’s over 250 times stronger than glass and just as clear, making it an ideal application for storefronts and any buildings or vehicles that need extremely impact resistant windows. As a thermoplastic like acrylic, polycarbonate can be heated and injection molded into any shape necessary, and then reheated later without degrading significantly. You can also cold form polycarbonate into the needed dimensions right on-site. Polycarbonate can also be treated to either transmit or protect against UV rays, so whether you need siding for your greenhouse or sturdy siding for an airplane, this plastic is up for the job. One drawback to polycarbonate is initial cost, but given how durable and long-lasting the material is, it winds up paying for itself over time. Also, while certain varieties of polycarbonate are abrasion resistant, it is somewhat easier to scratch or dent this plastic when compared to acrylic.

Polycarbonate, also known as Lexan or Makrolon, is used for many different applications and in more industries that you might imagine. Varieties of polycarbonate available at A&C Plastics include:

Pros & Cons of Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate Industry Solutions

Polycarbonate is one of our favorite types of plastic because of its versatility and strength. Just like acrylic, it can be used (and is currently being used) in industries of all kinds. Check out a few of the places you can find polycarbonate.

Polycarbonate Resources

Want to do some in-depth reading on polycarbonates? We have several resources that provide key examples of how polycarbonates can be used in a variety of projects. Perfect for lighting your inspiration!

HDPE

High-density polyethylene, or HDPE (which is much easier to pronounce) is a thermoplastic used in items ranging from hard hats to water bottles. Most other different types of plastic don’t quite match HDPE in its versatility and malleability — and did we mention it’s super eco-friendly? HDPE is one of the most widely recycled plastics on the market, meaning you can choose it with confidence knowing that it will both do its job well and be transformed into something new when the work is done.

HDPE shares qualities with acrylic and polycarbonate sheet, such as strong impact and abrasion resistance and a low coefficient of friction. These qualities also prevent it from retaining stains, sustaining moisture damage or gaining unpleasant odors over time. On the other hand, HDPE has incredible tensile strength and rigidity, setting it apart from other types of plastic.

A&C Plastics carries plenty of specialized HDPE sheet, including:

Pros & Cons of HDPE

HDPE Industry Solutions

Being one of the most versatile types of plastic, HDPE is used in several industries for a wide variety of applications. If you're operating in tough conditions, HDPE is the plastic that's up for the job. Here are just a few of the places HDPE is frequently found.

HDPE Resources

Even though you now have a “high density” of knowledge on HDPE, you might still be wondering if it’s the right plastic for your project. Use these resources to ensure you get a complete picture of HDPE and it’s uses.

Industrial Plastics

This final category encompasses many different types of plastic with unique characteristics that make them suited for just about any task you could throw at them. Lightweight and durable, they can be used in a wide variety of industry applications.

Check out all the great products that fall within this category below.

Pros & Cons of Industrial Plastics

Industrial Plastics Solutions

Being one of the most versatile types of plastic, HDPE is used in several industries for a wide variety of applications. If you're operating in tough conditions, HDPE is the plastic that's up for the job. Here are just a few of the places HDPE is frequently found.

Industrial Plastic Resources

There are many different types of plastic within the "industrial" category, which means there's plenty of learning to be done to make the best decision for your project! These articles might be just what you need.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Hard Plastic Panels(ko,ja,es). Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.