Plastic Materials Glossary

Name: Associated Plastics
Address: 1 Birdwood Ave, Moonah, Tasmania, 7009, AU
Telephone: 1300 198 924
Price range: $$

A practical guide to the eight plastic materials we work with every day. Properties, uses, fabrication notes and honest pros and cons, written by the people who cut, weld and fold these materials for a living.

Materials

Eight plastics, one workshop

Most fabrication jobs come down to picking the right material for the job. Each of these pages explains what the material actually is, what it is good at, what it is bad at, and which of our services suits it best. If you are not sure which material to use, give us a call and we will talk you through it.

Acrylic

Acrylic (Perspex / PMMA)

A glass-clear, easy to work thermoplastic that has been the workhorse of signage, displays and glazing for over 80 years.

Common uses

Illuminated signage faces and pan signsRetail display cases, plinths and risersPOS holders and brochure standsSneeze guards and counter screens

5 FAQs

Learn more

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate (Lexan)

The toughest clear plastic in everyday use, polycarbonate is the go to choice when you need glass clarity with serious impact resistance.

Common uses

Machine guards and safety screensSecurity glazing for shopfronts and banksRiot shields, helmets and face shieldsGreenhouse and pergola roofing (multiwall and solid sheet)

5 FAQs

Learn more

HDPE

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

A tough, chemically inert and food safe plastic that is the standard for tanks, chopping boards, wear strips and outdoor signage.

Common uses

Chopping boards and food prep surfacesChemical storage tanks and bundsMarine bollards, fenders and dock componentsChildren's playground equipment

5 FAQs

Learn more

ABS

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

A tough, machinable, paintable thermoplastic that is the standard material for product housings, automotive trim and 3D printing.

Common uses

Product enclosures and electronic housingsAutomotive interior trim and dashboardsToys including the original Lego brickPower tool casings and handles

5 FAQs

Learn more

PVC

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

A versatile, chemically resistant and flame retardant plastic produced in two distinct forms, rigid and foamed, each with its own job to do.

Common uses

Signage substrates (foamed PVC, often called Foamex or Sintra)Exhibition stand panels and shopfittingChemical storage tanks and bunds (rigid PVC)Pipe systems for water, drainage and chemicals

5 FAQs

Learn more

Polypropylene

Polypropylene (PP)

A lightweight, chemically resistant thermoplastic with a higher temperature ceiling than HDPE and a unique living hinge ability.

Common uses

Chemical and acid storage tanksLaboratory benches and fume hoodsBattery boxes and battery casesHospital and medical equipment housings

5 FAQs

Learn more

Polystyrene

Polystyrene (HIPS / GPPS)

A rigid, low cost and easy to fabricate plastic available in clear (GPPS) and impact resistant (HIPS) forms for displays, signage and packaging.

Common uses

Picture frame glazing (clear GPPS)POS display covers and short life vitrinesVacuum formed packaging traysYoghurt cups, food containers and disposable cutlery

5 FAQs

Learn more

ACP

Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP / Alucobond)

A lightweight sandwich panel with thin aluminium skins around a plastic core, ACP is the standard substrate for premium outdoor signage and architectural facades.

Common uses

Pylon and shopfront signageBuilding facade claddingVehicle wrap base panelsPan signs and illuminated signage

5 FAQs

Learn more

Not Sure Which Material Suits Your Project?

Talk to our team about what you are building and we will help you pick the right material the first time. Free quotes, honest advice and over 45 years of experience.

Get a Free Quote Call 1300 198 924