Posts Tagged ‘Plastic’

Learn About Greenhouse Plastic and the Benefits

Greenhouse plastic is mainly responsible for maintaining a hothouse effect within a greenhouse. Greenhouse plastic creates a warm and suitable growing environment that allows various types of plants to cultivate beautifully. It creates an enclosure that protects plants from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun while taking advantage of its natural warmth and light. The filtered environment produced by greenhouse plastic makes it possible for garden enthusiasts to grow luscious plants like vegetables and flowers in the cold dead of winter.

Greenhouse plastic is explicitly designed to resist wear and tear unlike conventional construction plastic that cannot filter ultraviolet rays from the sun. Greenhouse plastic is durable due to its knitted design that allows it to be cut and sized to meet the required length for a structure without fraying, ripping or tearing. The material can easily be framed around any greenhouse opening like a vent, door or windows.

Greenhouse plastic is the preferred covering of most garden enthusiasts compared to other types of greenhouse covering. At the same time costs are greatly reduced when greenhouse plastic is used since it lightweight and does not require heavy-duty structural framing. The diffusion of light into a structure constructed of greenhouse plastic is as good as that of a glass greenhouse.

Types of Greenhouse Plastic

Greenhouse plastic films are generally made of three types of plastics namely, PVC or polyvinyl chloride, PE or polyethylene and copolymers. Although, there are other types of plastic used these three are most widely used among all.

Polyethylene greenhouse plastic is available in two types, the utility grade and the commercial grade greenhouse plastic. Utility grade polyethylene greenhouse plastic is sold at local hardware stores and generally stays in good condition for practically a year. Commercial grade polyethylene greenhouse plastic last longer that utility grade PE up to eighteen months and is treated with ultraviolet inhibitors that filter out ultraviolet rays. 

Copolymers are more durable and last up to three years. Innovative additives introduced into greenhouse plastic enable it to mimic the same effects of a glass greenhouse at considerably reduced costs. Polyvinyl chloride is more expensive compared to polyethylene however this type of greenhouse plastic can last up to five years. However PVC greenhouse plastic requires regular washing to prevent dust buildup from the air. It is also sold in smaller sheets of four feet by six feet wide.

How to Attach Greenhouse Plastic to Frame

Once the frame has been built it is time to put on the greenhouse plastic film to enclose the entire structure. The plastic film can either be made of polyethylene, copolymers or polyvinyl chloride depending the preference of the owner. But as much as possible choose a greenhouse plastic that is resistant to ultraviolet rays in order to make the most of the structure. Before laying the greenhouse plastic covering on the frame it is important to mask the joints of the frames with several rounds of tape or a rubber material to prevent it from puncturing the covering.

The greenhouse plastic film can be secured in place using a staple gun. A more rigid construction using 1″ by 2″ wood strips and wood screws can also be used to secure the greenhouse plastic film in place. The wood strips are attached to the frame so that the greenhouse plastic film does not come in direct contact with the frame.

A popular technique used by nurseries is a double-walled construction for better insulation within the structure that adds up to considerable energy savings. Two sheets of plastic are layered and framed leaving a small amount of space in between about five to eight inches wide. Air is introduced into the framed plastics that produce a dead air zone, which can efficiently insulate the entire greenhouse. Various tapes like poly patching tape and batten tape can be used to secure greenhouse plastic into place.

Poly patching tape is constructed from UV protected acrylic along with the adhesive to protect the greenhouse plastic from weakening on contact with it. This type of tape can be used to patch holes and rips that may happen to the plastic film. Its excellent holding strength and wide tape make an ideal for securing the plastic film to the frame of the greenhouse. On the other hand batten tape can be fastened the plastic film using staples or tacks to the greenhouse structure. It is also made of heavy gauge vinyl that is also UV protected.

Plastic Greenhouses – How To Know If You’re Getting Good Quality

There are two main types of plastic greenhouses on the market today: polycarbonate panels and polyethylene covers.  Each has its own pros and cons, and quality can vary greatly between the two types of materials.  In this article, we will discuss the ins and outs of shopping for plastic greenhouses, the pros and cons of each material type, and how you can be sure you’re getting a good quality product before you buy.

