PVC Plastic: All You Need to Know

Many industries opt for plastics for manufacturing components with versatile properties. Among the different forms of plastics, PVC plastics are also widely opted. They are known for their excellent properties.

The guide below captures detailed information on the PVC material and its types. If you want to know more about PVC plastic, the guide below can help. So let's read.

What is PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride)?

PVC is also known as polyvinyl chloride. It is used instead of natural rubber latex as it is suitable for people who have latex allergies. PVC has excellent durability and stiffness and can be used in different ways to cater to multiple applications. It's a very affordable choice and offers stability, flexibility, and abrasion resistance.

How is PVC Plastic Made?

The making of PVC uses two ingredients, the primary ones being liquid petroleum and saltwater. The saltwater passes through electrolysis, creating a strong current that passes through the saltwater solution. This current changes its molecular state and extracts and separates chlorine.

Liquid petroleum is then placed under high pressure after heating, and the chemical components are even changed to separate ethylene. The ethylene and chlorine extracted are then combined, and a reaction takes place, which creates ethylene dichloride.

It is then subjected to an environment that has high heat and no oxygen. Such a process is known as pyrolysis, which creates vinyl chloride monomers.

After the vinyl chloride monomer has been created, one of the three methods, bulk, emulsion, or suspension is opted so that the VCM molecules link and PVC is achieved.

Properties of PVC Material

A PVC material has some of the essential properties that make it usable, and these are as follows:

• PVC offers durability and the ability to withstand sunlight exposure and high temperatures.
• It resists all types of inorganic chemicals, grease, and oil.
• PVC has self-extinguishing power and offers flame retardance.
• PVC plastic is hard and can resist abrasion.
• It is very easy to use and is a cost-effective material.

Advantages and Disadvantages of PVC Plastic

The advantages and disadvantages of PVC plastic are discussed in the section below.

Advantages

• PVC is a high-density plastic that is hard and resists impact. Therefore, it does not deform easily.
• It also has high tensile strength, and therefore, it can resist wear and tear.
• PVC offers chemical resistance as it has an amorphous form.

Disadvantages

• PVC lacks heat stability, and when subjected to very extreme temperatures, it does not maintain its state. Therefore, it requires additives for heat stability.
• It melts when subjected to fire and may release fumes that cause health hazards.

Different Types of PVC Plastics

There are different types of PVC plastics, and some of these are as follows:

UPVC (Unplasticized)

UPVC is also called unplasticized PVC, and it does not contain any plasticizer. It is also called rigid PVC and is used in fittings and pipes for the composition of sewage, soil, and water. They are safe, light, affordable, and durable.

PVC (Plasticized)

PVC plasticized has plasticizers, and it is flexible. It even offers high-impact strength and can be opted for processes like injection molding and plastic extrusion. PVC has low temperature and chemical resistance with lesser tensile strength.

PVC-M

PVC-M is a modified PVC, which is also rigid PVC and has a high tensile strength, elastic modulus, and impact resistance.

PVC-C

PVC-C is known as chlorinated PVC and consists of a high resistance against temperature. It can work at a temperature of up to 95 degrees Celsius.

PVC-O

PVC-O has a tensile strength double that of UPVC, 90 MPa, and an elastic modulus of 4000 MPa. It is used in many industries, such as films, bottles of carbonated beverages, pressure pipes, and garbage bags.

Different Processes for Machining PVC Plastics

To manufacture components out of PVC plastics, different methods of processing are used, and these are discussed below:

CNC Machining

CNC machining helps to create PVC components that are accurate and precise, it also is a very suitable process. The CNC milling and CNC turning are operated for manufacturing components using CNC machining.

Injection Molding

Injection molding allows the manufacture of components in a high volume using the process. The tool used for the purpose of molding should, however, be resistant to corrosion; hence, stainless steel molds are suitable.

3D Printing

3D printing is also opted for producing PVC components, and because the nature of PVC is corrosive, 3D printing is less popular. The functionality of the machine could be compromised over time, and hence, a lot of care is needed.

Useful Tips for Machining PVC Parts

The process of machining the PVC parts requires using some essential tips to ensure successful manufacturing, and these are as follows:

• The right tool selection is very important. PVC has a tendency to corrode, so if you have not selected a corrosion-resistant tool, you may struggle.
• The setup of your workspace also is important. Make sure to consider the speed of machining, the tooth counts, bite angles, and pressure.
• When you are machining the components of PVC, make sure to clear the chips immediately and apply coolants for precise cuts.
• When you are choosing CNC milling for PVC components, make sure to use a high-shear cutter. Similarly, for CNC drilling, try to keep the speed slow or medium.

Applications of PVC Plastic

PVC plastic has many applications, and some of these are discussed below:

Medical Industry

The medical industry uses PVC for its cost-efficiency, and it can be used for manufacturing catheters, cannulas, blood bags, and surgical gloves.

Automobile Industry

The automobile sector uses PVC plastic for its high performance and affordability. The components made using PVC for the automobile sector are seat covers, coating for the underbody, and door panels.

Electronics

PVC is flame retardant, easy to manufacture, and flexible, so it is used in electronics. It is also used as a cable insulator, and these cables are very durable.

Get High-Quality PVC Parts at DEK

PVC parts are crucial for many industries, but they need high precision and accuracy. If you are looking to have hands-on custom PVC components, we at DEK can help you. We have versatile processing capabilities with experienced personnel.

Conclusion

PVC has applications in almost every sector, and many things around us are made of PVC materials. As you have read the guide above, you must now know everything about the types, processes, and applications of PVC.

FAQs

Is PVC Toxic?

Yes, PVC has phthalates, which are toxic. Also, due to high temperatures, it may release toxins.

Is PVC Recyclable?

Yes, PVC is recyclable; it can be remelted and reused.

Is PVC Hard or Soft Plastic?

PVC has two types of categories: flexible and rigid, and hence, it can be either soft or hard.