Posted by Plastic Design Inc on | Comments Off on Different Types of Fume Hoods
Fume hoods play a key role in the semiconductor, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries. They are used in laboratories and clean rooms to protect researchers from hazardous fumes, vapors, and dust by drawing the contaminated air away from the work area and venting it out into a separate space. Keep reading to learn about the different types of fume hoods and how to select the right one for your application.
What Are the Different Types of Fume Hoods?
There are numerous types of fume hoods, with many offering different features and customization options for specific applications. Some of the most common types of fume hoods include:
Constant air volume (CAV) fume hoods. CAV hoods are the most common type of fume hood. These exhaust the same amount of air at all times, whether the sash is open or closed. These fume hoods have higher energy requirements compared to other types.
Bypass fume hoods. With bypass fume hoods, a portion of the airflow bypasses the work area, making these models a more energy-efficient option. Bypass hoods also increase safety by limiting the turbulence that can occur when the sash is closed.
Variable air volume (VAV) fume hoods. This type of hood includes an exhaust valve to manage the flow of air through the hood, providing maximum energy efficiency and flexibility. VAV fume hoods are suitable for laboratories with varying chemical usage, allowing technicians to adjust airflow based on the current compounds being used.
How To Select the Right Fume Hood
Choosing the right fume hood is essential to ensure safety and efficiency. Assessing the following factors can help streamline the decision-making process.
Laboratory layout and space. Before you decide on a particular fume hood, consider the layout of your lab and the amount of space it requires to operate safely. Hoods should generally be at least 10 feet away from doorways and exits.
The type of chemicals being used. A major factor to consider when choosing a fume hood is the type of chemicals you will be using in your facility. This will influence the level of containment you’ll need from your fume hood.
Ventilation requirements. When choosing a fume hood, it’s also important to think about your ventilation requirements. Consider the chemicals you use and the type of work you’ll be doing, as you’ll want to make sure the fume hood has sufficient airflow to handle your work.
Budgetary needs. Evaluate the initial cost of different fume hoods relative to their ongoing operational costs, and then compare these costs to your current budget.
Ergonomics and user comfort. When comparing different models and design features, you’ll want a hood design that is comfortable to use and helps minimize user fatigue. Customizing your hood provides added design flexibility, allowing you to integrate features that meet your lab’s specific needs.
Our Fume Hood Products
If you’re in the market for a new fume hood for your laboratory, consider partnering with Plastic Design Inc. We offer a wide range of customizable fume hoods and can design the perfect solution for your facility. Not only are our fume hoods built to last, ensuring long-term performance, but we also incorporate the latest technology to optimize airflow and energy efficiency. Our team of experts can assist you with product selection.
Fume Hoods from Plastic Design Inc.
Fume hoods play a key role in laboratories by redirecting contaminated air away from technicians to ensure a safe working environment. When choosing a fume hood for your application, it is important that you partner with a manufacturer who has experience producing high-quality equipment. Plastic Design Inc. has been working with the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries for over 45 years. We specialize in developing custom fume hoods designed to meet the needs of these industries, and we are committed to providing our customers with fume hood products that adhere to the highest quality and safety standards.
Reach out to us today to request a quote for more information about our custom fume hoods and related design services.
Posted by Plastic Design Inc on | Comments Off on What is the FM4910 Standard?
Highly specialized manufacturing operations often specify materials that are optimized for their unique challenges and risks. For example, cleanrooms and semiconductor manufacturing facilities need to be furnished with pieces constructed from fire-resistant materials. Both are especially at risk for production delays, equipment damage, and safety hazards due to even minor exposure to fire or flames. In the semiconductor industry, for example, contamination due to smoke or particles from fire can disrupt operations and result in major financial losses.
In order to test and identify materials that meet these needs, the FM4910 standard was developed in 1997. FM refers to Factory Mutual Approvals, or FM Approvals, which is a branch of the industrial insurance and prevention loss organization Factory Mutual Group. FM Approvals develops standards and performs extensive research and testing on materials used in industry and manufacturing.
