A comprehensive ESD material list includes materials from all four categories: insulative, anti-static, dissipative, and conductive. Conductive materials have a low electrical resistance, allowing electrons to flow easily across the surface of or through these materials, providing a path for charge to bleed off. The charges go to ground or to another conductive object that […]
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Those unfamiliar with the term additive manufacturing may know it by the more popular phrase, 3D printing. Additive manufacturing encompasses all technologies that build 3D objects by adding material layer upon layer. These technologies include 3D printing, direct digital manufacturing, layered manufacturing, additive fabrication, and rapid prototyping. Additive manufacturing, when used as a compliment to […]
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PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) is a semicrystalline material that is often used for applications that involve exposure to corrosive chemicals at elevated temperatures. That is because PPS material offers the broadest resistance to chemicals of any advanced engineering plastic, with no known solvents below 392°F (200°C). Combined with outstanding mechanical properties and excellent resistance to hot […]
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Nuclear energy is responsible for 11% of the world’s electricity, and is the second-largest source of low-carbon energy worldwide. The efficiency, operation and safety of these plants is dependent upon the quality of the components they are comprised of, and often it is the smallest components of nuclear power plants that get overlooked. During the […]
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When it comes to high performance engineering thermoplastics, PEI plastic offers a great balance of mechanical properties and processability that makes it suitable for use in a wide range of applications. With high strength and stability and a glass transition temperature of 420º, PEI plastic is a lower cost alternative to PEEK. Its long term […]
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Electrostatic discharge (ESd) materials are plastics designed to reduce static electricity in order to protect electrostatic-sensitive devices or contain flammable liquids or gases. These plastics come in varying degrees, two of which are antistatic and static dissipative. Understanding antistatic vs. static dissipative plastics will help you choose the right material for your application. Why Antistatic […]
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From bearings to semiconductors, industrial plastic parts require a high degree of quality and precision. Since 1978, Reading Plastic Machining & Fabrication has been a trusted provider of high-end machined plastics across multiple industries. We machine the world’s most advanced plastics for both private and government clients, and are accustomed to meeting the regulatory requirements […]
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The term “radiation” encompasses the whole broad spectrum of electromagnetic wavelengths – from long radio waves to extremely short gamma rays – as well as ionizing radiation. Knowing the types of radiation your plastic components will be exposed to will help you choose the plastic material with the appropriate degree of radiation resistance. Electromagnetic Radiation […]
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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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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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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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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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