Industrial

Agriculture & Garden

One of the advantages of using plastic in agriculture and gardening applications is its ability to withstand corrosion in the outdoor environment, as well as the range of colours that can be produced.

Predominantly garden furniture can be made from PP (Polypropylene) and garden pots and planters in varying colours can brighten the garden further.

Ultraviolet stability (UV) is essential to stop colours from fading and maintain properties for as long as possible.

Applications may require a level of impact and toughness to withstand the environmental pressures of the outdoors, wtih temperature fluctuations and the use of chemicals.

Within agriculture, applications range from rotomoulded containers using Polyethylene, carrying fertilisers and feedstuffs, used for their durability and lightweight properties down to piping for irrigation systems. Common types of materials used are:

• PE

• PVC

• PP

Polycarbonate (PC) is often used in greenhouses due to its clarity and impact resistance.

Applications

Conveying Systems

The different parts of a conveyer system involve:

• a belt and rollers - to move product from one place to another

• driven by a motor - this can be using hydraulics or pneumatics

• may need food approval

• may need to be chemically resistant

With this in mind there are a range of materials that can be used in these applications.

• PVC - due to its flexibility and strength,

• Acetal (POM) - in its natural form or with addtives such as Silicon and PTFE (fluoroplymer)

• Nylons (PA6 or PA6,6) for its durability, impact resistance and wear

Applications

• Conveyer belt
• Gears
• Tensioners / adjustable pulley

Fluid handling / Hydraulics

The handling of fluids and gases often involves an intricate system of pumps, containers and control systems and is used in many industries such as food, beverage and chemical manufacturing.

Within the process there are several applications using plastic.

• PVDF (Polyvinylidine Fluoride) is used for its chemical resistance and durability.

• PP and PE are used in piping and pumps as well as filters for their dimensional stability and ease of processing.

• PVC is also used for piping and can be used to make valves to control the flow.

• ABS is also an option for pumps.

• PE can be rotomoulded to make hollow, rigid storage tanks that offer a level of chemical resistnce.

• The control of heat via a heat exchanger can be achieved using PP, PE or PVDF

Resinex can offer a range of engineering and commodity materials depending on the application.

Applications

• Pumps
• Valves
• Piping and tubing
• Filters
• Storage tanks
• Heat exchangers

General Industrial

Where conditions are much more extreme, it is essential that some of the plastic parts manufactured in our every day lives, but used in the industrial sector, have much more stringent requirements.

PPS (Polyphenyline Sulphide) and PA4,6 offer chemical and heat resistance for the more extreme environment as well as a corrosion resistance and dimensional stability without swelling. Noise and vibration damping are often a factor to reduce effects in the work place.

Applications

• Industrial machinary parts
• Fittings and fixtures
• Impellor for a water pump
• Flexible packaging
• Filters

Industrial Machinery

Industrial machinary uses plastics in some of its working parts due to its cost effectiveness and durability. We are always trying to make machines quieter and by using plastic, we can improve noise and vibration.

Applications

• Bearings
• Gears
• Seals and gaskets
• Housings and enclosures
• Fluid handling applications
• Electrical insulation
• Conveyor components

Monofilaments

Single strands that can be used in various processes and applications.

Materials that are used to produce monofilaments:

• PLA (Bio-sourced Polymer)

• ABS

• PET

• Nylons

• LLDPE

• PP

Polymer is usually extruded to produce thin strands through carefully controlled conditions. The filament is cooled rapidly to maintain shape and size.

Applications

• Healthcare sector - sutures and testing procedures
• Netting and mesh
• Filament for 3D printing
• Bristles for brushes eg toothbrush
• Textiles - flexible fibres can be interwoven to produce elastic properties
• Bio based elastic monofilament
• Rope and twine

Pipes & Hoses

Pipes and hoses in the industrial sector follow the same premise as the consumer sector however, there may be more stringent requirements and certifications needed. Higher temperatures may be required for hoses and enhanced chemical resistance to suit the industrial environment.

This said, the materials of choice still remain with PP, PE and PVC, for chemical resistance and with PVC, some grades offering high temperature resistance. Polyurethane is a good material for abrasion resistance and used in water or compressed air hoses.