Here, we’ll look at some common FM4910-approved materials and their characteristics and uses.
FM4910 Compliant Materials
The goal of using FM4910 materials is to reduce fire risk as well as smoke or particle contamination, damage, and loss in the event of a fire. FM4910 plastic materials must meet these criteria:
Fire-resistant
Chemical-resistant
Low smoke generation in case of fire
Minimal toxic gas emission in case of fire
Minimal corrosive byproducts
Common FM9410-approved materials for semiconductor manufacturing and other cleanroom applications include:
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Some types of PET are FM4910-approved. It is a thermoplastic polymer commonly used in manufacturing packaging materials and textile fibers. Introducing brominated flame retardants and other additives creates flame-retardant properties.
Polypropylene (PP)
Some types of PP are FM4910-approved. It is a thermoplastic polymer frequently used for medical devices, packaging materials, and many other applications. Introducing halogenated flame retardants, metal oxides, and other additives can make PP flame-retardant.
FRP-3
One type of Polypropylene, FRP-3, is a fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene that is stiff, impact-resistant, and has good mechanical properties. It is resistant to alkaline substances and many solvents; however, it is not resistant to high concentrations of acids, aromatics, and aliphatic and chlorinated solvents. Common applications include:
Cabinets
Dry tool areas
Rinse modules
UPW and alkaline modules
Walls
Water transfer interfaces
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
This versatile thermoplastic polymer is often used in automotive, construction, and electrical applications. Incorporating chlorinated or brominated flame retardants, phosphorous-based retardants, or antimony trioxide enhances the flame resistance of the material. Cleanroom environments rely on chlorinated PVC (PVC/C) and Type 1 PVC (CRP-1), which meet FM4910 standards.
CRP-1
CRP-1 is a type of PVC with high impact strength and ductility. It is also very smooth and easy to clean due to its high-gloss surface finish, which reduces particle contamination. It is resistant to chemicals and can be welded for strong joints.
CRP-1 has a lower weight and density than similar materials but higher flexural modulus and stiffness. Common applications include:
Dry tool areas
Cabinets with alkaline and acid exposure
Electrical cabinets
Fire safe components
Fluid/chemical handling
Semiconductor process equipment
HTP 800
This material has approximately 69% light transmission, high chemical and flame resistance, flame resistance, excellent clarity, and stiffness. It is often used in cleanroom and semiconductor manufacturing settings. Common applications include:
access panels
site windows
partitions
tank covers
fluid handling devices
fire safe components
LAM 2000
LAM 2000 is a clear specialty CPVC material with approximately 70% light transmittance and no haze. It has high stiffness and chemical resistance. This cost-effective material is also on the UL 94 V-0 list. Common applications include:
Viewing windows
Doors
Boltaron
This CPVC material is transparent and corrosion resistant with a smooth finish on both sides. It can be used for thermoformed or machined applications, including cleanroom equipment.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Some types of PC are FM4910-approved. It is a durable thermoplastic polymer that can become flame-retardant by introducing brominated phosphorous-based additives. PC has a transparent surface, which makes it suitable for optical lenses, electrical components, and automotive parts.
PolyTetraFluoroEthylene (PTFE)
Also known by its trademarked name Teflon, PTFE is resistant to chemicals and weathering and can tolerate operational temperatures from about -400°F to 500°F. This material is also known for its extremely low coefficient of friction and self-lubricating characteristics. In cleanroom environments it is often used for tubing, molding, and filtration applications.
PVDF
PVDF is a chemically inert, high-purity fluoropolymer that is extremely resistant to chemicals. It also offers high strength, rigidity, excellent machinability, and abrasion resistance. Common applications include:
Chemical process and storage
Deionized (DI) water systems
Fire safety
High-purity fluid processing
Liquid chromatography
FM4910 Compliant Materials from Plastic Design, Inc.
