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![Replacing Metal With Plastics]( "Replacing Metal With Plastics")
Replacing Metal With Plastics
Why Designers Continue To Replace Metal Parts With Engineering Plastics
Mechanical engineers and designers are increasingly replacing existing metals parts with components made from engineering plastics. A common misconception is that this trend is based purely on reducing the initial cost per part, but the reality is quite different. Engineering plastics are often more expensive than metals, but provide benefits such as improved performance, longer part life, and reduced downtime. This long-term, "overall cost of ownership" approach is driving a strong market for engineered plastic solutions.
Here are a few of the product features and benefits that are driving the trend towards increased use of engineering plastics.
Wear Resistance
In high-wear applications, many plastic materials will outperform brass & other metal bearing materials. Plastics such as Nylon, UHMW, PTFE, Acetal and Turcite® offer natural lubricity to increase wear resistance and extend the part life of bearings, rollers, gears, and seals.
Lightweight
When replacing metal parts, plastics will typically reduce the part weight by 30% to 50%.This can translate to significant energy savings when used in applications such as transportation, linear motion, and material handling.
Temperature Resistance
Plastics, ceramics, and composites have been developed which resist both extremely high & extremely low cryogenic temperature ranges with minimal loss of mechanical properties. Materials such as Celazole® PBI can continually operate at up to 750°F, while materials such as Kel-F® PCTFE can operate at -400°F.
Impact Resistance & Shock Absorption
Many plastics and composites offer excellent impact resistance. Materials such as Polycarbonate are used for impact-resistant glazing and shields. Nylon, UHMW and Polyurethane will absorb impact shock and isolate stress points to protect surrounding components.
Insulation Properties
Many plastics have excellent insulation properties, reducing heat, and improving product reliability. Laminates such as G-10/FR-4, GPO-3 and LE Phenolic are used extensively in electrical and transportation industries to insulate from heat and electrical shock. Thermoplastics such as PTFE and Meldin® work well in high-temperature insulating applications.
Corrosion Resistance
Metals are inherently susceptible to corrosion from moisture, acids, and organic solvents. Many plastics were designed specifically to combat these problems. Materials such as PVC, CPVC, Polypropylene, and PTFE offer superior corrosion resistance at an economical price.
Medical Approval
Many plastics have been approved for use in medical applications ranging from heart pump valves to endoscopic instruments. Products meet FDA, USP Class VI, and ISO 10993 standards. Such materials include Radel®, PEEK, Ultem®, and Polycarbonate.
Fire Safe
Dozens of plastic materials have been developed to meet common aircraft, transportation, semiconductor, and UL ratings for flame and smoke safety. Specifications include FAR, FTA, FRA, ASTM, UL and FM. In the semiconductor industry materials meeting the FM-4910 specification have reduced or eliminated the need for costly fire-suppression systems, and thus have reduced overall equipment costs. In some cases, the use of these materials have even reduced insurance costs in high-liability applications. Common flame-retardant and flame-safe materials include: Kydex®, Boltaron®, Halar®, CP7-D, FRPP, Corzan® CPVC, and Kynar® 740 PVDF.
High Purity
Plastics have long been a crucial product used in the manufacturing of high-purity fluid & gas handling applications. Many plastics have eliminated the concerns of out-gassing, leaching, and other contamination in crucial high-purity systems. These products include: PTFE, PFA, FEP, Halar® and Kynar® PVDF.
Static Control
Several plastics and composites have anti-static qualities to prevent the build up of an electric charge. Products range from conductive materials 102 to 106, and static dissipative 106 to 1010, to highly resistive materials 1010 to 1012.
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![Rockford, Illinois (Loves Park)]( "Rockford, Illinois (Loves Park)")
Rockford, Illinois (Loves Park)
Professional Plastics - Rockford, Illinois is conveniently located between Chicago (IL), Milwaukee (WI), Madison (WI), Dubuque (IA), Davenport (IA) & Peoria (IL). Established in 1984', Professional Plastics is a leading supplier of Plastic Sheets, Rods, Tubing, Films & Fabricated Plastic Parts.
Professional Plastics, Inc. - Formerly Adapt Plastics, Inc.
7949 Forest Hills Rd.
Loves Park, IL 61111
Business Manager: John Johnson - E-Mail: j.johnson@proplas.com
Brian Casey (Customer Service Manager - Internet Customers) - E-Mail: b.casey@proplas.com
Toll-Free USA (888) 995-7767 - ProPlas Customer Service
Email: sales@proplas.com
Professional Plastics is a leading supplier of plastic sheets, rods, tubing and films. Stock materials include: Plexiglass / Acrylic, Polycarbonate / Lexan®, PVC, ABS, UHMW, Delrin®, Nylon, Ultem®, PEEK, Teflon® PTFE, Vespel®, Meldin®, Torlon®, Kynar® PVDF, Polypropylene, HDPE, and hundreds more. We offer engineering plastic shapes and fabricated parts to customer specifications. Serving Regional Customers in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota & Missouri.
