Custom Plastic Fabrication; Polypropylene Fabrications

Custom Fabrications

Q. What material is best for custom plastic fabrication of a lab console
or lab workstation?

A. A polypropylene fabrication is best for most uses. This resilient, high-strength
material is the lightest in weight of any thermoplastic. It is exceptionally resistant to
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 over many years. Polypropylene fabrication is also economical.

Q. What materials are not compatible with polypropylene?

A. A polypropylene fabrication is well-suited to most chemicals and conditions.
Exceptions include aromatics, aliphatic solvents and chlorinated solvents.

Q, Can a polypropylene fabrication be used outdoors?

A. A UV-stabilized polypropylene fabrication can be used outdoors.

Q. How does a polypropylene fabrication compare to polyethylene?

A. A polypropylene fabrication has lower impact strength, but superior working
temperature range and higher tensile strength.

Q. Is a polypropylene fabrication suitable for a clinical environment?

A. A polypropylene fabrication is ideal for clinical and lab settings because it is mostly
chemically non-reactive, resistant to high temperatures, and tolerant of sterilization.

Q. Is a polypropylene fabrication suitable for FDA/USDA applications?

A. Custom fabrications of Homopolymer polypropylene are FDA/ USDA approved.

Q. Stainless steel custom fabrications are often recommended for
food processing and food service applications. Is a polypropylene
fabrication a better option?

A. Custom fabrications for food, pharma and other sanitary applications can be plastic
fabrication, or stainless steel. The deciding factors are usually weight – polypropylene
is substantially lighter – and cost. A polypropylene fabrication is lower in cost.

Q. What construction material is recommended for custom fabrication of
piping in a chem plant?

A. Iron contamination precludes using carbon steel, so options include stainless or
custom plastic fabrication. Custom plastic fabrication is generally preferable, due
to lower cost and weight, unless there are highly aggressive acids, or temperatures
over 400°F.

Q. We’re considering custom plastic fabrication for several applications within
a manufacturing plant. Will a polypropylene fabrication withstand this wear
and tear, and an occasional inadvertent encounter with a forklift or hoist?

A. A polypropylene fabrication is resilient, not brittle, with a high tensile strength.
Any polypropylene fabrication can be easily repaired if accidentally damaged by
a forklift, hoist or other device.

“This information is for general information purposes only. For specific applications,
please consult Tri-Mer.

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1400 Monroe Street
P.O. Box 730
Owosso, MI 48867; USA
Phone: (989) 723-7838
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