Plastics There are two main types of plastic

Plastics

There are two main types of plastic. . . • Thermosetting Plastics • Thermoplastics

Thermoplastics – • • Can be moulded into shape Can be re-moulded if you heat them again. There are four main types: • Acetate • Polypropylene • High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Acetate – • • I – See - Tate Flexible Hard Shiny transparent or translucent. It is easy to print on. Used for packaging where the product needs to be seen

Polypropylene – • • Strong Tough Flexible Can be made with a ‘living hinge’. Used to make Tupperware, lunch boxes, Used to make chairs Proper – Strong – Plastic

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – Cat Women - blisters on her feet • Cheap • durable, but quite brittle • It easy to print on She’s electric Used for Blister packs Used for insulation for electrical wiring

High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) • Rigid • Comes in variety of colours Comes in variety of thicknesses Shake your HIPS when you vacuum Used for making boxes for products Used for vacuum forming

Other types of plastic. . . Acrylic – • Door signs, • Shop signs • Key rings

Plastic can also be used for modelling. . . There are three main types of modelling plastic • Corrugated plastic sheet • Styrofoam • Machining foam

Corrugated plastic sheet – • • Lightweight Rigid Weather proof can be bent into shapes Good for modelling objects with large flat areas. Styrofoam – • Light weight • Dense / Solid Very good for making 3 D models Used to make outdoor signage – estate agent signs

Machining foam – • More compact than Styrofoam. More dense / solid. • Can work on it with machine tools without it crumbling. • Can make detailed pieces that can be painted.