Polymer fittings can be made from a variety of materials including:
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) PVC is a widely used thermoplastic material for making pipe fittings due to its durability, resistance to chemicals and low cost.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) ABS is a strong, rigid and impact resistant thermoplastic that is commonly used for plumbing and drainage systems.
Polypropylene (PP) PP is a versatile thermoplastic material that is resistant to chemicals, abrasion and high temperatures, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Polyethylene (PE) PE is a lightweight, flexible and durable thermoplastic material that is commonly used for irrigation and water supply systems.
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) CPVC is a thermoplastic material that has better chemical resistance and can withstand higher temperatures compared to PVC, making it suitable for hot water supply systems.
Polybutylene (PB) PB is a thermoplastic material that is flexible, durable and easy to install, making it suitable for use in plumbing and heating systems.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) PET is a strong and lightweight thermoplastic material that is commonly used for making beverage bottles and food containers, but can also be used for certain fittings.
The choice of material for polymer fittings will depend on the specific application and the properties required for the fitting to perform its intended function effectively.
Here are a few more materials that are used to make polymer fittings:
Polyoxymethylene (POM) POM, also known as acetal, is a strong, stiff and durable thermoplastic that is commonly used for making fittings for high stress applications, such as in automotive and aerospace industries.
Fluoropolymer Fluoropolymers are a group of thermoplastics that have excellent resistance to chemicals and high temperatures, making them suitable for use in corrosive and high temperature environments. Examples of fluoropolymers include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP).
Polyamide (PA) PA, also known as nylon, is a tough and durable thermoplastic that has good chemical resistance and low friction properties, making it suitable for making fittings for use in high stress applications, such as in automotive and industrial applications.
Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) EPDM is a synthetic rubber that is commonly used for making gaskets and seals for polymer fittings due to its excellent resistance to heat, water, and steam.
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) TPEs are a group of materials that combine the properties of rubber and plastic, making them flexible, durable and easy to process. TPEs are commonly used for making seals and gaskets for fittings as they can provide a good seal and have excellent resistance to chemicals and high temperatures.
The choice of material for polymer fittings will depend on a variety of factors such as the specific application, environmental conditions, and the properties required for the fitting to perform its intended function effectively.
Polyphenylene oxide (PPO) PPO is a thermoplastic material that has high dimensional stability and good resistance to heat and chemicals. It is commonly used for making fittings for use in automotive and electrical applications.
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) TPU is a flexible and durable thermoplastic material that is commonly used for making fittings for use in medical, automotive and industrial applications due to its excellent resistance to chemicals, abrasion and impact.
Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) PEEK is a high performance thermoplastic material that has excellent resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, and wear. It is commonly used for making fittings for use in aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.
Polyimide (PI) PI is a high performance thermoplastic material that has excellent dimensional stability, high temperature resistance, and chemical resistance. It is commonly used for making fittings for use in aerospace and electronic applications.
Liquid crystal polymer (LCP) LCP is a high performance thermoplastic material that has excellent dimensional stability, high temperature resistance, and chemical resistance. It is commonly used for making fittings for use in electronic and automotive applications.
Polymer fittings can be made from a wide range of materials, each with their own unique properties and benefits. The choice of material will depend on the specific requirements of the application, such as the environmental conditions, the stresses and forces that the fitting will be subjected to, and the desired performance characteristics.
Polyetherimide (PEI) PEI is a high performance thermoplastic material that has excellent dimensional stability, high temperature resistance, and good electrical properties. It is commonly used for making fittings for use in aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.
Polyethylene oxide (PEO) PEO is a thermoplastic material that has excellent flexibility and toughness, making it suitable for use in fittings for medical and pharmaceutical applications.
Polypropylene random copolymer (PP R) PP R is a thermoplastic material that is commonly used for making fittings for hot and cold water supply systems. It has excellent resistance to corrosion and scale formation and is known for its durability and ease of installation.
Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) PPS is a high performance thermoplastic material that has excellent dimensional stability, high temperature resistance, and chemical resistance. It is commonly used for making fittings for use in automotive, electronic, and industrial applications.
Polyurethane (PU) PU is a thermoplastic material that is commonly used for making fittings for use in the automotive, industrial, and medical sectors. It has excellent abrasion and tear resistance and is known for its flexibility and toughness.
In general, the choice of material for polymer fittings will depend on the specific requirements of the application, such as the environmental conditions, the stresses and forces that the fitting will be subjected to, and the desired performance characteristics. Each material has its own unique properties and benefits, and it is important to select the right material to ensure that the fitting performs its intended function effectively and efficiently.
