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What You Need to Know About Plastic Outgassing

Plastic outgassing is an important factor for plastic components that are going to be used in high-heat environments, vacuum applications, or enclosed spaces. Choosing low-outgassing plastics for these applications protects both workers and equipment. What is Plastic Outgassing? Most plastics contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which, when vaporized, are poisonous, carbon-containing chemicals. Direct contact with […]

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Defining “High-Performance” Plastics

The term “plastic” covers a host of materials, from those used in kitchen utensils and plastic bags to those found in car parts and aircraft engines. Plastics are typically broken down into three categories: standard, engineering, and high performance. Standard plastics are the most common due to their low cost, but they also have the […]

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Different Types of Fiber-Reinforced Plastic

Fiber-reinforced plastic is a composite material wherein a polymer is reinforced with fibers to enhance or add properties. These fibers are typically glass or carbon, although aramid, basalt, and even wood and paper have been used. Fiber reinforced plastics are commonly used in aerospace, automotive, marine, and construction industries because of their corrosion resistance and […]

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Creep-Resistant Plastics: Understanding Creep Rupture

Applications that require tight tolerances and resistance to mechanical stress call for creep-resistant plastics that maintain their shape and integrity under load for long periods of time. As experts in tight tolerances, Reading Plastic is well acquainted with creep-resistant plastics and can machine parts that will hold up under stress. What is Creep? Creep is […]

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The Advanced Industrial Plastics Hall of Fame

When it comes to advanced industrial plastics, there are five that stand out above the rest: Nylon, PTFE, PEEK, Ultem®, and Vespel®. These plastics are revolutionizing industries thanks to their unique properties and wide range of applications. Here’s why these advanced industrial plastics are ahead of the pack: NYLON Nylon is a thermoplastic that enjoys […]

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Why the Aerospace Plastics Market is Skyrocketing

A 2017 report by Grand View Research, Inc. estimates that the global aerospace plastics market will reach 1.04 billion USD by 2025. The increasing demand for plastics in aerospace applications – particularly aerostructure – is expected to drive the market over the next seven years. From weight reduction to corrosion resistance, advanced plastics are significantly […]

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Get the Most from PTFE with an Experienced PTFE Manufacturer

PTFE (commonly known as Teflon) is a powerhouse polymer that is highly flexible, hydrophobic, electrical and thermal resistant, and almost totally chemically inert. It has a large operating temperature range, high flexural strength, and high electrical resistance and dielectric strength. It also has one of the lowest coefficients of friction against any known solid. An […]

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PEEK Plastic Uses: The Many Grades of PEEK

PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is one of the most popular thermoplastics on the market. That is because, with its excellent combination of properties, the list of PEEK plastic uses is virtually endless. PEEK plastic parts can be found in almost every industry, including aerospace, food and beverage, medical, marine, and electronics. PEEK is available in a variety […]

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Types of Oil & Gas Components We Machine

For nearly four decades, Reading Plastic Machining & Fabrication has been providing companies with the high-quality plastic parts they need to succeed. We have machined a wide array of components for the oil and gas industry, as our durable, dependable plastic parts lower round-the-clock operating expenses. We offer a variety of versatile, stress-resistant plastics that […]

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An Introduction to the Grades of Ultem Plastic

Ultem plastic resin is a family of thermoplastic PEI (polyetherimide) resins that offer high strength and stiffness, superior elevated thermal resistance, and broad chemical resistance. Ultem plastic uniquely balances processability and mechanical properties, giving design engineers outstanding flexibility and freedom. There are also various grades of Ultem available that provide even higher chemical, heat, and […]

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Plastics Used in Waste Water Treatment Parts

Waste water treatment parts need to have a low coefficient of friction, extremely high wear and chemical resistance and zero water absorption, making high-performance plastics the perfect material for these critical parts. With four decades of experience machining and fabricating precise plastic parts, Reading Plastic can produce the bearings, sprockets, wear shoes, and other waste […]

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5 Ways Our Plastic Fabrication Services Go Above and Beyond

When it comes to quality plastic fabrication, Chicago turns to Reading Plastic Machining & Fabrication. For over 30 years, we’ve been delivering high-quality parts and outstanding customer service to our clients. We enjoy a loyal customer base thanks to our commitment to providing services that go above and beyond. What Sets Reading Plastic Apart? Consistently […]

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