Structural Fabrication Materials

There are a wide range of materials available for use in structural fabrication. The most common materials selected are polypropylene, polyethylene, PVC, PVDF and CPVC, which are available in various thicknesses for your particular application.


		Polypropylene (PP) Polypropylene is used for plating, galvanizing, pickling, process, storage tanks, as well as tank linings, process piping, hoods, duct, machinery, conveyors and other items where corrosion is an issue. Available in both homopolymer and copolymer resins. Both copolymer and homopolymer polypropylenes have excellent chemical resistance. The homopolymers resin is a stiffer material and serves as a good structural material for self-supporting fabrications. The copolymer resin is more impact resistant with slightly less stiffness. Temperature application range up to 212°f (with limitations)


		High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Polyethylene is used for piping, manholes, tanks, and linings. Due to its wide range of chemical resistance elongation properties exceeding 300%, it has achieved much success in environmental containment systems. High molecular weight high density polyethylene (HMW-HDPE) exhibits good chemical, corrosion, and abrasion resistance. Temperature service range -50°f to 140°f.


		Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) Ultra high molecular weight-polyethylene has the highest known impact strength of any thermoplastic currently available. High abrasion resistance with an extremely low coefficient of friction UHMW-PE performs extremely well in wet environments. UHMW is often used to line process equipment where impact and abrasion service would erode metal or concrete structures. Hoppers, chutes, silos, trailer beds, and other types of equipment can be lined by mechanically bonding or adhesive bonding. UHMW is available in modified and unmodified sheet stock. Plastek Werks has developed welding technology that allows high tensile strength welds on modified UHMW materials. Unmodified UHMW poses a special challenge with regard to welding. Plastek Werks is continually developing welding technology with regard to unmodified UHMW. UHMW is typically used as a sacrificial lining system to protect substrate mechanical abuse.


		Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) PVC has excellent chemical resistance to 140°f. Generally used in hoods, duct, small to medium sized process equipment. Plasticized PVC - Excellent chemical resistance, flexible, usually used in thinner linings. Temperature application range: to 140°f.


		Polyvinylidene Fluoride (Kynar®/PVDF) Kynar®/PVDF is a high purity, flame resistant material which meets FM 4910, and UL V-O. Excellent corrosion and chemical resistance. Temperature stability to 302°f. This polymer is made by Atofina. Temperature stability range: 40°f to 302°f.


		Post Chlorinated Polyvinyl / Chloride (CPVC) CPVC, like PVC, has excellent chemical resistance but higher temperature stability up to 180°f. Plastek Werks is a certified Corzan CPVC fabricator, and has developed extrusion welding technology with regard to thicker plate fabrication.