At Plastic Design, Inc., we work with several plastics that are fire-resistant and suitable for use in cleanrooms, semiconductor manufacturing, and similar settings, including:
Specialty PVC materials: CRP-1 and HTP 800
Boltaron
Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)
Flame-Retardant Plastic Materials from Plastic Design, Inc.
FM4910-approved materials are plastics that meet strict requirements for fire resistance; production of smoke, toxic gas, or corrosive byproducts; and chemical resistance. Since 1976, Plastic Design, Inc. has designed and manufactured customized plastic solutions for cleanrooms and other settings that call for specialized materials like these.
Contact us to learn more about our materials and capabilities or request a quote to get started on a solution that meets your requirements.
Posted by Plastic Design Inc on | Comments Off on Top 3 Reasons to Choose Custom Plastic Lab Furniture & Equipment
Laboratory furniture and equipment must be fabricated from specialized materials under controlled conditions, given the cleanliness requirements of lab environments. These custom plastics offer the highest levels of safety, durability, and functionality for various applications. Learn more about the benefits and applications of custom plastic furniture and equipment, as well as the advantages of working with Plastic Design, Inc.
Custom plastic lab equipment offers the following distinct advantages compared to other solutions on the market.
Flexibility & Customization
Precise fit. The customization process gives manufacturers the flexibility to meet the exact dimensions of a lab space, optimizing the utilization of the entire available area.
Targeting specific needs. Innovative, tailor-made solutions accommodate the exact workflow, safety, and equipment requirements of your laboratory.
Aesthetics. Custom plastic lab equipment comes in a comprehensive range of finishes, materials, and colors for a professional and visually appealing lab environment that exceeds your expectations.
Durability & Longevity
Chemical resistance. The right plastic materials are extremely durable and resistant to acids, solvents, and chemicals. They are ideal for labs that frequently handle hazardous substances.
Moisture and stain resistance. Plastic surfaces ensure a hygienic workspace because they are easy to maintain and clean.
Long-lasting. Durable plastic lab equipment can reduce the need for frequent replacement, minimize maintenance costs, and provide years of reliable service.
Safety & Compliance
Hazard mitigation. Custom solutions can integrate safety features such as chemical resistance, ergonomic design, and spill containment, effectively reducing the risks of injuries and workplace accidents.
Regulatory compliance. Custom plastic lab furniture and equipment meet all relevant regulations, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), or Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
What Products Does Plastic Design, Inc. Offer?
Plastic Design, Inc. fabricates a variety of critical lab equipment and furniture, customized to your specific requirements:
Workbenches. Our customizable workbenches come in various materials, sizes, and features to create the ideal workbench for any lab setting. Not only are our workbenches built to withstand daily operational use, but they also feature an ergonomic design that prioritizes efficiency and comfort for the end user.
Fume hoods. Our fume hoods are available in various configurations and sizes. Their efficient design and cutting-edge safety features—such as airflow sensors, automatic sash closures, and alarms—reliably contain hazardous vapors and fumes.
Storage cabinets. Our storage cabinets can withstand harsh chemicals and heavy use, providing organized and secure storage for laboratory equipment and supplies. These durable products are available in several different sizes and configurations.
Sinks and wash stations. Our sinks and wash stations are easy to clean and maintain. They are conveniently equipped with safety features such as emergency showers and eye wash stations. They are available in customizable materials, configurations, and sizes.
The Plastic Design, Inc. Advantage
With decades of industry experience and ISO 9001:2015 certification, Plastic Design, Inc. has the resources, knowledge, and capabilities to design and manufacture durable, long-lasting custom plastic lab furniture that meets the highest standards.
Our dedicated team of skilled professionals is committed to providing quality and precision in everything we do, using only the finest materials to fabricate top-quality products. In addition, our advanced 30,000-square-foot manufacturing facility allows us to manufacture durable lab furniture with exceptional accuracy and precision.