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Royalite® R-12 Sheet
ROYALITE® R12 is a rigid ABS
thermoplastic sheet with exceptionally
good high temperature performance.
Although most ABS has a deflection
temperature of 185°F to 210°F, ROYALITE®
R12 is rated at 220°F. It has high tensile
strength combined with high impact
strength and stiffness, excellent
formability, good ductility and low
temperature properties.
APPLICATIONS:
The ability of ROYALITE® R12 to retain its
strength at high temperatures and its
outstanding formability have made it a
favorite with many automotive manufacturers.
Applications range from heater/air conditioner
housings, helicopter and aircraft interior parts
to truck instrument panels and embossed
passenger car insignias. Its high heat
resistance allows it to be used in applications
requiring sterilization by boiling water, such
as tote boxes and food trays.
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Tivar® UHMW Industrial Chain Guides
TIVAR UHMW Industrial Chain Guides - Conveying Components - Industrial Chain Guides for Roller Chains
TIVAR industrial chain guides are available in TIVAR 1000, which meets guidelines for food
handling, including those from FDA, USDA and 3-A Dairy. TIVAR's self-lubricating surface
minimizes friction and extends chain life.
Tivar UHMW Chain Guide Standards:
- 10 Foot Lengths
- Single and Double-Strand Chain
- Natural Color (white)
- Custom colors and triple-strand designs also available
Part Numbers: (see link for details)
- EUHC1040, EUHC1050, EUHC1060, EUHC1080, EUHC1100, EUHC1120, EUHC1003. EUHC1004
- EUHC0020, EUHC0040, EUHC0060, EUHC0080, EUHC0100, EUHC0120
- EUHC2040, EUHC2050, EUHC2060, EUHC2080
- EUHC5040, EUHC5050, EUHC5060, EUHC5080, EUHC5100, EUHC5120
- EUHC6040, EUHC6050, EUHC6060, EUHC6080, EUHC6100, EUHC6120
- Tivar® Conveyor Parts & Part Numbers
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Torlon® 4301 Rod - Sheet
Torlon® 4301 Sheets & Rods exhibit excellent wear resistance in bearing grades and is able to endure harsh thermal, chemical and stress conditions. Due to its versatile performance capabilities and proven use in a broad range of applications, Torlon 4301 is a reliable choice.
The addition of PTFE and graphite provides higher wear resistance and lower coefficient of friction compared to the unfilled grade. Torlon 4301 PAI also offers excellent dimensional stability over a wide temperature range. This grade excels in severe wear applications such as non-lubricated bearings, seals, bearings cages and reciprocating compressor parts.
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UHMW Sheet & Rod (Virgin Grade)
UHMW Sheets and UHMW Rods (Virgin Grade) UHMW-PE - PE1000 offers a combination of excellent properties — outstanding abrasion resistance, superior impact resistance, non-sticking and self-lubricating properties and excellent mechanical properties, even in cryogenic conditions. UHMW Sheet and UHMW Rods reduce noise from impact & vibration. It is a self-lubricating material that is chemical, corrosion, and wear-resistant. UHMW is well-suited for drag conveyor flights, paddles, sprockets, and feed screws.
- UHMW is available in several filled grades including high-temperature, ceramic-filled, conductive & ESd versions.
- Shapes include: UHMW Sheets, UHMW Rods, UHMW Tubes, UHMW Film, and UHMW Profiles.
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ULTEM™ 2300 - 30% Glass-Filled
ULTEM™ 2300 PEI is an extruded 30% glass reinforced polyetherimide. It is an amorphous, high-performance polymer with exceptional flame and heat resistance. It performs continuously to 340°F (171°C), making it ideal for high strength/high heat applications, and those requiring consistent dielectric properties over a wide frequency range. It is hydrolysis resistant, highly resistant to acidic solutions and capable of withstanding multiple autoclaving cycles.
ULTEM™ 2300 provides greater rigidity and improved dimensional stability while maintaining many of the useful characteristics of unfilled ULTEM™. ULTEM™ is commonly machined into parts for reusable medical devices, analytical instrumentation, electrical/electronic insulators, and a variety of structural components requiring high strength and rigidity at elevated temperatures.
- Stocked at Professional Plastics USA, Singapore & Taiwan Warehouses
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![Vespel® SP-1 Balls]( "Vespel® SP-1 Balls")
Vespel® SP-1 Balls
Vespel® SP-1 Balls - Balls made from Vespel® high-performance polyimide offer solutions to the world's most demanding applications. Dupont Vespel offers a broad combination of temperature resistance, chemical resistance, mechanical toughness, natural lubricity,wear-resistance and insulation properties. Parts made from DuPont Vespel SP-1 provide operating temperatures from cryogenic to 300°C (570°F), great plasma resistance, plus a UL rating for minimal electrical and thermal conductivity.
