Designs Infused
Plastics Reference Sheet
Because our process involves temperature (140C – 200C; 285F- 390F) and pressure (0.75 – 0.9 bar; 20" – 27" Hg), the material specifications are dependent not only on the heat deflection and melt point, but also on the geometry of the part. Thinner walled parts require a material with higher thermal properties while thicker parts may be more flexible on the material choice.
Compatible PolymersThere are many different polymers that work well with our process. The following is a list of polymers that have successfully been decorated either directly into the resin surface or into coating applied to the surface.
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We are confident that the process will work with most engineered plastics, provided the substrate has a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of at least 275 degrees F. It is important to point out that there are many plastics that will work with our process, and the only way to determine if a plastic product is amenable to our process is through research and development. Some plastics may be more tolerable to imaging directly to the plastic than others. All can be coated to accept imaging. The imaging process follows a time-temperature curve, i.e. as the temperature goes up the process time will go down, and this inverse proportion is based on the thermal conductivity and thermal properties of the part. We define the process parameters by first determining the highest temperature the part can withstand without deformation, and then determine the time required to achieve the optimal image. The highest possible temperature allows for the shortest possible process time offering the most efficient production rate. |
