Plastic Materials Glossary

A practical guide to the full range of plastics we work with every day, from sheet and rod to signage substrates, engraving laminates and finishing products. Properties, uses, fabrication notes and honest pros and cons, written by the people who cut, weld and fold these materials for a living.

Materials

Every plastic, one workshop

Most fabrication jobs come down to picking the right material for the job. Each of these pages explains what the material actually is, what it is good at, what it is bad at, and which of our services suits it best. If you are not sure which material to use, give us a call and we will talk you through it.

Acrylic (Perspex / PMMA)

A glass-clear, easy to work thermoplastic that has been the workhorse of signage, displays and glazing for over 80 years.

Common uses

Illuminated signage faces and pan signsRetail display cases, plinths and risersPOS holders and brochure standsSneeze guards and counter screens

Polycarbonate (Lexan)

The toughest clear plastic in everyday use, polycarbonate is the go to choice when you need glass clarity with serious impact resistance.

Common uses

Machine guards and safety screensSecurity glazing for shopfronts and banksRiot shields, helmets and face shieldsGreenhouse and pergola roofing (multiwall and solid sheet)

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

A tough, chemically inert and food safe plastic that is the standard for tanks, chopping boards, wear strips and outdoor signage.

Common uses

Chopping boards and food prep surfacesChemical storage tanks and bundsMarine bollards, fenders and dock componentsChildren's playground equipment

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

A tough, machinable, paintable thermoplastic that is the standard material for product housings, automotive trim and 3D printing.

Common uses

Product enclosures and electronic housingsAutomotive interior trim and dashboardsToys including the original Lego brickPower tool casings and handles

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

A versatile, chemically resistant and flame retardant plastic produced in two distinct forms, rigid and foamed, each with its own job to do.

Common uses

Signage substrates (foamed PVC, often called Foamex or Sintra)Exhibition stand panels and shopfittingChemical storage tanks and bunds (rigid PVC)Pipe systems for water, drainage and chemicals

Polypropylene (PP)

A lightweight, chemically resistant thermoplastic with a higher temperature ceiling than HDPE and a unique living hinge ability.

Common uses

Chemical and acid storage tanksLaboratory benches and fume hoodsBattery boxes and battery casesHospital and medical equipment housings

Polystyrene (HIPS / GPPS)

A rigid, low cost and easy to fabricate plastic available in clear (GPPS) and impact resistant (HIPS) forms for displays, signage and packaging.

Common uses

Picture frame glazing (clear GPPS)POS display covers and short life vitrinesVacuum formed packaging traysYoghurt cups, food containers and disposable cutlery

Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP / Alucobond)

A lightweight sandwich panel with thin aluminium skins around a plastic core, ACP is the standard substrate for premium outdoor signage and architectural facades.

Common uses

Pylon and shopfront signageBuilding facade claddingVehicle wrap base panelsPan signs and illuminated signage

Acrylic Rod & Tube

Clear Acrylic Rod and Tube

Extruded clear acrylic profiles with good clarity that glue and machine well, used across displays, furniture, lighting and fabrication.

Common uses

Display stand supports, legs and risersTable legs, towel rails and curtain rodsBalustrade infill and handrail componentsLED light guides and edge lit features

Twinwall Sheet (Multiwall Polycarbonate)

A premium hollow polycarbonate glazing panel that is light, insulating and highly impact resistant, used for roofing, greenhouses and partitions.

Common uses

Greenhouse and cold frame glazingPatio, pergola and sunroom roofingPool enclosuresInternal partitions and privacy screens

Gravoply (Traffolyte)

A thin, double layer engraving laminate with a contrasting core, made for durable labels, switchboard tags, safety signage and plaques.

Common uses

Switchboard and control panel labelsSafety, warning and mandatory signageValve tags and pipe markersOffice door signs and desk nameplates

Foam PVC (Maxi-T)

A lightweight, rigid, closed cell PVC sheet with a hardened outer surface, often substituted for timber in signage, shelving and panelling.

Common uses

Indoor and outdoor signage and letteringPoint of sale displays and exhibition panelsWaterproof wall linings for bathrooms and laundriesSplashbacks and shower surrounds

Diffuser Sheet

Translucent panels that spread light evenly from fluorescent tubes and LEDs, cutting glare while keeping light output high.

Common uses

Office fluorescent and LED troffer fittingsRetail, hospitality and hotel lightingSchools and healthcare facilitiesLED panel retrofits

Corflute (Corrugated Polypropylene)

A hollow core twin wall polypropylene sheet that delivers sign, display and packaging versatility at a very economical price.

Common uses

Real estate and open home signsConstruction site and safety signageElection and event signageFloor, benchtop and window protection during building work

Adhesive & Polish

Adhesive & Polish

Cements, adhesives, polishing compounds and cleaners matched to the plastics we work with, for clean joints and crystal clear edges.

Common uses

Display cases, aquariums and precision fabrication jointsSign letters and edge to face acrylic joinsStructural joints where surfaces are not perfectly flushBonding acrylic to metal, timber or stone

Not Sure Which Material Suits Your Project?

Talk to our team about what you are building and we will help you pick the right material the first time. Free quotes, honest advice and over 45 years of experience.

Get a Free Quote Call 1300 198 924

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