Plastics are polymers with substances added to improve performance or reduce costs. Plastics are cast, pressed, or extruded into a shape such as films, fibers, plates, tubes, bottles, boxes, and more. There are two types: thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers. Thermoplastics soften and melt with heat; examples are polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Thermosets melt and take shape once; after solidifying, stay solid.

Polypropylene (PP) - Food containers, appliances, car fenders (bumpers), plastic pressure pipe systems.
Polystyrene (PS) - Packaging foam, food containers, disposable cups, plates, cutlery, CD and cassette boxes.
High impact polystyrene (HIPS) - Fridge liners, food packaging, vending cups.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) - Electronic equipment cases (e.g., computer monitors, printers, keyboards), drainage pipe
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) - Carbonated drinks bottles, jars, plastic film, microwavable packaging.
Polyester (PES) - Fibers, textiles.
Polyamides (PA) - Nylons for Fibers, toothbrush bristles, fishing line, under-the-hood car engine mouldings.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - Plumbing pipes and guttering, shower curtains, window frames, flooring.
Polyurethanes (PU) - Cushioning foams, thermal insulation foams, surface coatings, printing rollers.
Polycarbonate (PC) - Compact discs, eyeglasses, riot shields, security windows, traffic lights, lenses.
Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) ? Saran for Food packaging.
Polyethylene (PE) - inexpensive uses including supermarket bags, plastic bottles.
Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (PC/ABS) - car interior and exterior parts, and mobile phone bodies.

The most common mechanical tests are for tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus and compressive strength. ASTM D638 and ISO 527 are for tensile tests. Flexural testing is covered by ASTM D790, ASTM D6272 and ISO 178. Compression tests are defined by ASTM D695 and include testing rigid plastic foams per ASTM D1621 and ISO 844, and bottle crush tests. Shear tests and shear strength is obtained by placing a specimen in a punch-type shear fixture. The punch is pushed down at a slow rate and results calculated as the force by area sheared. Plastic film tensile testing is defined by ASTM D882.

If you have a question about testing products contact us or give us a CALL 800.430.6536.