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The OnlineMetals Guide to Plastic
Plastics are some of the most common materials in today's industrial world. The incredible variety of
properties that are available is simply staggering. OnlineMetals carries the most popular items, and through
our partnership with our sister company, AIN Plastics, we have access to many more items, including Vespel.
OnlineMetals.com currently stocks 10 types of plastic in various shapes and sizes:
| Acetal |
(available in Metal Pack, Plate, Round, Sheet) |
| Acrylic |
(available in Case, Sheet) |
| Fluran |
(available in Coiled Tube) |
| GPO-3 |
(available in Plate, Sheet) |
| Nylon |
(available in Metal Pack, Plate, Round, Sheet) |
| Polycarbonate |
(available in Plate, Round, Sheet) |
| PVC |
(available in Coiled Tube, Shim Stock) |
| Teflon |
(available in Metal Pack, PLATE, Round, Sheet) |
| Tygon |
(available in Coiled Tube) |
| UHMW |
(available in Plate, Round, Sheet) |
Acetal (Delrin)
Acetal provides high strength and stiffness coupled with enhanced dimensional stability and ease of machining.
As a semi–crystalline material, acetal is also characterized by a low coefficient of friction and good wear
properties–especially in wet environments. Because acetal absorbs minimal amounts of moisture, its physical
properties remain constant in a variety of environments.
Low moisture absorption results in excellent dimensional stability for close–tolerance machined parts.
In high mositure or submerged applications, acetal bearings outperform nylon 4 to 1. Acetal is ideally
suited for close tolerance mechanical parts and electrical insulators which require strength and stiffness.
It also offers resistance to a wide range of chemicals including many solvents.
Delrin, a homopolymer acetal, is also manufactured and stocked in rod and plate. It offers slightly higher
mechanical properties than Acetron® GP Acetal, but may contain a low–density center, especially in
larger cross–sections. Copolymer acetal also offers better chemical resistance than homopolymer acetal.
| Acetal |
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Natural and Black |
| Durometer Hardness, Shore D |
85 |
| Tensile Strength |
9,500 psi |
| Water Absorption 24 hrs |
0.20% |
| Tensile Elongation at break |
30% |
| Shear Strength |
8,000 psi |
| Specific Gravity |
1.41 |
| Continuous Service Temperature (Max in air) |
180° F |
| Dielectric Strength |
420 v/mil |
Acrylic
Our Acrylic sheet is made by a proprietary continuously manufactured method which was introduced in 1977. Acrylite®
acrylic sheet, regardless of how it is manufactured, shares the following dependable, high-quality characteristics that have
made Acrylite® acrylic sheet the leader in acrylic sheets.
| Acrylic (Acrylite FF) |
- Lightweight, rigid, and weather-resistant thermoplastic
- Half the weight of glass and 43% the weight of aluminum
- Can be used at emperatures between -30°F up to 160°F
|
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Transparent |
| Rockwell Hardness |
M-93 |
| Tensile Strength |
10,000 psi |
| Water Absorption 24 hrs. @ 73°F |
0.2% |
| Compressive Strength (yield) |
17,000 psi |
| Specific Gravity |
1.19 |
| Maximum Continuous Service Temperature |
160° F (71° C) |
| Dielectric Strength |
430 v/mil |
| Forming Temperature |
300°F |
| Refractive Index |
1.49 |
| Light Transmission, Total |
92% |
Fluran
| Fluran F-5500-A Severe Environment Tubing |
- Withstands the harshest of chemicals even at high temperatures
- Provides continuous service up to 400°F
- Resists sunlight, ozone, and weathering
- Excellent resistance to corrosive chemicals, oils, fuels, and solvents
- Typical applications - solvent recovery systems, caustic hot air exhaust and sampling, dry cleaning fluid lines, chemical processing
|
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Black |
| Durometer Hardness, Shore A, 15 Sec |
60 |
| Tensile Strength |
1,400 psi |
| Tear resistance |
100 lb-f/inch |
| Water Absorption 24 hrs. @ 23°C |
0.23% |
| Ultimate Elongation |
300% |
| Brittleness by impact |
-60°F (-51° C) |
| Specific Gravity |
1.90 |
| Maximum Recommended Operating Temp |
400° F (204° C) |
| Dielectric Strength |
500 v/mil |
| Tensile Modulus @100% elongation |
350 psi |
| Tensile Set |
13% |
GPO-3 (Fiberglass Reinforced Thermoset Polyester)
GPO-3 offers strength, excellent electrical properties and dimensional stability. Various grades feature flame
resistance, high carbon tracking, flexibility, and high property retention under heat.
