Q: Where do I start in selecting the right material for an application?
A: When considering material choice, you must understand the expectations of the end user and the key performance criteria of the part. The more questions and the earlier you ask them the better, ensuring correct polymer selection from the beginning. Common considerations include the cost of the finished product, the mechanical performance required (loading, stress, rigidity), environmental exposure (chemicals, extreme temperatures or weathering) and service life. Then you need to consider colour, any assembly with other parts as well as any approvals required (e.g. food, medical or flammability).
With thousands of polymer grades available, a huge range of products can be manufactured using plastics and the good news is that you are not alone. Material experts are available to help simplify the decision making process and ensure that your product is ultimately fit for function.
Q: Where can I go for impartial advice on material selection?
A: Distrupol is completely independent so is well placed to offer truly unbiased support. As a European leader in the distribution of polymers, Distrupol can boast a large portfolio of materials ranging from commodity polyolefins to more exotic engineering thermoplastics, rubbers & elastomers.
Q: What other technical support is available?
A: Distrupol offers assistance in conceptual design, part & material flow analysis, tooling design, sampling & process optimisation as well as technical training.
Q: What resources are available?
A: Distrupol places an emphasis on technical support with a dedicated team of experienced polymer engineers (field and office based) able to help from the start to the conclusion of a project.
This is supplemented by online resources based around the website www.distrupol.com.
The Product Information Centre (PIC) is one of the most comprehensive online technical resources in the plastics industry, allowing users to select datasheets, compare data on up to 5 products and select grades by generic type or material properties.
Unique comparator cards group some of the most popular polymers by attribute (e.g. clear materials, metal replacement polymers) displaying the information in a common format that enables side by side comparison.
Telephone: 0845 200 30 40