Polycarbonate is a type of engineered plastic that, unlike glass or acrylic, is virtually unbreakable.  Polycarbonate plastic is used in bulletproof windows, compact discs, and eyeglass lenses.  Polycarbonate plastic is also incredibly lightweight: it’s only about one sixth the weight of glass.  The primary disadvantage of polycarbonate is that it’s more expensive than glass or acrylic.  Polycarbonate panels are often used in constructing greenhouses because they can be made crystal clear to look just like glass, but with far less weight and much more durability.  Unlike glass, you won’t have to worry about polycarbonate panels scratching, cracking, or shattering.  They are a very good quality choice in plastic greenhouses.

Polyethylene covers encompass another whole realm of plastic greenhouses.  Greenhouses with flexible covers that stretch over a frame can be either permanent outdoor units that are cemented to the ground or temporary use units designed to be set up and taken down, as needed.  The ability to have a greenhouse set up only part of the year can be very advantageous for some homeowners; particularly those who are limited on outdoor space and don’t want to commit to a permanent structure that’s set up year round.

The most critical factor to consider when looking at greenhouses with polyethylene covers is the UV stability of the material.  By its very nature, polyethylene is highly reactive to ultraviolet light.  This means that an untreated sheet of polyethylene left in the sun would rapidly break down, probably completely disintegrating within a couple months.  For this reason, most greenhouses with polyethylene covers are treated to make them UV resistant.  Keep in mind, though, that the UV inhibitor that’s added to the plastic doesn’t make the covers completely impermeable to ultraviolet rays, it only increases the material’s resistance.  They will still break down over time, but the UV inhibitor greatly increases their longevity.  Before purchasing a greenhouse with polyethylene cover, ask the manufacturer or retailer what the expected life of the unit is.  Also be sure to have them qualify their answer by explaining if they mean for continuous use or temporary use.  For example, when a retailer tells you that a greenhouse is rated for 3-5 years of serviceable use, this may be based on only having it set up 3 months out of the year, which really means that the unit is only rated for 9 to 15 months of continuous use.  This is an important differentiation to make.

Lastly, if you do decide to purchase a greenhouse with polyethylene cover, it’s critical to cinch the material down tightly over the frame.  If the cover isn’t cinched down tightly, the wind will literally beat the plastic to death, greatly reducing the useful life of the greenhouse.  Since the cover is always the first part to wear out on these types of greenhouses, you may want to inquire if covers can be purchased separately at a later date, or an even better option may be to buy one complete greenhouse unit and an extra cover up front, so you’ll have it on hand when you need it.

In summary, if you want a greenhouse that will stand the test of time, and assuming you have room in your yard for a permanent structure, then polycarbonate panels are the best choice.  On the other hand, if you want something that can be used on a seasonal basis, and taken down when it’s not needed, then a unit with polyethylene cover may be just what you need.  Either way, you can now begin your greenhouse shopping adventure, armed with the information you need to make an informed decision about what’s best for you.

Plastic Slip Sheets Are a Superior Alternative to Other Materials

Plastic slip sheets are an important part of any kind of movement and transportation with large shipments and deliveries. These plastic slip sheets can help you to move the pallets that you need to move. Many fail to realize that plastic slip sheets can easily be a superior alternative to other materials. People are used to wooden pallets. Understanding what plastic slips sheets can bring will help you to understand how they could be better than your previous materials.

Recyclable

Plastic slip sheets are recyclable. You may not be thinking about recycling now, but this are perfect for the environment. They are easily reusable. If you decide that you cannot use them any more, you can recycle them. They can then be turned into many other plastic products. They could even be re-molded into more plastic slip sheets. This helps the environment tremendously. Instead of sitting in a landfill, plastic slip sheets can continue on as another type of plastic good.

Non-Resource-Use

Plastic does not damage or use the natural resources that we are finding to be so precious. The plastic slip sheets are made of just that; plastic. Since they can be recycled, they have more to offer than other types of pallets. Plastic slip sheets are better for the environment than the other types of pallets.

