PLEXIGLASS FABRICATION

Plexiglas fabrication is an interesting process. There are currently thousands of products fabricated with plastics. Extrusion, molding, thermoforming, machining, vacuum forming, strip heat bending, milling, drilling, cutting, and polishing are the different ways that plexiglass can be fabricated. Polishing is accomplished by using a torch or a cloth buffer. Plexiglas can also be attached to other Plexiglas pieces using solvent adhesives or mechanical fasteners. These methods of fabricating plexiglass are always evolving. Different techniques are used. The fabrication techniques and methods employed depend on the environment and application of the finished products. Customer specifications and quantities to be produced are also important variables. Our customers rely on our vast experience and expertise to fabricate their product at the best cost, quality, and look. Plexiglass fabricators are cropping up more around the world due to increasing demand for plastic products. Plexiglass can be fabricated in the following ways:

1. Extrusion

In the extrusion process, melted plastic is pushed through a nozzle to make long lengths of special shapes like tubing. It is also used to create strands, and joining strips for wallboard. Thick plexiglass sheets are also often created this way.

2. Blow Extrusion

Blow Extrusion is primarily used for making plastic films and bags. While the plastic is still hot, a tube is inflates the film with compressed air, much like a balloon. At the end of the rollers pinch together the end, which seals the air in and flattens the material. Garbage bags are made in this fashion.

3. Injection Molding

With injection molding, melted plastic is pumped into a mold. This process is best suited in the production of large quantities of identical parts. Many every day items from clothes hampers to screwdriver handles are made with injection molding.

4. Blow Molding

A conservative amount of soft plastic is forced into the end of a mold with compressed air. The compressed air creates a bubble inside. The plastic is forced to the walls of the mold, filling up the mold. Most plastic pop bottles and infant?s toys are fabricated in this way.

5. Rotational Molding

Water barrels and tanks are the most common product fabricated using rotational molding. A mold is partially filled with a powdered plastic. Then the mold is rotated over a big gas burner inside an oven-like device. As the plastic heats up, it sticks to the walls of the mold.

6. Compression Molding

Compression molding is used for producing thermoset resin products. Plexiglass is not a thermoset plastic. The thermoset resin is placed into a mold under pressure and heated. The pressure and heat is what cures the plastic into the shape of the mold.

7. Reaction Injection Molding

This process is based on chemical reaction. Compounds are mixed and sprayed into a mold. The chemical reaction that results will creates a plastic material. Car bumpers are made in this way.

8. Vacuum Forming

Vacuum forming is a process that takes a sheet of plastic and places it in a frame above a heating element until it is soft. The sheet within the frame is then placed above a mold that has tiny holes in it, which suck the plastic sheet down around the mold. Products produced this way include the inside of refrigerators, bath and hand-basins, packaging for cosmetics, chocolates, biscuits, some yogurt containers and some disposable cups.