Resources

Thermoplastics in the formary Portfolio

The optimal material selection for thermoformable thermoplastics: Discover formary's diverse range of plastics.

Thermoplastische Kunststoffe_Kunststoff Granulat

Thermoplastics for Your Application

Each thermoplastic has unique properties that make it particularly suitable for specific applications. Choosing the right material is crucial to the success of your thermoforming project.

What are Thermoplastics?

Thermoplastics definition: Thermoplastics are plastics that can be shaped at a certain temperature.

Thermoplastics are used in plastic deep-drawing. Chemically speaking, thermoplastics are polymerized hydrocarbons with a slightly cross-linked structure. A thermoplastic represents a class of polymers that can change their shape when heated within a specific temperature range—a phenomenon known as thermoplastic deformation.

This processing process is reversible and allows the plastic to be returned to a molten state several times by cooling and reheating, provided that overheating is avoided in order to prevent thermal decomposition.

Thermoplastic Properties

Thermoplastics have a number of characteristic properties that distinguish them from other types of plastics such as thermosets and elastomers.

Thermoplastics are characterized by the following properties:

Design Options

  • Versatile shaping options: Thermoplastics can be shaped by heating. This offers a wide range of design options for various applications such as plastic trays, plastic containers, plastic covers and plastic inlays. The use of thermoplastics is therefore of interest to a number of industries.

Mechanical Properties:

  • Different degrees of hardness: Thermoplastics can range from soft and flexible to hard and rigid, depending on the type and processing.
  • Toughness: Many thermoplastics are tough, which means they can withstand impact without breaking.

Chemical Resistance:

  • Resistance to chemicals: Many thermoplastics are resistant to acids, bases, and solvents, making them suitable for various industrial applications.
  • Moisture resistance: Thermoplastics generally absorb little water, which keeps them stable in humid environments.

Electrical Properties:

  • Insulating properties: Thermoplastics are often good electrical insulators, which is why they are frequently used in electronic components.

Weight

  • Lightweight: Unlike other materials such as metal, thermoplastics are much lighter and therefore do not contribute significantly to the weight of a product.

Thermoplastics and the Environment:

  • Recyclability: Due to their thermal deformability, thermoplastics can be recycled and reused as recyclate.

Amorphous and Semi-crystalline Thermoplastics

There is a distinction between amorphous and semi-crystalline thermoplastics, which differ in their structure.

Amorphous plastics tend to soften and become malleable even at low temperatures, while semi-crystalline plastics remain in a solid state for longer. The crystalline structures only melt at high temperatures, but this happens quickly.
 

This means that the time window for thermoforming semi-crystalline plastics is small. This naturally makes it more difficult to process semi-crystalline plastics.

Examples of Thermoplastics

The different thermoplasts have material properties for every application.

Amorphous Thermoplastics

  • ABS
  • PS
  • PMMA
  • PC

Semi-crystalline Thermoplastics

  • PP
  • HD-PE
  • A-PET
  • PET-G
  • PVC

Which Plastics are Thermoplastics?

Thermoplastics include:

MaterialApplicationPriceTemperature restistance

ABS-PLASTIC

All-rounder, good mechanical and thermal properties

-40°C – 75°C

ASA-PLASTIC

Modified ABS, weather and UV resistant

-20°C – 90°C

HD-PE-PLASTIC

Resistant to oils and chemicals, low hardness, good elasticity

-50°C – 85°C

PC-PLASTIC

Highly heat resistant, highly transparent, electrical insulator

-100°C – 130°C

PET-A-PLASTIC

Cost-effective, highly transparent, consumer and food packaging

-10°C – 60°C

PET-G-PLASTIC

Modified PET-A, very high mold sharpness and transparency

-40°C – 63°C

PMMA-PLASTIC

“Plexiglas”, crystal clear appearance, very rigid/brittle, weather-resistant

-40°C – 70°C

PP-PLASTIC

Very soft, very stretchy, packaging area

0°C – 100°C

PS-PLASTIC

Universally applicable, medium hardness and strength, relatively inexpensive

-20°C – 60°C

PVC-PLASTIC

High rigidity, strength, and transparency, resistant to chemicals

-5°C – 65°C

More Information about Thermoplastics

Would you like a comprehensive guide to thermoplastics? Then read our white paper or listen to the corresponding webinar.

Materialleitfaden Kompakt_Mockup

Webinar “Material Guide – Compact Knowledge of Thermoforming”

Get an introduction to the thermoforming process in this webinar and learn about the value chain of plastics and the current market situation for thermoplastics.

Materialleitfaden_Mockup

White paper “Material Guide for Plastic Thermoformed Parts”

The material guide for plastic thermoformed parts provides you with a comprehensive overview of the different types of thermoplastics and their specific properties.

Already know which thermoplastic you need? Get a quote for your thermoformed part now.

Ask about existing products and new developments.

How do I Find the Right Thermoplastic?

Not sure which plastic is right for your application? No problem—at formary, we have years of know-how and expertise that you can draw on. Here's how it works:

Produkt konfigurieren_Icon

Configure Your Product

The configurator asks for all relevant information for selecting the right thermoplastic for your product.

Experten für Thermoforming_Icon

Involve Thermoplastic Experts

Select “Get suggestion” in the Material mask and let formary make the selection.

Materialspezifikationen_Icon

Get a Quote for the Optimal Thermoplastic

We will determine the optimal thermoplastic for your product based on your specifications.

Choose the right thermoplastic for your thermoformed part now. With formary.

Receive your non-binding quote today.

Don't miss out on important tips and news about deep-drawn parts.

By submitting your registration, you accept the privacy policy and will receive an email to confirm your subscription.