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Materials guide

Seven polymers, each right for some jobs and wrong for others. Here is how we choose.

ABS

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

Highest impact strength and rigidity of the range.

Sheet: 1.0 to 6.0 mm
Food contact: No

ABS products

HIPS

High impact polystyrene

Easy to form with crisp detail, economical, dimensionally stable.

Sheet: 0.3 to 3.0 mm
Food contact: Grade dependent

HIPS products

Rigid PVC

Rigid polyvinyl chloride

Glass-clear, excellent detail and sealing behaviour, cost-effective for thin blisters.

Sheet: 0.15 to 0.8 mm
Food contact: No

Rigid PVC products

APET

Amorphous polyethylene terephthalate

Glass-clear with high gloss and good impact strength.

Sheet: 0.2 to 1.2 mm
Food contact: Yes

APET products

GPET

Glycol-modified PET

PET with improved deep-draw and folding behaviour.

Sheet: 0.3 to 1.5 mm
Food contact: Yes

GPET products

HDPE

High density polyethylene

Chemical resistant, tough at low temperature, matte finish.

Sheet: 1.0 to 6.0 mm
Food contact: Yes

HDPE products

PP

Polypropylene

Heat resistant (hot-fill and warm food), living-hinge capable, chemically inert.

Sheet: 0.4 to 3.0 mm
Food contact: Yes

PP products

Photos show typical uses of plastic packaging, not specific grades. Thickness is what we form on our own machines. Food-grade sheet comes with supplier documents.

Selection guide

Start from what the part needs

Glass clarityPVC, APET, GPET
Impact strengthABS, HDPE
Heat resistancePP
Chemical resistanceHDPE, PP
Food contactAPET, PP, HDPE
Static controlAnti-static HIPS, conductive grades
Lowest costHIPS
Deep drawGPET, ABS, HIPS

Gauge

Thickness drives cost and stiffness

Range	Typical use
0.15 to 0.35 mm	Blisters, blister cards, light inserts
0.35 to 0.60 mm	Clamshells, food trays, sealable trays
0.60 to 1.20 mm	Display and component trays
1.2 to 3.0 mm	Reusable and ESD trays, covers
3.0 to 6.0 mm	Heavy returnable trays, machine covers

Next step

Not sure which polymer to specify?

Describe the part and where it is used. We will recommend a material and gauge.

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