This product will not melt under heat and has excellent overall electrical properties.
Since it is a polyester reinforced laminate, this sheet will not shatter. Even at elevated temps this material
offers good property retention and dimensional stability. This product is UL rated and NEMA Grade GPO-3.
Companies involved in producing Power Distribution Equipment such as Transformers, Switch Gears, Bus Bars,
and Electronic Components, have a need for copper as a conductive material. A necessity within these
devices is a non-conductive material - the most prevalent of which is GPO-3.
| GPO-3 (Fiberglass Reinforced Thermoset Polyester) |
- Good strength
- Excellent electrical properties
- Dimensional stability
- Typical uses - transformers, switch gears, bus bars, electronic components
|
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Red |
| Tensile Strength |
10,000 psi |
| Flexural Strength |
23,200 psi |
| Compressive Strength |
32,800 psi |
| Shear Strength |
14,000 psi |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion |
2.0 in/in/°C x 10-5 |
| Thermal Conductivity |
1.9 btu/hr/ft2/in/°F |
Norprene
Used for critical processing applications in the food, dairy, and cosmetic industries.
| Norprene Food Process Tubing |
- Long flex life in peristaltic pumps
- Chemically compatible with a wide range of fluids
- Repeatedly autoclavable
- Temperature resistant from -75°F to 275;F
- Typical applications - cosmetic production, food and dairy processing, hot beverage dispensing, sanitizer delivery, chemical transfer
|
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Cream |
| Durometer Hardness, Shore A, 15 Sec |
61 |
| Tear Resistance |
120 lb-f/inch |
| Tensile Strength |
1,000 psi |
| Water Absorption, 24 hrs at 23°C |
0.30% |
| Ultimate Elongation |
375% |
| Brittleness By Impact Temp |
-75°F (-60° C) |
| Specific Gravity |
0.98 |
| Maximum Recommended Operating Temp |
275° F (135° C) |
| Dielectric Strength |
535 v/mil |
| Tensile Modulus @100% Elongation |
410 psi |
| Tensile Modulus @300% Elongation |
800 psi |
| Tensile Set |
47% |
Nylatron GS
Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) filled nylon offering improved strength and rigidity. With a lower coefficient of linear thermal
expansion than Nylon 101, Nylatron® GS parts maintain better fit and clearances, and have less tendency to seize as bearings.
| Nylatron GS |
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Gray-Black |
| Durometer Hardness, Shore D |
85 |
| Tensile Strength |
12,500 psi |
| Water Absorption 24 hrs |
0.30% |
| Tensile Elongation at break |
25% |
| Shear Strength |
10,500 psi |
| Specific Gravity |
1.16 |
| Continuous Service Temperature (Max in air) |
220° F |
| Dielectric Strength |
350 v/mil |
Nylon
Using nylon reduces lubrication requirements, eliminates galling, corrosion and pilferage problems, and improves wear resistance
and sound dampening characteristics. Nylon has a proven record of outstanding service in a multitude of parts for such
diverse fields as paper, textiles, electronics, construction, mining, metalworking, aircraft, food and material handling.
Of all the unmodified nylons, Nylon 101 is the strongest, most rigid and has one of the highest melting points. It is commonly
specified for screw machined electrical insulators and food contact parts. Nylon 101 natural is FDA, USDA, NSF, and 3A-Dairy compliant.
| Nylon 101 |
- Good mechanical and electrical properties
- Ideal of strength and toughness
- Nylon’s toughness, low coefficient of friction and good abrasion resistance make it an ideal replacement for a wide variety of materials from metal to rubber. It weighs only 1/7 as much as bronze.