Affordable

Plastic slip sheets are affordable. They often cost less than any of the other materials that are used for pallets. Plastic can be cheap. It is cheaply made but is a quality product. Any pallet that can be created efficiently and cheaply is going to be a good purchase. When considering how you can get a quality product from plastic, plastic slip sheets are the most affordable yet quality solution.

Sturdy

Plastic is sturdy. Those who have dealt with heavy-cast plastic know that it can handle a beating. This is important when looking at pallets. They need to be able to handle weight, and they need to be able to handle the wear and tear of movement. Plastic slip sheets can be stronger and more sturdy than most of the materials that would otherwise be used. And because they are recyclable and cheap, it does not hurt the environment, or your bank account, to replace them.

Plastic slip sheets can be used to replace pallets or they can be used to work in between them to make transportation easy. Many fail to think of plastic slip sheets simply because they are used to their own traditions with transportation. These slip sheets could make the job easier. They can make it easy to move what you need to move without hassle. They may not have the name recognition or backing of many of the other materials used, but they can still be quality products that will get the job done.

Plastic slip sheets are a superior alternative to other materials that you can find around the North America and around the world. Any mold desig in several materials like plastic, acrylics, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate and more.

Plastic Sheeting as Alternative to Costly Steels

Plastic sheeting is the popular substitute for steel in the global market. Plastic sheets are very firm and strong to accommodate all tasks, from house furniture to roofing purposes.

Plastic Sheeting is the result of plastic extrusion. This is formed by means of a high range manufacturing process – melting and deforming a raw plastic that results to permanent file of plastic sheets.

The ranges of plastic products are compatible for the construction and engineering substances. Display sheets, prints, and signs have diverted into plastic sheeting. Special designs in fabrication of plastic sheets are in extensive service globally. These plastic products have different kinds of classification from window frames to outdoor roofing applications.

Plastic sheeting is the best alternative for the more expensive steel.

There are many types of plastic sheeting. The Acrylic Plastic Sheet combines the most reliable quality for the visor or helmet. It has the most precise optical clearness. The intensity of the color of this product combines a good illumination in a wide range of opaque colors, transparent and translucent.

You can create a design depending on your project because acrylic is easy to shape. It is blended well with tough hardness and finish surface and is resilient to chemical and weather. It is easy to clean and maintain. It is largely utilized for aquariums or tanks at homes or commercial establishments. Acrylic plastic is also best for exterior lenses of automobile lights and appropriate watcher protector.

The Plastic Aluminum Composite Sheet catches the ultimate color of red, blue, green, yellow, metallic, black and white. This generous selection of colors grabs the eye of customers. These are lightweight, making it perfect for loading. It is also rust-proof and weather-proof. The material in aluminum plastic sheet is considered as first class thermal insulation. It has the best proven properties of light polythene core and varnish of baked aluminum polyester. It is ideal for all around indoor and outdoor purposes.

Plastic Aluminum Composite Sheet is recommended to use as panels for canopy and ceiling, display boards and billiards, stand for exhibitions and showrooms, copings for parapet walls, covers for column, wraps for beam, parts for furniture, elevators and stairways, panels for partition, and cladding canopy and balcony

The Polycarbonate Plastic Sheeting is the most natural among all plastic products. It comprises of clear and translucent quality and is heat resistant up to 145 degrees. It is unaffected by acids and water substances. These types of plastic sheeting are best for electronic application such as conduction of electrical properties.

The polycarbonate sheets are stabilized in advanced engineering practice to meet the reinforced shape, a great advantage for those who want to fabricate their own forms of design. Polycarbonate plastic sheeting substance has the best dimensional stability suitable for food exposure. It has the advantage of having superior resistance against heat and temperature and has massive mechanical potency. It also provides high endurance and strength compared to glass.

Polycarbonate plastic sheets are suitable for insulating electrical parts. It can be used also in components for medical and pharmaceutical apparatus, for glazing task, and tough materials for electrical engineers.

Polypropylene Plastic Sheets come in natural, beige, grey, black and white. It possesses superb resistance to solvents and degreasing substance as well as in the attack of electrolytic. The polypropylene Sheets are preferred for all applications exposed to cold state. It is lightweight, easy to form, bendable and welded.

These are used mainly in packaging purposes, cassette holder, pipes, tanks and linings, shells for seats and other automotive parts, containers and fibers.

Acrylic And Plastic Fabrication

A great many cost-effective products such as point of sale display stands and brochure holders are made from acrylic or plastic these days. One of the best features of Acrylic stands is that they are see-through, so that using them makes brochures and leaflets more visible to the customer who may otherwise pass through the foyer without noticing them.

Thermo forming machines are used during plastic fabrication to heat plastic sheets so that they can be stretched over a mould to form a product of some kind. Thin plastic is used to form such things as cups and plates. This can be fed into the thermoforming machine from a roll. Thicker sheets and larger thermo forming machines are used for such things as refrigerator linings and vehicle dashboard panels.

During the process vacuum forming removes trapped air and helps to adjust the thickness of the material at specific points so that these areas will not be thin and weaker. At the end of the cycle, the vacuum must be broken to allow the product to be removed from the machine. This is done by a short burst of reverse air pressure called air-eject.

The plastic sheet is then fed into another machine that cuts the moulded parts from the surrounding plastic web. The waste parts can then be recycled to make more plastic sheeting for use by the same company or another one.

Laser cutting is used in the production of many acrylic and plastic products. Using a laser to cut through plastic or acrylic sheets gives a superior edge that is smooth and well-defined.

Thermo forming can be used to create sample products or one-off prototype parts, or larger machines can be used to create many thousands of parts or shapes per hour – for instance, disposable cups and other containers for the food industry. It is also of particular use for the medical industry.

New heavy gauge thermoforming technology came into being during the Second World War with the need for aircraft windows and machine gun turret windows. The end use of most heavy gauge parts is of a permanent nature, while the thin gauge products are usually disposable. For more details visit www.bmplastics.com.au.

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History Of The Acrylic Sheet (The History Of Plastic Product Manufacturing)

Plastic acrylics are used in so many applications, in so many areas of life; it’s hard to imagine a world without them. Where would we be had the science behind this revolutionary material never been explored? If acrylic had never been developed, would we be stuck with heavy, expensive objects instead of the relatively light and inexpensive materials we are familiar with today? What would brochure holders, brochure displays, racks, counter displays, donation / suggestion boxes and point of purchase (p.o.p) displays be made from? We all take it for granted, but the history of plastics and acrylics is worthy of understanding.

”Plastic” means to form or model something. This helps to understand the overall concept. It all really started in 1773 with the discovery and isolation of the compound “urea”, which is found in the urine of mammals and other higher forms of animal life. In 1828, when urea was synthetically produced, the foundation for phenol-formaldehyde plastics was formed. That brings us to 1843 when an acrylic acid preparation was reported. Following that, Dr. Otto Rohm published the results of his research with acrylic resinoids in 1901. His thesis, “On the Polymerization Products of Acrylic Acid” explained how the polymers obtained in his research had simultaneous properties of a tough, flexible glass and a rigid plastic.

Next came Dr. Leo Baekeland. In 1909, he secured the first patent for phenol- formaldehyde, which he combined to form a resinous substance, a phenolic plastic. He called it “Bakelite”. This material could be softened with heat and then molded into shape. It could then be set into final form by continued heating under pressure while in the mold; a true plastic. This was revolutionary. As a result, Baekeland’s discovery triggered the imagination and research of organic chemists worldwide.

Acrylic resins started being used in 1931 for industrial coatings and laminated glass binders. The better known derivative of methacrylic acid, polymethyl methacrylate, was not introduced until 1936 as a transparent sheet and in 1937 as a molding powder. This marked the start of the acrylic era and the Plexiglas revolution.

In World War II, acrylic sheet played an important role as a bullet resistant glazing in warplanes because it was light, strong and could be easily formed to fit into the structural designs of aircraft. It was at this time that Plexiglas started being used in homes and factories for safety glazing, electrical and chemical applications, skylights, windscreens and many other uses.

Some key dates:

? 1911: Research commenced in the field of acrylics.
? 1928: Methyl methacrylate was synthesized in the laboratory.
? 1933: A method was found to cast methyl methacrylate between two plates of glass and to polymerize it inside this cell. This was a crystal-clear, hard and break-resistant plastic.
? 1934: Initial applications were for cover glasses, watch glasses and lenses for protective goggles.
? 1950: New fields of application included shop window displays, protective screens around machine tools, jointless tubes for conveyors etc. The procurement of raw material returned to normal after World War II.

Today, acrylics are used in millions of unique products, including brochure displays, racks, counter displays, donation / suggestion boxes and point of purchase (p.o.p) displays. There is one thing you can say: The beauty, simplicity and low cost of acrylic continues to make it one of the greatest manufacturing materials in the world.

Properties Of Acrylic Sheets (The Value Of Plastic Products)

Have you ever looked at something made of plastic and wondered how it was made? It’s obviously not a metal, wood or plant based derivative. To the educated person, it could be assumed that it’s made by a chemical process, but not much more about it is as easily surmised. Clearly, acrylic thermoplastics have some very interesting characteristics and properties. Of course, they are well known for their crystal clarity and outstanding weatherability. But did you also know they are available in cast sheet, rod, and tube, extruded sheet and film, and compounds for injection molding and extrusion? Acrylic can be used to manufacture brochure holders, racks, counter displays, donation / suggestion boxes and point of purchase (p.o.p) displays among other products.

Below are some general properties of acrylic sheet:

? Strong and resists weathering
? Flexible when compared with glass
? Less breakable than glass
? Abrasion resistant
? Can withstand sunlight for long durations
? Resistant to most chemicals and industrial fumes
? Can transmit or filter ultraviolet light
? Can be cleaned easily
? Can be cut by various methods
? Corrosion resistant
? Good insulator.

Other general properties include the ability to transmit and control light. They are also stable against discoloration, and have superior dimensional stability, as you would notice if you have an acrylic brochure display, counter display, donation / suggestion box or point of purchase (p.o.p) display. Possessing an excellent combination of structural and thermal properties, clear acrylic plastic is as transparent as the finest optical glass:

? Possess a light transmittance of 92%
? Low haze level of approximately 1%
? Index of refraction of 1.49

It also has the ability to be injected with color, producing a full spectrum of transparent, translucent, or opaque colors depending on your needs. This process does no harm in terms of long-term durability; colored acrylics can be used outdoors for a long time. Why? They are formulated to filter ultraviolet energy in the 360-nm and lower band. Other acrylic formulations are opaque to UV light or provide reduced UV transmission.

And how about mechanical properties? Although not known for having many, acrylics can be used for short-term loading. If the intended use is long-term, stresses must be limited to 1,500 psi to avoid surface cracking and deterioration.

Acrylic does well in the cold, as the impact resistance of standard formulations is maintained in these conditions. It should be noted that high-impact acrylic grades have greater impact strength than standard grades at room temperature, but impact strength decreases as temperature drops. Some types of acrylic are even known to resist bullets!

Acrylic plastics are highly scratch resistant, especially among other thermoplastics. It’s a good idea, however, to ensure proper maintenance and cleaning. Keep in mind that abrasion-resistant acrylic sheet is available and has the same optical and impact properties as standard grades. You will see this in many of our brochure displays, racks, counter displays, donation / suggestion boxes and point of purchase (p.o.p) displays.

This brings up a good point – its versatility and adaptability. Are you aware that Jet-aircraft cabin windows are made from acrylic sheet? They do this by inducing molecular orientation during forming. This proves the potential strength of acrylic sheet. How do they react to other chemicals and compounds? Acrylic sheet and moldings resist solutions of inorganic acids and alkalies and aliphatic hydrocarbons such as VM&P naphtha, as well as most detergent solutions and cleaning agents. They are attacked by chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons, esters, and ketones.