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.
About PVC
Rigid grey PVC has excellent rigidity, hardness, dimensional stability and chemical resistance. It can be easily saw cut and machined. Clear PVC film is a cheaper option for a thin, clear plastic where optical excellence is not a requirement. PVC film can be printed and is resistant to chemicals.
Rigid PVC is inherently flame retardant and an excellent electrical insulator, which is why grey sheet is the standard backing for switchboards and control panels. It also welds, so it is the usual choice for chemical tanks, ducting and fume extraction. PVC cannot be laser cut, so we route, saw and guillotine it instead.
We cut PVC to size and fabricate it to your drawings. Ask us about thickness, colour and chemical compatibility.
Key Properties
- Polymer family
- Polyvinyl chloride, PVC
- Density (rigid)
- Around 1.40 g/cm3
- Density (foamed PVC)
- Around 0.50 to 0.70 g/cm3
- Max service temperature
- Approximately 60 C continuous
- Common thicknesses (rigid)
- 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25 mm
- Common thicknesses (foamed)
- 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 13, 19 mm
What makes PVC useful
Inherent flame retardance, self extinguishing when the flame is removed
Outstanding chemical resistance to acids, bases and most cleaning chemicals
Foamed PVC is light, easy to cut and ideal for signage and exhibitions
Rigid PVC is durable in chemical service and weldable for ducting and tanks
Excellent dimensional stability with low moisture absorption
Paints, prints and applies vinyl graphics easily
Common uses for PVC
Signage substrates (foamed PVC, often called Foamex or Sintra)
Exhibition stand panels and shopfitting
Chemical storage tanks and bunds (rigid PVC)
Pipe systems for water, drainage and chemicals
Ducting for fume extraction
Cleanroom partitions
Outdoor signage and real estate signs
Switchboard backing and electrical insulation
Roller shutter doors and louvres
Pool and spa fittings
Wall cladding in commercial kitchens
Trade show and event displays
The honest picture
Every material has trade offs. Here is where PVC shines and where it falls short.
Pros
Self extinguishing flame behaviour, important in commercial and industrial applications
Stands up to a wide range of aggressive chemicals
Foamed PVC cuts, drills, paints and prints with no special tooling
Available in standard colours and white, with custom colours on order
Affordable, particularly in foamed grades for signage and displays
Limitations
Contains chlorine, which makes recycling more difficult and produces hydrogen chloride if burnt
Service temperature is lower than most other engineering plastics, around 60 C
Foamed PVC is softer than rigid sheet and can dent if not protected
Not as impact resistant as polycarbonate or ABS
PVC versus the alternatives
Acrylic
Acrylic is clear and glossy, foamed PVC is opaque and matte. PVC is the better signage substrate for printing, painting and applying vinyl. Acrylic is the better choice when transparency or a premium finish matters.
ACP
ACP is stiffer, more weather durable and has a higher quality finish for premium exterior signage. Foamed PVC is cheaper and easier to cut, making it the right choice for indoor signs and short to medium life outdoor jobs.
HDPE
HDPE is more chemically resistant overall and more flexible. Rigid PVC is stiffer, flame retardant and easier to solvent weld for ducting and pipework. Choose PVC for chemical ducting, HDPE for tanks and outdoor service.
How we work with PVC
The fabrication methods best suited to PVC, and what we do with them in our Moonah workshop.
PVC FAQs
Need PVC for Your Project?
Talk to our team about how we can cut, fabricate or repair PVC for you. Free quotes, expert advice and Australia wide delivery from our Moonah workshop.