At Plastic Design, Inc., we take a customer-centric approach to our collaborative design process, working closely with our customers to meet your specific requirements. We deliver all products on time to minimize disruption to our customers’ laboratory operations, and our exceptional customer support team is always available to help with any questions or concerns.
Custom Plastic Lab Furniture & Equipment From Plastic Design, Inc.
As a trusted provider of custom plastic lab equipment and furniture, Plastic Design, Inc. offers innovative solutions to your unique workflow or facility challenges. From single prototypes to full production cycles, we can customize a compliant fabrication solution that meets your needs.
Request a quote to learn more about our industry-leading products or for specific pricing information.
Posted by Kurt on | Comments Off on Guide to Thermoplastic Welding
Over the past several decades, thermoplastics have become increasingly popular across industries. Thermoplastic welding allows manufacturers to create complex, intricate joints in thermoplastic components with durable molecular bonds that are more reliable and effective than more traditional mechanical fasteners and adhesives. Welded components can be joined into a single product quickly and efficiently, creating a long-lived weld that is both strong and dependable.
At Plastic Design, Inc., we provide reliable, innovative plastic material solutions for our customers in various critical industries, including medical and biomedical devices, pharmaceutical process equipment, microelectronics, and photonics. Using only the latest in automated technology, we design and manufacture complex and specialty components and products that meet even the most stringent industry standards. We have the knowledge and equipment necessary to complete projects in a timely and highly cost-effective manner.
What are Thermoplastics?
Thermoplastics are synthetic plastics that can be melted, shaped, and cooled to form specific design shapes. Thermoplastics can undergo repeated melting and cooling processes, whereas thermoset plastics only set once and burn when exposed to heat after setting. Many thermoplastics are available on the market, each with unique features that make it useful for particular products and applications. Some of the most popular thermoplastics include:
Polyethylene (PE)
A lightweight ethylene polymer resin, polyethylene has a variable crystalline structure that makes it highly versatile. It is inexpensive, chemical resistant, and available in high- and low-density formulations for use in everything from medical implements to plastic bags.
Polypropylene (PP)
Multiple propylene monomers combine to create polypropylene, a rigid and inflexible semicrystalline thermoplastic that is ideal for packaging, medical implements, and low-friction components.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Designers and manufacturers value PVC for its chemical resistance and toughness. This polymerized synthetic resin made from vinyl chloride sees frequent use in pipes and fixtures, construction supplies, medical devices, electronics, and automotive components.
Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene is a synthetic polymer composed of styrene monomers and available in foam and solid forms. Solid polystyrene is transparent and hard, often used in food and pharmaceutical packaging, medical equipment, and laboratory equipment.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a lightweight, highly transparent thermoplastic often used as a more durable alternative to glass in industrial, medical, retail, and other applications.
Nylon
Nylon is a smooth thermoplastic composed of synthetic polyamide polymers. This highly versatile material creates threads, fabrics, ropes, and solid shapes.
Plastic Welding Techniques
Thermoplastics feature compatibility with various heat treatments, and a variety of plastic welding techniques harness this quality. Some of the most common thermoplastic welding techniques include:
Friction welding
Friction welding generates heat by rubbing two parts together at a specific speed. Friction-generated heat melts both parts’ edges, and pressure holds them together until they solidify into a single joined part.
Extruded-bead seal welding (extrusion welding)
Extrusion welding is ideal for large and thick components that require a longer weld. A welding rod softens the plastic in an extruder. The extruder forces the softened plastic onto the parts being joined, which have also been softened using hot air jets. The extruded plastic bonds to the softened surfaces, creating a strong bond.
High-frequency welding
High-frequency welding uses high-frequency electromagnetic waves to generate heat within specific polymers. The process is highly localized and facilitates long, continuous welds between parts without added material.
Hot plate welding
Hot plate welding — also known as hot tool welding — incorporates heated tools shaped to match the joints of the component parts. The heated plates (tools) are applied to the ends of the parts to be welded. Once melted, the ends get pressed together until the joint cools and creates a bond.