|
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Natural - Off-White |
| Durometer Hardness, Shore D |
80 |
| Tensile Strength |
12,000 psi |
| Water Absorption 24 hrs |
0.30% |
| Tensile Elongation at break |
50% |
| Shear Strength |
10,000 psi |
| Specific Gravity |
1.15 |
| Continuous Service Temperature (Max in air) |
210° F |
| Dielectric Strength |
400 v/mil |
Polycarbonate
| Polycarbonate |
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Clear |
| Rockwell Hardness |
M70 / R118 |
| Tensile Strength - Yield |
9,000 psi |
| Tensile Strength - Ultimate |
9,500 psi |
| Water Absorption 24 hrs |
0.15% |
| Elongation |
110% |
| Shear Strength, Ultimate |
10,000 psi |
| Specific Gravity |
1.2 |
| Brittle Temperature |
-200°F |
| Dielectric Strength |
380 v/mil |
PVC
| NT-80 Reinforced PVC Tubing |
- Working pressure four times that of non-reinforced PVC tubing
- White polyester cord embedded into the tube for greater strength
|
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Clear |
| Durometer Hardness, Shore A, 15 Sec |
78 |
| Tensile Strength |
2,600 psi |
| Water Absorption |
0.12% |
| Ultimate Elongation |
350% |
| Brittle Temperature |
-30°F (-34° C) |
| Specific Gravity |
1.20 |
| Maximum Recommended Operating Temp |
165° F (74° C) |
Teflon
PTFE, commonly called Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene), provides unmatched chemical, electrical, mechanical,
and thermal properties for multiple applications. Teflon is used for gasket and packaging materials in chemical
processing equipment, as electrical insulation, as bearings, seals, and piston rings in mechanical applications,
especially those requiring anti-stick characteristics, in addition to chemical, heat, corrosion, and impact resistance.
Teflon is weather resistant, flexible, non-stick, non-flammable, low dielectric constant, chemically inert,
and good at low temperatures.
| Teflon |
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
White |
| Durometer Hardness, Shore D |
50 |
| Tensile Strength |
3,900 psi |
| Water Absorption 24 hrs |
0.05% |
| Tensile Elongation at break |
300% |
| Density |
.078 lbs/cubic inch |
| Compressive Strength |
3,500 psi |
| Dielectric Strength |
285 v/mil |
Tygon
A broad range of flexible tubing products, each engineered to meet specific user needs, including resistance to chemicals,
temperature fluctuations and abrasion, as well as high purity and long service life.
| Tygon Flexible Plastic Tubing B-44-3 (Beverage) |
- Clear as glass for easy flow monitoring
- Broad chemical resistance
- Non-wetting properties allow easy cleaning and complete drainage
- Typical applications: chemical processing, food and beverage, metal finishing, pharmaceutical
- Meets FDA, 3-A and NSF criteria
|
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Clear |
| Durometer Hardness, Shore A, 15 Sec |
63 |
| Tear Resistance |
180 lb-f/inch |
| Tensile Strength |
2,300 psi |
| Water Absorption, 24 hrs at 23°C |
0.13% |
| Ultimate Elongation |
410% |
| Brittleness By Impact Temp |
-49°F (-45° C) |
| Specific Gravity |
1.20 |
| Maximum Recommended Operating Temp |
165° F (74° C) |
| Dielectric Strength |
518 v/mil |
| Tensile Modulus @200% Elongation |
1,760 psi |
| Tensile Set |
81% |
| Tygon Flexible Plastic Tubing B-44-4X (Food / Dairy) |
- Smooth non-porous bore will not trap particulates or promote bacteria growth
- Compatible with foods containing a high oil content
- Resistant to harsh alkaline cleaners and sanitizers
- Typical applications - Aseptic filling, condiment dispensing, dairy processing, soft-serve dispensing
|
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Clear |
| Durometer Hardness, Shore A, 15 Sec |
65 |
| Tear Resistance |
200 lb-f/inch |
| Tensile Strength |
2,100 psi |
| Water Absorption, 24 hrs at 23°C |
0.15% |
| Ultimate Elongation |
450% |
| Brittleness By Impact Temp |
-47°F (-44° C) |
| Specific Gravity |
1.21 |
| Maximum Recommended Operating Temp |
165° F (74° C) |
| Dielectric Strength |
518 v/mil |
| Tensile Modulus @200% Elongation |
1,760 psi |
| Tensile Set |
78% |
| Tygon Flexible Plastic Tubing B-44-4X Internal Braid |