Vespel ® SP-1 is the unfilled base resin grade. SP-1 provides maximum physical strength, elongation, and toughness as well as the best electrical and thermal insulation values.
Professional Plastics stocks a complete inventory of Dupont Vespel Rods, Plates, Tubes, Rings & Bars. Vespel Balls are normally shipped within 10-14 days. Faster service is available upon request. Locations in California, Texas, New York, Washington, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Georgia, Oregon and Singapore & Taiwan.
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Vespel® SP-1 Machine Screw, Flat Head, Slotted
Vespel® SP-1 Machine Screw, Flat Head, Slotted Drive - Vespel® SP-1 Parts are high-performance polyimide shapes for the world's most demanding applications. Dupont Vespel screws and other parts offer a broad combination of temperature resistance, chemical resistance, mechanical toughness, natural lubricity,wear-resistance and insulation properties. Parts made from DuPont Vespel SP-1 provide operating temperatures from cryogenic to 300°C (570°F), great plasma resistance, plus a UL rating for minimal electrical and thermal conductivity. Vespel® SP-1 is the unfilled base resin grade. SP-1 provides maximum physical strength, elongation, and toughness as well as the best electrical and thermal insulation values.
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Vespel® SP-1 Machine Screw, Pan-Head, Slotted
Vespel® SP-1 Machine Screw, Pan-Head, Slotted Vespel® Screws
Vespel ® SP-1 Parts are high-performance polyimide shapes for the world's most demanding applications. Dupont Vespel screws and other parts offer a broad combination of temperature resistance, chemical resistance, mechanical toughness, natural lubricity,wear-resistance and insulation properties. Parts made from DuPont Vespel SP-1 provide operating temperatures from cryogenic to 300°C (570°F), great plasma resistance, plus a UL rating for minimal electrical and thermal conductivity.
Vespel ® SP-1 is the unfilled base resin grade. SP-1 provides maximum physical strength, elongation, and toughness as well as the best electrical and thermal insulation values.
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![Vespel® SP-1 Rod & Sheet]( "Vespel® SP-1 Rod & Sheet")
Vespel® SP-1 Rod & Sheet
Vespel® SP-1 Rods, Sheets, Plates, Tubes and Parts. DuPont Vespel is a high-performance polyimide material that offers a broad combination of temperature resistance, chemical resistance, mechanical toughness, natural lubricity, wear-resistance & insulation properties. DuPont Vespel SP-1 provides operating temperatures from cryogenic to 300°C (570°F), great plasma resistance, plus a UL rating for minimal electrical and thermal conductivity. Buy Online Now or send us your request using the Request A Quote Button above,
We ship DuPont Vespel® direct to customers throughout the USA, Asia & Europe. Daily Vespel shipments to: USA, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, China, Japan, Korea, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, France, UK, Israel & more.
What is DuPont Vespel SP-1 ?
Vespel ® SP-1 is the unfilled base resin grade. SP-1 provides maximum physical strength, elongation, and toughness as well as the best electrical and thermal insulation values. Professional Plastics stocks a complete inventory of Dupont Vespel Rods, Vespel Plates, Tubes, Rings & Bars in the USA, Singapore & Taiwan. Product listing does not imply any formal relationship between Professional Plastics and DuPont. DuPont factory certifications are non-transferable therefore material is provided with Professional Plastics' Vespel Certificate of Conformance and Factory Test Data.
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![VHMW - King Hy-Pact®]( "VHMW - King Hy-Pact®")
VHMW - King Hy-Pact®
King Hy-Pact® is the super tough industrial polymer sheet that is environmentally stabilized with excellent physical properties and is a cost effective material. Tests have shown after 2,000 hours of UV exposure, King Hy-Pact outperforms both UV stabilized HDPE and UHMW with superior toughness in wear resistance, flexibility and high-impact strength. It has a clean white color with a smooth, non-skived finish for better material flow. Applications for King Hy-Pact include, but are not limited to, food processing chutes, star wheels, machine products, snowplow blades, and dock fenders. King Hy-Pact is a product of a proprietary process called K-Stran®, the most advanced manufacturing process for producing sheets with widths up to 72", tight tolerances, custom colors and sheet sizes, and small minimum requirements. King Hy-Pact is the smart choice for many high abuse applications requiring superior properties, outstanding flatness and a smooth surface while providing significant cost savings.
