LDPE

Low Density Polyethylene

Outdoor furniture, siding, floor tiles, shower curtains, clamshell packaging.

LLDPE

Linear Low Density Polyethylene

LLDPE has penetrated almost all traditional markets for polyethylene; it is used for plastic bags and sheets (where it allows using lower thickness than comparable LDPE), plastic wrap, stretch wrap, pouches, toys, covers, lids, pipes, buckets and containers, covering of cables, geomembranes, and mainly flexible tubing.

HDPE

High Density Polyethylene

Available in black, white and colors; more flexible than ABS for forming, and particularly durable at low temperatures; contains natural UV inhibitors; not amenable to adhesives nor to screen printing.

mLLDPE

LLDPE is manufactured by using metallocene catalysts labeled mLLDPE.

XLPE

Cross-linked Polyethylene

a form of polyethylene with cross-links. It is formed into tubing, and is used predominantly in building services pipework systems, hydronic radiant heating systems, domestic water piping and insulation for high tension (high voltage) electrical cables. It is also used for natural gas and offshore oil applications, chemical transportation, and transportation of sewage and slurries.

PP

Polypropylene

Bottle caps, drinking straws, yogurt containers, appliances, car fenders (bumpers), plastic pressure pipe systems.

GPPS

General Purpose Polystyrene

Solid polystyrene is used, for example, in disposable cutlery, plastic models, CD and DVD cases, and smoke detector housings. Products made from foamed polystyrene are nearly ubiquitous, for example packing materials, insulation, and foam drink cups.

HIPS

High Impact Polystyrene

Opaque material available in black, white and a wide variety of PMS colors; economical, formable, amenable to screen printing, hot stamping, and most adhesives; not ideal for outdoor applications.

SAN

Styrene Acrylonitrile

Electrical/Electronic Applications, Automotive Applications, General Purpose, Compounding, Containers, Household Goods, Cosmetic Packaging, Electrical Parts, Business Equipment, Cups.

ABS

Acrylonitrate Butadiene Styrene

Opaque material available in black, white and wide variety of PMS colors; more impact and weather resistant than HIPS, but also more expensive.

ASA

Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate

Outdoor Applications, Automotive Exterior Parts, Automotive Applications, Automotive Interior Parts, Housings, Electrical/Electronic Applications, General Purpose, Sheet, Profiles, Marine Applications.

PC

Polycarbonate

Crystal clear, but also available in tints; extremely high impact strength but low scratch resistance; good UV inhibitor for outdoor applications; much more expensive than PETG.

EVA

Ethylene Vinyl Acetate

Hot melt adhesives, hot glue sticks, top of the line soccer cleats, are usually made from EVA, usually with additives like wax and resin. EVA is also used as a clinginess-enhancing additive in plastic wraps.

PET

Polyethylene Terephthalate

Carbonated drinks bottles, peanut butter jars, plastic film, microwavable packaging.

PVC

Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride

Most popular in clear, although also available in colors (caution: minimums apply); transparent sometimes takes on a slight blue or gray hue; generally in gauges from .010-.040; commonly used for packaging applications; caution: toxic fumes upon burning.

POM

Polyoxymethylene (Polyacetal)

- Mechanical gears, sliding and guiding elements, housing parts, springs, chains, screws, nuts, fan  wheels, pump parts, valve bodies.

- Electrical Engineering: insulators, bobbins, connectors, parts for electronic devices such as televisions,  telephones, etc.

- Vehicle: Fuel sender unit, Light stock (including shifter for light, turn signal), power windows, door lock  systems, articulated shells.

PMMA

Polymethyl Methacrylate

Contact lenses, glazing (best known in this form by its various trade names around the world; e.g., Perspex, Oroglas, Plexiglas), aglets, fluorescent light diffusers, rear light covers for vehicles. It forms the basis of artistic and commercial acrylic paints when suspended in water with the use of other agents.