- Handles four times the pressure of non-reinforced tubing
- Smooth non-porous bore resists particle entrapment
- Clear wall enables visualization of fluid flow
- Typical applications - Cosmetic production, beverage dispensing, water purification, coolant lines, chemical transfer
|
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Clear |
| Durometer Hardness, Shore A, 15 Sec |
65 |
| Tear Resistance |
200 lb-f/inch |
| Tensile Strength |
2,100 psi |
| Water Absorption, 24 hrs at 23°C |
0.15% |
| Ultimate Elongation |
450% |
| Brittleness By Impact Temp |
-47°F (-44° C) |
| Specific Gravity |
1.21 |
| Maximum Recommended Operating Temp |
165° F (74° C) |
| Dielectric Strength |
517 v/mil |
| Tensile Modulus @100% Elongation |
1,150 psi |
| Tensile Set |
78% |
| Tygon Flexible Plastic Tubing F-4040-A (Fuel / Lubricant) |
- Resists embrittlement caused by hydrocarbon-based fuels
- Resistant to swelling
- Ozone and UV light resistant
- Typical applications - small engine fuel lines, coolant transfer, heating fuels, cutting compounds, lubrication lines
|
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Translucent Yellow |
| Durometer Hardness, Shore A, 15 Sec |
57 |
| Tear Resistance |
167 lb-f/inch |
| Tensile Strength |
1,820 psi |
| Water Absorption, 24 hrs at 23°C |
0.49% |
| Ultimate Elongation |
310% |
| Brittleness By Impact Temp |
-35°F (-37° C) |
| Specific Gravity |
1.26 |
| Maximum Recommended Operating Temp |
165° F (74° C) |
| Dielectric Strength |
403 v/mil |
| Tensile Modulus @100% Elongation |
910 psi |
| Tensile Set |
50% |
| Tygon Flexible Plastic Tubing R-3400 (UV Resistant) |
- Protects light-sensitive fluids
- Wide range of chemical resistance
- Ozone and burn resistant
- Low compression set; resists permanent deformation
- Typical applications - Acid and caustic transfer, corrosive diffusible gases, ink and adhesive dispensing.
|
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Black |
| Durometer Hardness, Shore A, 15 Sec |
64 |
| Tear Resistance |
185 lb-f/inch |
| Tensile Strength |
2,250 psi |
| Water Absorption, 24 hrs at 23°C |
0.19% |
| Ultimate Elongation |
350% |
| Brittleness By Impact Temp |
-6°F (-21° C) |
| Specific Gravity |
1.31 |
| Maximum Recommended Operating Temp |
165° F (74° C) |
| Dielectric Strength |
518 v/mil |
| Tensile Modulus @100% Elongation |
1,000 psi |
| Tensile Set |
56% |
| Tygon Flexible Plastic Tubing R-3603 (Laboratory) |
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Clear |
| Durometer Hardness, Shore A, 15 Sec |
55 |
| Tear Resistance |
125 lb-f/inch |
| Tensile Strength |
1,650 psi |
| Water Absorption, 24 hrs at 23°C |
0.24% |
| Ultimate Elongation |
450% |
| Brittleness By Impact Temp |
-58°F (-50° C) |
| Specific Gravity |
1.18 |
| Maximum Recommended Operating Temp |
165° F (74° C) |
| Dielectric Strength |
608 v/mil |
| Tensile Modulus @100% Elongation |
650 psi |
| Tensile Set |
107% |
| Tygon Flexible Plastic Tubing S-50-HL (Hospital / Surgical) |
- Sets the standard for performance and durability in the extracorporeal circuit and other blood contact applications
- Crystal clear for easy visualization of fluid flow
- Flexible and resilient with established performance in peristaltic pump applications
- Meets USP Class VI criteria
- Typical applications - Minimally invasive devices, medical laboratories, blood and I.V. solutions
|
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Clear |
| Durometer Hardness, Shore A, 15 Sec |
66 |
| Tear Resistance |
165 lb-f/inch |
| Tensile Strength |
2,000 psi |
| Water Absorption, 24 hrs at 23°C |
0.14% |
| Ultimate Elongation |
350% |
| Brittleness By Impact Temp |
-55°F (-48° C) |
| Specific Gravity |
1.20 |
| Maximum Recommended Operating Temp |
165° F (74° C) |
| Dielectric Strength |
620 v/mil |
| Tensile Modulus @200% Elongation |
1,100 psi |
| Tensile Set |
76% |
| Tygon Flexible Plastic Tubing R-1000 (Ultra-Soft Lab Pump) |
- Ultra-soft and flexible
- Performs well at low temperatures
- Resistant to a broad range of corrosive chemicals
- Typical applications include general laboratory, analytical instruments, peristaltic pumps, and vent and drain lines.