Hot gas welding
Hot gas welding – also called hot air welding — features a welder with a plastic filler rod. The welder emits a hot jet of air or gas to soften both the filler material and the surfaces being joined together. The plastic filler material must be similar to or the same as the component material to create a sufficient bond.
Laser welding
Laser welding uses a laser to heat the material between the components, causing them to melt and join along the welding line. For this method to be effective, one component must be transmissive and the other absorptive so the laser can pass through the transmissive component and reach the absorptive part at the desired joining point.
Induction welding
Injunction welding uses an electromagnetic current to heat and melt plastics with embedded carbon fiber, metal, or other conductive materials. This process is particularly useful for reinforced materials used in the aerospace industry.
Solvent welding
Solvent welding uses specialized solvent chemicals to dissolve the thermoplastic material, allowing the polymer chains from both components to combine with each other and create a solid bond.
Ultrasonic welding
Ultrasonic welding uses high-frequency vibrations to generate friction heat between the component parts. This extremely fast welding technique can be used with almost any thermoplastic.
Spin welding
Similar to friction welding, spin welding uses friction generated by one component spinning against a stationary component. Once the material between the two has melted, the spinning component is stopped and held against the stationary component until the plastic has cooled, forming a solid bond.
Benefits of Plastic Welding
Plastic welding offers numerous benefits over other bonding techniques, including:
Cost-effective. Plastic welding does not require extra solvents, uses very little energy, and cycles quickly for increased productivity and lower overhead costs per unit.
Fast and clean. Plastic welding does not present a weld flash, making it an extremely safe, quick, and easy process. The end product presents a clean appearance, with nearly invisible or seamless lines.
Highly versatile. Plastic welding can be used on components of almost any size, shape, and configuration, and completes high- or low-volume orders with speed and precision.
Permanent. Plastic welding creates a permanent molecular bond between the welded components for a highly dependable joint.
Works with almost all thermoplastics. Plastic welding can be used on almost any thermoplastic polymer, even most thermally-sensitive plastics.
Quality Plastic Welding by Plastic Design, Inc.
At Plastic Design, Inc., we are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality thermoplastic welding services in the industry. With more than 40 years of experience in the design and fabrication of specialty plastic components for critical industries, we understand that every project has unique requirements. Whether you need plastic prototypes for a new medical device or a full production run for a custom automotive component, Plastic Design, Inc., has the knowledge, skills, and equipment necessary to produce components quickly and efficiently within your budget. In addition to state-of-the-art welding services, our 30,000-square-foot IPCA 620 and ISO 9001:2015-certified facility features CNC machining that allows us to provide a variety of milling, drilling, and boring services.
Posted by Kurt on | Comments Off on Plastic Design, Inc. COVID-19 Efforts Highlighted by Bentley University
Daryl Flynn, President of Plastic Design, Inc., was recently highlighted in an article by his alma mater, Bentley University, for the company’s efforts in supplying medical frontline workers with personal protective equipment (PPE). Read an excerpt below:
Unlike other alumni who are running into production roadblocks due to a lack of materials amid the pandemic, Daryl Flynn ’93, co-president of Plastic Design, Inc. is lacking people. Namely, workers at his custom plastic fabrications company in Chelmsford, Mass. When we spoke, Flynn was overseeing a limited staff of 13 — far lower than the usual 40 on the factory floor.
“It’s fear,” he says. Pick a crisis: fear of the virus, fear of spreading the virus. “You can’t manage fear,” he adds. “That’s something they really don’t teach you.” However, Flynn himself isn’t afraid. “I’m a realist,” he explains. “I look at the numbers. I wash my hands. It’s contagious, but I’ll take my chances.”
Because what’s on the line are nine-inch face shields — thousands of them. A plastic line of defense far surpassing any cloth mask an essential worker can find on Etsy.