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![Acrylic Mirror - Plexiglass Mirror]( "Acrylic Mirror - Plexiglass Mirror")
Acrylic Mirror - Plexiglass Mirror
Plexiglass Mirror - Acrylic Mirror is available in standard .118" (1/8"), and .220" (1/4") thicknesses, as well as, .236" (1/4") thickness as a special order gauge.
- Please contact customer service for more size and color combinations.
- Available in FULL SHEETS or CUT-TO-SIZE in Clear or Colors
- Clear Mirror = Standard Non-Tinted Mirror (aka "silver mirror" - "standard mirror")
Colored acrylic mirror is an excellent way to make a statement about yourself or your company. These colors can be saw cut to size or laser cut in custom shapes and sizes. All of our colors are continuously manufactured substrate with a non-delamination guarantee. Acrylic mirror is available in reduced glare, scratch resistant, adhesive back and custom masking on front and back (contact us for special requests).
Applications for plexiglass mirror: - Ceiling tiles, lavatory mirrors, observation mirrors, fitness center mirrors, sunglass racks, jewelry cases, signage, cosmetic displays, end-cap displays, auto backup mirrors, interior trim & accessories. Security mirrors, children's toys, interactive learning toys, crib mirrors.
NOT Recommended for Large Installations - Acrylic is not as rigid as glass, therefore, large mirrored acrylic sheets will tend to bow & create distorted "fun-house" like images unless mounted in rigid frame or flat, rigid backing.
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Acrylic Tubes - Extruded
Clear Extruded Acrylic Tubes (aka Plexiglass tubes) are sold in standard 6 ft lengths. Minimum order quantities may apply on certian sizes. Extruded Acrylic material does not machine and polish as well as cast because of its lower-heat distortion point. It is ideal for reinforcing and decorative work.
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Acrylite® Resist
ACRYLITE® Resist - Impact Modified Acrylic Sheet comes in Two Grades:
ACRYLITE® Resist™ 65 acrylic sheet, has the beauty and clarity of acrylic with high impact performance for longer lasting, more cost-effective store fixtures and P-O-P displays. It delivers exceptional cost savings through down-gauging without sacrificing the structural integrity of your application. This material is also utilized for windshields in golf carts, ATV's and protective glazing applications.
ACRYLITE® Resist™ 45 acrylic sheet has slightly less impact strength than ACRYLITE Resist 65 sheet yet with exceptional optical clarity. It is the practical and economical alternative for Store Fixtures and Point of Purchase Displays.
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![Acrylite® AR - Abrasion Resistant Sheet]( "Acrylite® AR - Abrasion Resistant Sheet")
Acrylite® AR - Abrasion Resistant Sheet
ACRYLITE® AR acrylic sheet, continuously manufactured sheet, offers excellent optical clarity and high impact strength with abrasion and chemical resistant properties. It resists marring and scratching from everyday public contact, daily cleanings, and airborne dirt and dust. It is useful for numerous applications, including P-O-P displays, store fixtures, menu boards, flat panel display monitors, signs & directories, LCD screens, and framing.
ACRYLITE® AR P-99 sheet combines abrasion and chemical resistance with non-glare properties for easy viewing. It is ideal for picture framing and sign applications.
ACRYLITE® Abrasion Resistant, Optical Grade acrylic sheet is continuously manufactured acrylic sheet offering outstanding optical performance. Its high optical quality, light weight and excellent impact strength make it the preferred material for LCD's, PDA's, projection television screens and multimedia displays.
ACRYLITE® Non-Glare, Abrasion Resistant, Optical Grade acrylic sheet minimizes glare with a matte finish and resists scratching with an abrasion resistant coating. Used exclusively in the optoelectronics market.
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AeroRigid™ 2223 Phenolic - Nomex® honeycomb
AeroRigid™ 2223 is a sandwich panel made with facings of fiberglass cloth reinforced phenolic laminate and Nomex® honeycomb (SAH) that is designed for use in aircraft cabin interior structures such as galleys, lavatories, bulkheads, partitions, storage compartment and crew rests. AeroRigid™ 2223 provides high surface finish to minimize extra fill and fair preparation.
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AeroRigid™ 291B Aluminum Honeycomb
AeroRigid™ 291B is a sandwich panel made with aluminum facing and 5.7 lbs/ft3 aluminum honeycomb that is designed for aircraft interior structural and nonstructural applications such as monuments, shelving, partitions, bulkheads and galleys.
- 291B is an AeroRigid 2024 Aluminum Honeycomb Epoxy with .187" Cell and 5.7 Density
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AeroRigid™2623 Fiberglass Epoxy Nomex® honeycomb
AeroRigid™2623 is a sandwich panel made with facings of fiberglass cloth reinforced epoxy laminate and Nomex® honeycomb (SAH) that is designed for use in commercial aircraft interior structures and non-structures such as crew rests and galley areas.
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