PreQ Graphics - 1.3b Other plastic types

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Epoxy resin appearance

Supplied as two liquids: a resin and a hardener (catalyst), which when mixed, sets clear with a very smooth finish. Can be coloured.

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Epoxy resin and hardener bottles

Epoxy resin characteristics

Stronger than other resins, better strength to weight ratio, expensive, heat resistant, and a good electrical insulator. High VOC’s when curing

Epoxy resin uses

Bonding different materials together, electronic circuit boards, waterproof coatings, used in fibreglass and carbonfibre lamination.

MF appearance

Formed and moulded into a variety of shapes, smooth, available in many colours and can be printed.

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Image of vacuum formed MF utensils

MF characteristics

Food safe and hygienic, lightweight, hard, brittle but not microwave safe.

MF uses

Kitchenware and heat resistant surfaces bonded to worktops and flat packed furniture.

UF Appearance

Very smooth finish, mainly white, limited colours available. Very versatile.

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An image of an injection moulded UF toilet seat

UF characteristics

Heat resistant, very good electrical insulator, hard, brittle, easily injection moulded.

UF uses

Electrical fittings, casings, buttons and handles. Also used as an adhesive or to treat fabrics to enhance easy-care properties.

Polyester resin appearance

supplied as two liquids, a resin and a hardener (catalyst). Sets very clear, very smooth and can be coloured.

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An image of granular Polyester resin

Polyester resin characterisitcs

Reasonably strong, heat resistant and a good electrical insulator. High VOCs when curing.

Polyester resin uses

Encapsulation of artefacts, waterproof coatings, flooring, used in the lamination of fibreglass.

Neoprene appearance

Smooth texture with an appearance similar to rubber.

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An image of a Neoprene swimsuit

Neoprene characteristics

Good thermal insulator, good chemical stability and maintains flexibility over a wide temperature range

Neoprene uses

Gaskets, cable jackets, tubing, O-rings, seals, tire-sidewalls, gasoline hoses, wetsuits, and orthopaedic braces

Silicone appearance

Extremely versatile, warm, soft, rubbery tactile feel. Can have be transluscent to opaque and available in a wide range of colours.

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An image of silicone spoons

Silicone characteristics

Excellent resistance to heat and chemicals, very flexible.

Silicone uses

Bakeware, medical applications such as prostheses and orthopedic cushions.

TPE appearance

Properties of natural rubber but processed like other plastics, flexible and stretchy

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An image of a TPE shoe

TPE characteristics

Excellent weather resistance and shock absorption, long-lasting.

TPE uses

Used in footwear soles, on wires, grips on handles and seals

PLA appearance

Smooth or textured finish, easily coloured.

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An image of a roll of PLA filament

PLA characteristic

Widely used in 3D printers as reels of filament, non-toxic, fully biodegradable, easily moulded and fully biodegradable

PLA uses

Bottles, pots, disposable food and drink containers, pens, phone cases and 3D printed products.

PHB appearance

Smooth or textured finish, easily coloured

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An image of a blow moulded PHB bottle

PHB characteristics

Stable, still, quite brittle with limited chemical resistance. Non-toxic, fully (but slowly) biodegradable, easily processed and moulded

PHB uses

Bottles, pots, household items and disposable food containers