Thermoset Plastic Molding is Revolutionizing the Plastics Industry
A good analogy for thermosetting plastic is if you were making a pancake—once the batter is heated into a pancake, there’s no way to turn it back into batter. Thermosetting plastic uses heated molding techniques to shape plastic into permanent forms. Finished thermoset plastic parts cannot be melted and reused for other components. They retain their shape in extreme temperature, and adverse weather conditions.
Stronger Plastic with Lighter Components
For thermoset plastic compounds, a catalyst is added, which creates a chemical reaction at the molecular level. The resulting application using a thermoset compound forms a durable part resistant to further chemical change. The result is a highly engineered solutuion for applications requiring high heat, low creep, and chemical/corrosion resistant parts.
Thermoset plastics come with a range of positive benefits, including:
- Mechanical strength
- Dimensional stability
- Creep resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Heat resistance
Because thermoset plastics retain their shape and strength even when exposed to heat, they are an excellent choice for components. The exceptional strength ensures that they can resist extreme heat and other pressures. Additionally, thermoset plastics’ electrical and thermal insulating properties make them ideal for electrical and electronic applications. What’s more, depending on the resin type used, thermoset plastics deliver corrosion resistance and high-impact strength. We use epoxies, silicones, polyesters, and phenolics in our thermosetting procedures, and each offers unique properties that benefit different applications.
A Molding Technique for All Occasions
Our thermoset plastics form a wide variety of components used in different industries. Thermoset plastics appear in:
- Panels for construction equipment
- Electrical housings and components
- Insulators
- Circuit breakers
- Heat shields
- Components for appliances
- Table and chair tops
- Agricultural feeding troughs
- Cell tower tops
- Motor components
- Disc brake pistons
Industries using thermoset plastics include:
- Aerospace
- Heavy-duty construction equipment manufacturing
- Energy
- Automotive manufacturing
Quality Thermoset in Stone
Thermoset plastics make up components that meet the material specifications of many other production materials at a fraction of the cost. Manufacturers use thermoset injection molding to create a variety of small and large parts at high volumes without sacrificing quality. Molds can produce complex geometric shapes, creating unique components impossible to produce with metals.
Thanks to their superior properties and customizable surface aesthetics, thermoset plastics provide lightweight and cost-efficient alternatives to metal components. What’s more, thermoset injection plastics experience little to no shrinkage once removed from molds.
MCM Composites has been thermosetting plastics since 1983, serving the needs of customers throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Mexico, China, and the Caribbean. Our expertise allows us to meet the exact specifications of our customers, whether you need one specific piece or more than one million parts.
To learn how thermoset plastic can lower your costs without sacrificing the strength and durability your components need, visit our site to request a quote today.
