Material Name: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC is the third most popular synthetic plastic polymer in the world and is a true workhorse in the extrusion industry. It is widely used for multiple applications in almost every market. PVC comes in two basic forms: rigid (sometimes abbreviated as RPVC) and flexible PVC (FPVC). The rigid form of PVC is used in construction for pipe and in profile applications such as doors and windows and refrigeration. It can be made softer and more flexible by the addition of plasticizers and is often used in applications where it replaces rubber.
PVC Pros
- Low cost
- Rigid or flexible
- Weather resistant
- Fire resistant
PVC Cons
- Without an additional additive, it has mediocre heat stability
Definition
Polyvinyl chloride is produced by the polymerization of the vinyl chloride monomer. As with many important discoveries, its synthesis wasn’t exactly on purpose. In 1872, German chemist Eugen Baumann accidentally left a flask of vinyl chloride exposed to sunlight. He soon discovered a white solid inside – PVC! Despite numerous efforts by chemical companies to bring PVC into the mainstream, the rigid brittleness of early PVC proved not to be commercially viable. It was until 1926 when Waldo Semon and the BF Goodrich Company discovered a method to plasticize PVC by incorporating different additives. The result was a more malleable and easily manufactured material.
Applications
PVC is one of the most popular extruded plastics at Intek and the applications are pretty endless. From construction, hydroponics, refrigeration, irrigation, pipes, protective bumpers and rub rails, and everything in-between, PVC extrusions are used in almost every market.
Products
- Window and door frames
- Plumbing and fittings
- Seals and gaskets
- Irrigation elements
- Refrigeration component
- Protective bumpers
- Tubes and hoses
Custom Plastic Extrusion
Whether its extruded PVC or any number of different plastics, choosing the perfect material for a new extrusion project can be an intimidating task. Intek works closely with industry-leading material manufacturers to offer you many different thermoplastic compound options to meet your project’s needs. And Intek Plastics’ tool and die team applies their knowledge and expertise with the most advanced CAD/CAM software, CNC machining and the latest in EDM technology to custom build the highest quality tools. They’ll work with you to literally shape your ideas and take them from concept to production.
Capabilities
With over 30 production lines, we can manufacture PVC extrusions 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, allowing us to scale production to complete large orders of any complexity. And our extensive extrusion experience in pellet and powder compounds, as well as our advanced cooling capabilities in water, air and vacuum sizing, allow us to succeed in jobs of any shape or size. We serve a wide range of OEMs with orders from 5,000 to 15,000,000 feet.
Did you know that a whopping 85% of the cost of custom plastic extrusions are determined by the design and material? That’s why it’s important to work with an PVC extruder like Intek who will work hand-in-glove with you and design a high-quality product at the lowest total cost. We start by gaining a deep understanding of your needs. Armed with that information, an Intek project engineer guides you through material selection, highlights critical design considerations and helps develop the most cost-effective solution. This hands-on, knowledge-driven approach keeps your product and business a step ahead of the competition. We’re happy to walk you through the PVC selection process.