Questions we hear most often about custom fabrication
Polypropylene is preferable for most uses. This resilient, high-strength material is the lightest in weight of any thermoplastic. It resists strong acids, alkalis and oxidizers and has excellent thermal insulating properties. It can be welded and thermoformed, has a high strength-to-weight ratio and resists cracking. Custom fabrications that use polypro are also economical, compared to other engineered plastics.
Polypro works well with a broad spectrum of chemicals and work conditions. Exceptions include applications involving aromatics, aliphatic solvents and chlorinated solvents.
UV-stabilized polypropylene can be used outdoors.
A polypropylene fabrication has lower impact strength, but superior working temperature range and higher tensile strength.
Polypropylene is ideal for clinical and lab settings because it is mostly chemically non-reactive, resistant to high temperatures, and tolerant of sterilization.
Custom fabrications of homopolymer polypropylene are FDA/ USDA approved.
Custom fabrications for food, pharma and other sanitary applications can be plastic, or stainless steel. The deciding factors are usually weight – polypropylene is substantially lighter – and cost. A polypropylene fabrication is lower in cost.
Iron contamination precludes carbon steel, so options include stainless or engineered plastics. Plastic is generally preferable, due to lower cost and weight, unless there are highly aggressive acids, or temperatures over 400°F.
A polypropylene fabrication is resilient, with a high tensile strength. Polypropylene can be easily repaired if damaged by a forklift, or other device.
Related Links