ABS is used in some pipes, fitting and valves as well as pipe flanges due to its impact resistance and electrical resistance.

Rubber is another material of choice due to its durability and high temperature resistance.

Applications

• Coupling and connectors
• Industrial hoses
• Hydraulic hoses
• Industrial piping

Power Generation

Power generation is an important subject if we want to sustain our energy needs in the future. Developments are ongoing with manufacturing and with the domestic market. From the circular economy within the plastics manufacturing industry, ensuring recycling of plastic to provide a sustainable resource in plastics, to solar, wind and power.

Applications

• Solar panels
• Wind turbines
• Connectors

Ropes / Ties / Harness

There are many factors that will define what types of material is used:

• excellent friction resistance

• dimensional stability

• mechanical strength

• abrasion resistance

• tension resistance

• effective corrosion protection

Nylon is used in production of cable ties for its strength, heat resistance and creep resistance. PA12, Rilsamid, is used for its strength and as well as being resistance to moisture which is also a very good sustainable option with bio based grades. Rilsan PA11, is 100% renewable origin made from Castor oil.

A nylon block copolymer, Pebax, offers a degree of flexibility and low temperature resistance.

Applications

• Protective coatings for steel / wire ropes
• High performance ropes
• Cable ties

Sanitation

Our need to minimise the spread of bacteria and viruses is never more important in our day to day lives. This can be via hand cleaning and washing facilities to waste management.

From PP and PVC for pipes and connectors to ABS for housings of towel dispensers and soap dispensers.

We have materials that will pass the necessary certifications of water approvals WRAS, KTW or NSF.

Often there is a need for higher chemical resistance due to the nature of eliminiating bacteria via chlorine. We have many options of engineering materials with chlorine resistance (POM) and also high perfomance materials (such as PVDF) with excellent chemical resistance to combat these harsh conditions.

There are also possibilities of using masterbatch additives, such as antimicrobial, to enhance the properties of the material to suit the conditions required, for instance in food safety.

Applications

• Bathroom parts
• Pipes and connectors
• Towel dispensers
• Soap dispensers
• Flush plates

Seals & Gaskets

Seals and gaskets are used to create a barrier between 2 parts to avoid leaking. They're used commonly in many industries and are very important to reduce noise and vibration. Usually made from EPDM rubber, Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs and TPVs) depending on the requirements and conditons of the parts.

Seals can be found in:

• engine parts

• pumps

• rotating shafts

Gaskets are usually designed to seal two non-moving parts but typically need to withstand:

• abrasion

• vibration

• impact

• high temperatures

• chemicals

Applications

• Industrial machinary
• Automotive under bonnet
• Sanitation pipes
• Food industry

Sheets / Shapes

Plastic sheets, produced through the extrusion process, have diverse uses. They can be thermoformed to create trays, containers, and protective covers. Additionally, these sheets allow for creative freedom by combining different materials and incorporating various designs. For machining small volumes of parts or creating rods for display, plastic sheets offer flexibility. Custom-specific requirements can be met using any suitable material.

Applications

• Roofing
• Display
• Packaging
• Rod for display items or welding
• Stock shapes
• Machined parts

Textiles & fibers

The use of plastics in textiles offers:

• versatility

• durability

• moisture resistance

• elasticity

The process begins with extruded plastic strands, created through extrusion. These long continuous strands find their way into various applications and have become well-known in their own right. Among the different materials, nylon stands out for its strength and is commonly used in activewear. Notably, it’s also a key component in tights.

Lycra, or by its chemical name, polyurethane fibers, often accompanies nylon. Its elasticity makes it a favorite in other sportswear, such as swimwear. Meanwhile, polypropylene frequently appears in carpets and upholstery.

For those seeking a wool substitute, acrylic fibers (PMMA) fit the bill. And then there’s polyester, a beloved fabric known for its wrinkle resistance and durability. It’s often chosen for garments that don’t require ironing, sometimes even replacing cotton or being blended to enhance fabric properties.

Applications

• Sports wear
• Carpet fibres
• Tights
• Knitwear