Fabricated Plastic Parts and Semi-Finished Shapes

Fabricated plastic parts and semi-finished shapes include molded, cast, extruded and machined parts made from any polymeric materials. Common forms for fabricated plastic parts and semi-finished shapes include bars, films, plates, profiles, rods and shims. Plastic shapes with square, spherical, angular, rectangular, hexagonal, tubular, I-shaped, and T-shaped cross-sections are also available. Hollow stock is usually tubular or pipe-shaped and contains an open internal bore. Round stock is often used with valves. Specialty fabricated plastic parts and semi-finished shapes are manufactured according to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) requirements or in-house capabilities.

Fabricated plastic parts and semi-finished shapes vary in terms of dimensions and features. Dimensions for plastic shapes include thickness, length, width, inner diameter (ID), and outer diameter (OD). Features include electrical insulation and thermal insulation. Plastic shapes that prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI), radio frequency interference (RFI), and electrostatic discharge (ESD) are also available. Typically, these fabricated plastic parts and semi-finished shapes have high electrical conductivity and low electrical resistivity. Flame retardant materials resist ignition or reduce the spread of flames when exposed to high temperatures. Dampening materials are used to reduce sound, vibration, or shock.
 
Selecting fabricated plastic parts and semi-finished shapes requires an analysis of mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical properties. Mechanical properties for plastic shapes include tensile strength, tensile modulus, and elongation. Thermal properties include temperature range, thermal conductivity, and the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Resistivity, dielectric strength, and dielectric constant are important electrical properties to consider. Optical properties for fabricated plastic parts and semi-finished shapes include index of refraction, a measure of the speed of light in a material, as well as transmission.
 
Fabricated plastic parts and semi-finished shapes are used in many industries and applications. Some plastic shapes are used in aerospace, automotive, marine, military, and tooling applications. Others are designed for electrical power and high voltage products such as generators, transformers, circuit breakers, and motor assemblies. Plastic shapes that are designed for semiconductors and integrated circuit (IC) packaging are also available. Fabricated plastic parts and semi-finished shapes that are suitable for medical, pharmaceutical, and food processing must meet the requirements of agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

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