Introduction:
Type 1 PVC is a kind of thermoplastic
product with widespread applications across diverse industries. Unlike most
other plastics, PVC is relatively inexpensive to produce and highly workable,
allowing it the capability to be used as anything from pipe making to
electrical insulations and exterior coatings.
Manufacture
of Type 1 PVC:
Type 1 PVC is usually made using UV
stabilization method, which is a method of thermoforming plastic. Thermoforming
involves applying heat and pressure of varying kinds on plastic sheets to
modify them into desired shape and design. UV stabilization process uses UV
rays to provide heat which helps in its uniform distribution, followed by
cooling. They require temperatures in the range of 266 degrees Fahrenheit and
338 degrees Fahrenheit to become workable enough to mould them into shape.
However, UV stabilization method forms just
a part of the fabrication process. Other parts of the fabrication process are:
Machining:
This process involves using low-speed rotors to shape plastic
sheets into desired dimensions and chipping off unused parts from the finished
product. Low speeds are preferred to have more control over chipping and to
prevent severed chips from flying around everywhere.
Welding:
Hot air welding is often used to join two or more type 1 PVC parts,
either in its raw form or finished form as necessary. However, welding is a
form of destructive joining, so it is preferable to use only for joining large
parts where welds won’t be very visible.
Bonding:
In cases where welding cannot be done, bonding is used to join two
or more PVC parts. Bonding makes use of PVC-friendly adhesives for joining.
Because it is nondestructive, it is generally used for joining small parts
where joints would be visible if joined via welding.
Properties
of Type 1 PVC:
As type 1 PVC is manufacturing using UV
stabilization method, it has good resistance against UV rays. This makes it
perfect for exterior use, especially in applications where sun exposure is
guaranteed. Other properties of type 1 PVC are:
Highly
Resistance Against Fire:
Type 1 PVC is extremely
fire-resistant, hence it makes for good fireproofing material for use in
different scenarios such as PVC pipes. Electrical insulations, wall dividers
etc.
Extremely
Hard:
Type 1 PVC is hard enough to be used as
exterior material. Well-made PVC components last long and don’t lose their
shine or colour with time as easily as other plastics due to their high tensile
strength.
Electrical
Insulation:
PVC is chosen as wire insulator not
just because of their fire-resistant properties, but also because they are poor
conductors of electricity, providing good electrical insulation.
Commercial
Applications of Type 1 PVC:
Due to their high performance and good
resistance properties, they are used in various applications such as:
- Ø Cabinets for bathrooms and
kitchen
- Ø Plastic nuts, bolts and
binding apparatus
- Ø Covering sheets for
exterior protection
- Ø Electric wire insulator
- Ø Frames for windows, doors
and skylights
- Ø Plumbing pipes
- Ø Filters
