PVC Plastic Machining
Your guide to PVC Plastic Machining
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Light, water resistant plastic with a long life cycle
Readily available and very cost effective
High hardness and mechanical properties
PVC (or Polyvinyl Chloride) is one of the most commonly used thermoplastic polymers worldwide. It has high hardness and mechanical properties as well as good insulation properties. It is highly machinable, allowing close tolerances without difficulty.
This guide will take you through the main attributes, common applications, notes for designers and suitable finishing and treatments, as well as UK stock sizes and property tables. Don't forget to bookmark the page so you can refer back later.
If you are interested in PVC machined parts, please scroll to the bottom of the page for more information about our service and to request a quote.
PVC Guide: Properties, Applications and Design Considerations
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What is PVC plastic?
PVC (or Polyvinyl Chloride) is one of the most commonly used thermoplastic polymers worldwide.
PVC plastic is a light, water resistant plastic with a long life cycle. It has high hardness and mechanical properties as well as good insulation properties.
Readily available and very cost effective, PVC provides an ideal choice for a number of applications and industries.
There are 2 formulations of un-plasticised PVC. Type I is corrosion resistant and most typically used. Type II possesses higher impact strength with only a slight reduction in corrosion resistance.
PVC is easily machined, allowing close tolerances without great difficulty.
Stainless steel (or a comparably corrosive resistant material) cutters are recommended for use with PVC as it can be corrosive and abrasive, causing deterioration over time.
You may also see PVC referred to as:
- Polyvinyl Chloride
- Tecavinyl (trade name)
Industry Examples: Electrical/Electronic | Building & construction (most widely used polymer) | Transport | Medical & pharmaceutical | Food & packaging | Automotive
Typical Components & Applications: Isolators | Housings | Bearings | Bushings | Guides | Rollers | Components in packaging | Handles | OEM components | Chemical tanks | Signage & displays | Glazing | Suction units | Spacers
Main Attributes:
- Readily available and relatively low price
- Very high density
- High rigidity
- Low water/moisture absorption
- Superior fire retarding properties (ignition temperature is as high as 455°C)
- High corrosion resistance (to acid, alkali and almost all inorganic chemicals)
- Outstanding tensile strength
- Extremely strong and exceptionally hard
- Excellent insulating properties
- Excellent thermal properties
- Good mechanical properties
- Durable and light
- Tasteless, odourless and non-toxic
- Easily recycled
- Relatively small carbon footprint
Note For Designers:
PVC has a better cost-to-performance ratio than other similar plastics which makes it a popular choice for many applications. Here at Penta we have a trusted network of suppliers to ensure we get you the best price on your materials.
It is worth noting that PVC is one of the greenest plastics available. Made of only 43% oil, it takes less non-renewable fossil fuel to make than any other commodity plastic. In addition it consumes the least primary energy in manufacture. It has a relatively small carbon footprint even in relation to aluminium. It is also fully recyclable.
Can we meet your PVC machining needs? Contact us now
PVC Plastic Machined Parts
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Penta Precision provides the following plastic PVC machining services:
- CNC milling
- CNC turning
- Prototypes and batch runs
- Insert installation
- Part marking
- Manual milling
- Manual turning
- Machining design advice
- Design for manufacture service
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