Types of Thermoplastic Materials- Selecting The Appropriate FAR Rated Plastic

Thermoplastic materials are popular due to their user-friendly safe processing, these can be melted and shaped into anything and everything because of their unique chemical properties. Some high resistant plastic can be classified and rated as FAR or flame-retardant plastic emitting low heat and smoke density. This property makes it non-inflammable or inherently self-extinguishing, making them suitable for use where fire protection is an issue.

Thermoplastics are used for a wide range of applications from consumer goods to medical equipment, depending on the type of material. From manufacturing plastic parts and components for all kinds of applications, the injection molding for thermoplastic allows almost any shape to be created, meeting almost every manufacturing need.

However, it should be noted that with a wide range of thermoplastics it is not quite a case of 'one size fits all'. So choosing the right materials for the job is a crucial step of the plastic injection molding process cycle.

To make this simple for you, we have narrowed down the characteristics and properties it has to offer:

●     This plastic can be remolded and recycled without any damage.

●     These are easy to mold and shape.

●     It is lightweight and offers high strength.

●     Because of the commendable properties, these are used in aircraft in place of the metals.

●     Cost-effective because of the low processing cost.

●     High volumes of parts can be manufactured easily.

●     Chemical, flame, and impact resistance.

●     More environmentally friendly than other plastics as it can be recycled.

How to select the correct resin grade for your application?

The resin grade of thermoplastics whether you are looking for knife sheath plastic or plastic to meet more stringent FAA inflammability requirements, types falls into three different grades, commodity, engineering, and high performance or specialty of the material. When selecting a plastic to use, you should review the grade that is appropriate to your application and has the performance requirements your finished product must meet. Choosing the right resin grade can make or break the application.

So here we have narrowed down the two resin grades you need to know: 

1. When looking for a budget-friendly option, commodity resin can offer a variety of uses when it comes to plastic injection molding. These thermoplastics are produced at a high-volume and low cost for common items where impact-resistant mechanical properties are not required. These types of resins include:
1. For easy processing and highly moldable material Polypropylene works best.
2. For lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and highly flexible material Polyethylene is the best choice.
3. For a flame retardant and expandable material, polystyrene can be the material of choice.
2. Looking for a potential substitute for metal parts? Engineering resins are commonly used for durable goods, especially in industrial applications. Plus, these offer better thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties as compared to commodity resin. Below are the types of thermoplastics under this grade:
1. With high impact strength and chemical resistance, ABS is known for its excellent ductility.
2. Shatterproof and high strength, PET is known for its high resistance to water.
3. Polycarbonate is useful in applications requiring a high level of transparency and is extremely lightweight.

If you are looking for a thermoplastic sheet designed to meet FAA flammability requirements and higher in-service temperature applications, Boltaron can be a reliable choice. They offer excellent impact strength, abrasion resistance, stain, and chemical resistance materials available in the industry's greatest selection of colors, textures, and designs.

Not sure what material will meet the requirements of your project? Don't worry you can find ample information on the website of a reliable manufacturer. On the contrary, if you have any questions or queries it is best to get in touch with experts. Here is a rundown few series of materials that Boltaron offers:

• Simona Boltaron 4330 series is a fire-retardant PVC sheet that meets stringent FAA flammability requirements.
• The 6800E series is an ABS or PVC sheet that is also FAR rated while offering excellent impact strength.
• The 9816 series is a rigid sheet used in aircraft applications that meets FAR for low heat release and smoke density.