A trademan's life

If you manufacture plastic products, you will probably need some type of plastic fabrication. This refers to designing or manufacturing plastic products according to certain methods, or changing the properties of plastic to achieve an end result.

You may want to invest in the equipment to do this or send your plastics out to a shop to have them fabricated. Consider the most common and best methods for plastic fabrication, so you can decide which is the right choice for you. This is especially true if you're considering investing in the machinery for your own facility.

1. Laminating

Laminating refers to adding a layer of plastic over another material, usually to add strength and durability to the product. You might create a product from a very thin type of plastic and want to add durability without compromising its melting point or other properties, so laminating a thin layer of plastic over it can achieve this quickly and easily.

2. Rotational molding

Rotational molding of your products is a good choice when you need to create specific shapes for your plastics. When molding plastics you typically heat them to a certain temperature so they become soft and pliable, and the rotational direction creates a smooth and circulator shape. This is a good choice when you need to have plastic pieces fit, such as when creating soda bottles and plastic caps. The rotational mold allows you to create a precise shape and add small details as the plastic is being molded, such as the grooves that keep the cap in place.

3. Plastic compounding or blending

This type of fabrication is done when you want to combine two plastics, usually as a means of getting the advantages of each. For example, one type of plastic may have a higher melting point so it's more durable whereas another type of plastic may be more easy to mold and bend. Compounding or blending is usually done by melting the plastics unit they become pliable.

4. Plastic welding

When two pieces of plastic have very different melting points, they can be joined together by welding. This attaches a third type of plastic to each piece; this third piece is welded to the two original pieces so they're permanently joined. This preserves the composition of each type of plastic.

Consider your application for your plastic pieces to determine the right type of fabrication for you. A plastic fabrication shop can advise you on the best method as well, depending on your end product.