- Outlasts silicone tubing in peristaltic pump applications by a margin of 2 to 1
|
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Clear |
| Durometer Hardness, Shore A, 15 Sec |
40 |
| Tear Resistance |
52 lb-f/inch |
| Tensile Strength |
1,200 psi |
| Water Absorption, 24 hrs at 23°C |
0.30% |
| Ultimate Elongation |
375% |
| Brittleness By Impact Temp |
-103°F (-75° C) |
| Specific Gravity |
1.12 |
| Maximum Recommended Operating Temp |
125° F (52° C) |
| Dielectric Strength |
500 v/mil |
| Tensile Modulus @100% Elongation |
330 psi |
| Tensile Set |
73% |
| Tygon Flexible Plastic Tubing S-54-HL (Hospital / Microbore) |
- Stiffened to reduce kinking problems or wall collapse in suction applications
- Thermoplastic in nature - can be fabricated into cannulas or protective sheath products
- Meets or exceeds the Class VI test protocol listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia
- May be sterilized using chemical, gas, or gamma sterilization techniques
|
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Crystal Clear |
| Durometer Hardness, Shore A, 15 Sec |
80 |
| Tensile Strength |
2,700 psi |
| Ultimate Elongation |
320% |
| Low Temperature Range |
Flexible at 10°F |
| Low Temperature Range |
Brittle at -25°F |
| High Temperature Range (Dry Heat) |
200°F |
| High Temperature Range (Steam / Autoclave) |
30 min. at 15 psi |
| Odor |
None |
| Taste |
None |
| Toxicity |
Non-Toxic |
Tygothane Polyurethane
| Fluran F-5500-A Severe Environment Tubing |
- Consistently tight dimensional tolerances
- Excellent abrasion and tear resistance
- Excellent resistance to oils, greases, and fuels
- Retains flexibility in sub-zero environments
- Typical applications - food and cosmetic processing, abrasive and viscuous slurry transfer, pellet/powder transfer, coolant recovery lines
|
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
Transparent Natural |
| Durometer Hardness, Shore A, 15 Sec |
82 |
| Tensile Strength |
6,050 psi |
| Tear resistance |
400 lb-f/inch |
| Water Absorption 24 hrs. @ 23°C |
1.12% |
| Ultimate Elongation |
500% |
| Brittleness by impact |
-100°F (-73° C) |
| Specific Gravity |
1.20 |
| Maximum Recommended Operating Temp (Intermittent) |
200° F (93° C) |
| Maximum Recommended Operating Temp (Prolonged) |
175° F (79° C) |
| Dielectric Strength |
330 v/mil |
| Tensile Modulus @100% elongation |
800 psi |
| Tensile Modulus @300% elongation |
1,500 psi |
| Tensile Set |
98% |
UHMW
UHMW-PE is ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. UHMW is lightweight and longwearing, providing excellent performance in
packaging equipment. Key benefits of UHMW include abrasion and impact resistance. Additional features include: low coefficient of
friction, chemically inert, self-lubricating, FDA/USDA approved, and machinable. UHMW lessens the noise of bottles, cans, and conveyor
chains. Packaging lines with UHMW components run quietly.
The low coefficient of friction allows it to release food particles and other substances preventing build-ups and bottle-necking.
UHMW causes no undesirable taste, smell, or discoloration. This material requires no special care and can be cleaned with water, steam,
detergents, or disinfectants.
| UHMW |
| Typical Physical Properties |
| Color |
White (Virgin) or Green/Black Marbled (reprocessed) |
| Rockwell Hardness |
R64 |
| Tensile Strength |
4,750 psi |
| Elongation at break |
325% |
| Shear Strength |
3,500 psi |
| Density |
.034 lbs/cubic inch |
| Water Absorption (24 Hours) |
<0.01% |
| Continuous Service Temperature (Max in air) |
160° F |
At OnlineMetals, we all failed shop class. Multiple times. As a matter of fact, our employment applications
specifically ask to see people's grades for their high school shop classes. If they're too high, they go
into the rejected pile. We're also not engineers, and cannot make any specific recommendations about the suitability
of a given alloy, temper, or shape for your project or application.
All technical data is for comparison purposes only and is NOT FOR DESIGN. It has been compiled
from sources we believe to be accurate but cannot guarantee. This ends the part of the website
that our pointy-headed lawyers made us put in.
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