Flynn’s parents bought Plastic Design, Inc. in the mid-’80s. At 19, Flynn started working at the company, and joined up full-time after graduating from Bentley in 1993, as did his brother Kurt ’95, two years later. Since then, the duo has kept the family business in stride with the times, evolving from custom display cabinets to biomedical products and even casino tables. If you’re playing roulette at Foxwoods, chances are you’re sitting at a table made by the Flynn brothers.
When COVID-19 struck, Flynn answered the call of a friend: an anesthesiologist looking for safety glasses. “I had some extra material lying around, so I asked him if I could make a face shield instead,” Flynn says. He went into work the next day and mocked up a design using existing materials from a project he had done for the U.S. Navy — plastic shields used to encase wires on the ships. “He said it was great.”
Posted by Kurt on | Comments Off on Plastic Machining Guide
Machining is an umbrella term for the controlled, subtractive manufacturing techniques used to produce parts made from a wide range of materials. Today, many companies employ computer numerical control (CNC) machining to achieve greater precision and accuracy in their end products.
When deciding on a machining method for a part, it is essential to keep in mind the design and construction material as these factors significantly impact the production process and final result. For plastic machining projects, these considerations are especially important due to the greater susceptibility of plastic materials to warping, cracking, and deformation when improperly handled. Further exacerbating the problem is the broad selection of plastics and plastic composites available, with each type exhibiting its own properties and best use cases. Altogether, these challenges necessitate partnering with a supplier who demonstrates a deep understanding of your chosen material.
With over 40 years of experience in plastic fabrication, Plastic Design, Inc. has the knowledge and skills necessary to take on any plastic machining challenge. Equipped with state-of-the-art CNC machining equipment, our expert team has the means to perform several different types of machining processes on a variety of industrial plastics to execute the optimal manufacturing plan for every product.
An Overview of Plastic Machining Services
Like all machining processes, plastic machining is a subtractive method that removes layers of material to shape and form the end part or product. Some of the most common machining operations employed for plastic materials are:
Cutting
Generally, cutting operations generate some amount of heat, which can damage the plastic material. When cutting plastics, operators must take care to avoid causing thermal warping. With proper precautions, sawing is completely appropriate for cutting plastic sheets to a desired size and shape.
Turning
Plastic turning operations occur on a lathe, which rotates and manipulates the workpiece to allow the stationary cutting tool to cut and remove excess material as per the intended design.
Milling
While turning operations involve the rotation of the plastic workpiece, milling operations require the rotation of the cutting tool to remove chips of plastic from the stationary workpiece. Some milling techniques work better with plastics than others (such as down-milling), but the ideal choice depends on a number of factors.
Drilling
Drilling plastics can be risky, resulting in overheating or shearing if the proper drill isn’t selected. However, given the proper preparation and tools, a skilled technician can create both small and large diameter holes in a plastic product without damaging its structure.
Grinding
Grinding is similar to milling in that the process removes chips of plastic from the workpiece to alter its shape. The main difference is that milling uses intermittent cuts, whereas grinding continuously shears plastic from the product to achieve a smoother shape and surface finish.
Common Materials Used in Plastic Machining
Plastics present some challenges for machining operations. For example, some plastic materials can have:
Lower thermal resistance than metals, resulting in a higher risk of thermal expansion, overheating, and thermal damage
Higher material costs
Greater machining restrictions
Despite these limitations, plastic remains a common construction material for machined parts and products. In general, plastics offer several manufacturing advantages, such as:
Superior strength-to-weight ratios
Broader insulating properties (including electric, thermal, and vibration)
Greater resistance to corrosion and chemicals
Specific plastics also maintain their own unique benefits. For example, the following are some of the most commonly used plastics in machining operations:
Ultra-high molecular polyethylene (UHMW), due to its high machinability
Nylon, due to its affordability, strength, durability, and corrosion and chemical resistance
Acrylic, due to its formability, high tensile strength, and resistance to cracking and abrasion
Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), due to its chemical and wear resistance and ability to withstand high temperatures
Considerations for Plastic Machining
Ensuring the success of a plastic machining project requires choosing construction materials and machining operations that are well-suited for each other. When planning a plastic machining project, some of the factors to consider are:
Plastic type
Different chemical compositions yield different physical characteristics, impacting everything from strength and chemical resistance to the cost of the material. When choosing a plastic material for a machined part, it is important to keep these properties in mind as they will influence how well the material withstands the stresses of manufacturing and the end product withstands the stresses of the intended application.
