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This is our most commonly used plastic. It provides good corrosion resistance against the majority of acids, alkalis and salts. PVC is easily welded and can also be glued. It is available in two forms - flexible or rigid.
uPVC (unplastisized polyvinyl chloride) is the rigid form, available in sheet, pipes or tubes. The standard colour is dark grey (RAL7011) but it is also available in a limited range of colours including a transparent version. Products made from uPVC include ventilation ducting, water pipe and fittings. The flexible form (plastisized PVC) is used for flexible joints in ductwork.
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Polypropylene (PP) offers increased corrosion resistance, is a tougher material and can withstand slightly higher temperatures than PVC. Polypropylene is available as sheet (limited colour range) or tube (light grey) and is used in ducting, fans and vessels. Polypropylene must be welded as it cannot be glued satisfactorily.
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Acrylic (Polymethylmethacrylate, or PMMA) is sometimes better known by the trade name 'Perspex', while Polycarbonate has many trade names such as 'Lexan'. These materials are used where a high degree of transparency is required, as in fume enclosures and hoods. Polycarbonate is extremely tough, often used in place of safety glass.
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GRP (Glassfibre Reinforced Plastic) also known as FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) is a composite made up of polyester resin and glassfibre matting. Pigments are added during the hand-layup process to provide the required colour. Any RAL or BS4800 colour pigment is available as standard.
GRP is available in many forms including tube, sheet, grating, and profiled sections. GRP is often used to reinforce PVC tube and fittings. Bespoke GRP products such as tanks and machine covers are taken off a mould.
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Differnet applications may require the use of other materials such as PVDF (which withstands higher temperatures than PVC and Polypropylene) Polyethylene (similar properties to polypropylene) ABS (used in pipework for very clean water). If metal is required stainless steel is used (usually 316 grade).
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