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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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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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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When it comes to high-performance plastics, PEEK and Vespel® are at the top of the list. Both offer an impressive combination of mechanical properties that make them go-to materials for high-heat and high-stress environments. So which polymer is right for your project? In this blog we’ll examine the benefits and differences of Vespel® vs. PEEK […]
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As high-performance plastics become more advanced, aerospace engineers are increasingly turning to plastics for critical aircraft parts. Here are some of the top materials for aerospace applications and their qualities: UHMW – Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW) is a high-strength, low-cost plastic that is resistant to impact, abrasion, solvents and fuel and offers excellent performance across a […]
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For high-temperature applications, you need plastic materials that can resist thermal degradation while maintaining sufficient strength and stiffness at operating temperature. Enter heat-resistant plastics, materials that can exceed 300ºF in continuous operating temperature without compromising their mechanical properties. Choosing the right heat-resistant plastic for the job often involves more considerations than just the operating temperature, […]
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When choosing the right high-performance plastic for an application, understanding the differences between similar polymers can help you make a decision based on which properties are most crucial to your part’s performance. For parts that require superior strength and durability, Ultem and PEEK are at the head of the class. Deciding on Ultem vs. PEEK […]
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To understand high tensile strength plastics, we must first discuss tensile strength. Tensile strength is the maximum stress a material can withstand without breaking while being pulled or stretched. Some materials will break sharply – called a “brittle failure” – while others experience some deformation before fracture. Tensile strength is one of the most important […]
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When it comes to the mechanical properties of plastics, being able to resist breaking under tensile stress is one of the most important and widely measured properties for materials that are used in structural applications. Tensile strength – also called ultimate tensile strength – is how much stress a plastic can withstand without breaking when […]
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PEEK is one of the most expensive plastics on the market, but its outstanding properties make it the go-to choice when you need an incredibly strong plastic that will remain dimensionally stable under load and in the harshest environments. PEEK can also be reinforced with other materials to enhance its abilities. In particular, carbon PEEK […]
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When it comes to choosing the right plastic for a part, cost is an important factor. However, evaluating a plastic based on price alone can be misleading. The plastic may have properties that offer long-term cost savings despite higher upfront costs. PEEK plastic price per pound is generally higher than other high-temperature thermoplastics, but it […]
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