Thermal regulation
In general, plastics melt at substantially lower temperatures than metals. As such, proper heat regulation, including the use of coolants, is essential if a polymer is to withstand machining.
Process support
As plastics are less rigid than metals, the vibrations generated by the machining operations can more easily cause burrs, cracks, and chatter marks. Incorporating additional support structures during machining operations reduces the risk of damage to the end product.
Finishing options
Many companies employ finishing services to enhance the functional and aesthetic properties of a machined product. Some of the typical finishing processes are annealing, polishing, and coating.
Applications of Plastic Machining
Considering the benefits and limitations in sum, plastic machining is still one of the best options for producing a variety of industrial parts and products, such as:
Plastic Machining Services From Plastic Design, Inc.
At Plastic Design, Inc., we have the tools and knowledge required to machine nearly any plastic product. Our expert team takes projects from initial design to delivery of a turnkey product or system.
Our Plastic Machining Capabilities
We use cutting-edge CNC machines to craft precise plastic parts and components to tight tolerances. Our machining capabilities are as follows:
Machining Operations
Milling
Drilling
Boring
Plastic Forms
Sheets
Rods
Specialty shapes
Plastic Materials
ABS
Acetal (including Delrin®)
Acrylic
Flametec® (fire-safe plastics)
Kel-F®
Polycarbonate (including Kynar®)
Polyethylene
Polypropylene
PVC
PVDF
PTFE (including FEP, PFA, and TFE)
Sizes
Length: up to 12 feet
Width: up to 5 feet
Production Volumes
Prototype
Production
Additional Capabilities
In addition to our plastic machining capabilities, we also offer:
Original Equipment Manufacturing
Over our years serving customers in the biomedical, pharmaceutical research, and semiconductor industries, we’ve garnered significant knowledge about the requirements expected for the equipment and systems used in the industries. This expertise allows us to serve as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of custom-built parts and equipment. With our OEM services, we provide technical guidance to take products from concept to completion.
Specialty Product Manufacturing
Outside of our OEM partnerships, we also manufacture a full catalog of specialty products for customers across a wide range of industries. Some of these past projects have included:
Automated wet process systems
Desiccators
Fume hoods
Hazardous waste systems
Tank lines
What Makes Us Different?
At Plastic Design, we are an ISO 9001:2015 certified fabricator. By partnering with us for their plastic machining needs, our customers benefit from our:
Over 40 years of experience in plastic manufacturing
Knowledge of specialized fields, including the biomedical, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor industries
30,000-square-foot fabrication facility
OEM manufacturing capabilities
These characteristics allow us to meet some of the most difficult design challenges out there while forming lasting relationships with our industry clients.
Plastic Machining Solutions From Plastic Design, Inc.
Choosing a knowledgeable manufacturer for a plastic machining operation is the key to successful completion of the project. Plastics require specialized expertise to prevent expensive defects or product failures during production, and only a dedicated plastics provider can guide you through the complex material selection and testing process.
At Plastic Design, Inc., we have the technical capabilities and industry knowledge necessary to produce high-quality and cost-effective parts and products from a wide range of plastics. Whether you’re seeking a one-off prototype or a high-volume production run, we’ll work with you to turn your design into a reality.
Lower thermal resistance than metals, resulting in a higher risk of thermal expansion, overheating, and thermal damage
Considering the benefits and limitations in sum, plastic machining is still one of the best options for producing a variety of industrial parts and products, such as: