Material Update:
The global availability of PVC is currently limited due to damaged production resources in the supply chain. Because we work with multiple suppliers as a normal business practice, we have numerous options that can be a great (or sometimes superior) substitute. We’re happy to walk you through the possibilities! Call us today to discuss your needs & let us find a material solution for you.
Material Name: Rigid PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Rigid PVC, is a material that provides a good balance of stiffness, impact resistance, UV stability, and inherent UL flame performance. It’s most commonly used in construction for pipe and in profile applications such as doors and windows and refrigeration. Rigid PVC is also often used as a replacement for metal and wood in numerous applications and works great with embossing and textures for highly visible parts. PVC is also popular as flexible PVC where the addition of a plasticizer makes it much more flexible.
Rigid PVC Pros
- Cost effective
- Easy to process
- Easy to bond
- UL, NSF, and UV stable grades
- Flame resistant
- Good chemical resistance
Rigid PVC Cons
- Poor cold temperature impact
- Softens quickly at elevated temperature and then shrinks once cooled
- Poor creep resistance
- Limited to light colors due to heat absorption in dark colors exceeding the Heat Deflection temperature
Definition
Polyvinyl chloride is produced by the polymerization of the vinyl chloride monomer. Rigid PVC (sometimes seen as uPVC) has high hardness and great mechanical properties. As a thermoplastic, it has a natural insulation that helps reduce condensation and resists internal temperature changes. Rigid PVC is chemically resistant to acids, salts, bases, fats, alcohols, and many solvents. It is also recognized as having great resistance against sunlight, chemicals, and oxidation from H20.
Applications
Rigid PVC is a low-maintenance, strong, and lightweight plastic often used in many markets, including construction. It comes in a range of colors and finishes, and often used for window frames and sills when installing insulated glazing in new buildings; or to replace older single-glazed windows, as it is extremely weather-resistant. It has almost entirely supplanted the use of cast iron for plumbing and drainage.
Products
- Window and door frames
- Plumbing and fittings
- Irrigation elements
- Refrigeration component
- Protective bumpers
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL VALUE | UNITS | ASTM METHOD |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHYSICAL | |||
| Shore Hardness | 79 | D scale | D-2240 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.46 | D-792 | |
| MECHANICAL | |||
| Flexural Modulus | 422,000 | psi | D-790 |
| Flexural Strength | 11,800 | psi | D-790 |
| Tensile Strength | 6,010 | psi | D-638 |
| Tensile Modulus | 433,000 | psi | D-638 |
| Notched Izod Impact @ 23°C | 23.3 | ft-lb/in | D256A |
| THERMAL | |||
| Heat Deflection Temp: 0.125 in @ 264 psi | 163 | °F | D-648 |
| Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion | 3.6 x 10^-5 | in/in/°F | D-696 |
| FLAMMABILITY | |||
| Flame rating - UL at 0.0354" | V-0 | UL 94 |
The information provided above is based on typical values, and is believed to be reliable. No warranty is given as to the suitability of the product for a particular application. Determination of the suitability of this product for any use is solely the responsibility of the user.
Custom Plastic Extrusion
Whether its extruded rigid PVC or any number of different plastics, choosing the perfect material for a new extrusion project can be an intimidating task. Intek works closely with industry-leading material manufacturers to offer you many different thermoplastic compound options to meet your project’s needs. And Intek Plastics’ tool and die team applies their knowledge and expertise with the most advanced CAD/CAM software, CNC machining and the latest in EDM technology to custom build the highest quality tools. They’ll work with you to literally shape your ideas and take them from concept to production.
Capabilities
With over 30 production lines, we can manufacture rigid PVC extrusions 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, allowing us to scale production to complete large orders of any complexity. And our extensive extrusion experience in pellet and powder compounds, as well as our advanced cooling capabilities in water, air and vacuum sizing, allow us to succeed in jobs of any shape or size. We serve a wide range of OEMs with orders from 5,000 to 15,000,000 feet.
Did you know that a whopping 85% of the cost of custom plastic extrusions are determined by the design and material? That’s why it’s important to work with an PVC extruder like Intek who will work hand-in-glove with you and design a high-quality product at the lowest total cost. We start by gaining a deep understanding of your needs. Armed with that information, an Intek project engineer guides you through material selection, highlights critical design considerations and helps develop the most cost-effective solution. This hands-on, knowledge-driven approach keeps your product and business a step ahead of the competition. We’re happy to walk you through the rigid PVC selection process.