((Please note, The Cutting Edge is a manufacturer of Legend Plates, Nameplates, Overlays, Decals, Labels, Tags and Signs.  We are not a material distributor.  We use these materials in our manufacturing process.)

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PVC Foam Sheet

TRADE NAME

PLEXIGLAS® is the registered trademark for acrylic sheet produced by Ato Haas.

FORMICA® is a registered trademark of the Formica Corporation. NEVAMAR is a registered trademark of International Paper Company.

Commonly referred to as LAMICOID, a phenolic trade name no longer in use. NORPLEX® is a registered trademark of Industrial Laminates / Norplex, Inc. MICARTA® is a registered trademark of International Paper Company. Also referred to as MELAMINE.

SINTRA® is a registered trademark of Allucabond Technologies, Inc..

DESCRIPTION/ DEFINITION

Although sometimes used as a generic term to describe plastics, acrylic is a particular type of plastic characterized by its clarity, colorability and weather resistance.

A polypropylene sheet or board created by joining a corrugated piece between two flat faces. Similar in appearance to corrugated cardboard.

The same product found in many kitchens, the sheet stock is usually bonded to medium density fiber board (MDF) for rigidity.

Original front engravable sheet stock, dating back to 1908. A 3-ply sheet made from 2 phenolic cap sheets laminated to a contrasting colored phenolic core.

Sheet (thicker) version of Polycarbonate Film. Similar to Acrylic Sheet, however is more impact resistant. Noted for its clarity, stability, heat resistance and impact strength.

A rigid, foamed, closed-cell PVC sheet.

CHARACTERISTICS

Optically clear, rigid material, resistant to some chemicals, not solvents. More brittle than Lexan, holes should be oversized and counter sunk fasteners should not be used.

Tough, durable and abrasion resistant. Gloss white is commonly engraved for custom dry erase marker boards.

Hard, brittle material that is abrasion, heat, and chemical resistant. Excellent electrical insulator. Most expensive material to engrave. Cost is related to special precautions taken due to the fact that it is extremely brittle, abrasive to cutting tools, and the dust created when cutting & engraving is a designated carcinogen. Conforms to military specifications LP 387A, Type N.D.P., LP 509.

Excellent chemical, abrasion, impact and stain resistance

ADHESIVES

Sheet stock is produced without adhesive; virtually any adhesive can be applied to this material. Mechanical fasteners are also commonly used for sheet stock.

Sheet stock is produced without adhesive; virtually any adhesive can be applied to this material. Mechanical fasteners are also commonly used for sheet stock.

Mechanical fasteners are usually required to support the weight of a finished board (Laminate + MDF).

Sheet stock is produced without adhesive; virtually any adhesive can be applied to this material. Mechanical fasteners are also commonly used for sheet stock.

Sheet stock is produced without adhesive; virtually any adhesive can be applied to this material. Mechanical fasteners are also commonly used for sheet stock.

Sheet stock is produced without adhesive; virtually any adhesive can be applied to this material. Mechanical fasteners are also commonly used for sheet stock.

Mechanical fasteners are typically used. Teflon etched on one side with an applied adhesive is available.

FLAMMABILITY

Combustible thermoplastic

Combustible thermoplastic

"Class A" type combustible

UL 94 = V-I

UL 94 = Less than 1 inch

UL 94 = VO

Non-flammable

COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION    (Inch/Inch/^OF)

4.0 X 10^-5

at -22^oF to 32^oF: 5.9 x 10-5 at 32^oF to 86^oF: 6.9 x 10-5 at 86^oF to140^oF: 10.3 x 10-5

Not Currently Available

Not Currently Available

3.75 x 10^-5

3.3 x 10^-5

5.5 x 10^-5

TEMPERATURE RANGE

Max, short-term service: +200^oF Max, long-term service: +180^oF

-17^oF to 162^oF

up to 275^oF for short periods up to 140^oF for prolonged exposure.

Max, short-term service: +300^oF Max, long-term service: +150^oF

Brittle temperature: -211^oF Max, short-term service: +250^oF Max, long-term service: +250^oF

5^oF to 150^oF

Min service: -350^oF Max, short-term service: +500^oF Max, long-term service: +400^oF

OUTDOOR RATING

Excellent long term performance. 10+ years

Short term

Not recommended for outdoor use.

Not recommended for outdoor use.

Excellent long term performance; may yellow over extended periods of time.

2-4 Years for White, Colors recommended for short-term outdoor use only.

Excellent long term performance, 25+ years

THICKNESS               (most popular thicknesses underlined)

.030", .040", .050", .060", .080", 1.00", .125", .150", .187", .220" and .250"

4mm

Laminate: .048" MDF: 3/8" to 1-1/4"

3 ply: 1/16", 3/32", 1/8"

.080", .093", .125", .187", .250", .375", .500"

1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 10mm, 13mm, 19mm

.063", .094", .125", .188", .250", .375"

PROCESS(ES)

Engraving, Vinyl Application, Screen Printing

Vinyl Application, Screen Printing

Engraving, Vinyl Application

Engraving

Engraving, Vinyl Application, Screen Printing

Vinyl Application, Screen Printing

Engraving

Translucent and clear acrylic are typically used for see-through and back-lit applications such as Annunciator Windows and Overlays with windows.

Typically used for short-term or light-duty Signs such as promotional signs and displays or "yard" signs.

Dry erase boards for batch process, scheduling, and maintenance / service record information. Decorative Signs & display boards.

Legend plates and Nameplates requiring high heat, chemical, and/or abrasion resistance.

Signs, and see-thru brackets, covers and Nameplates.

Signs requiring light weight (interior, hanging). Light-duty signs.

Teflon sheet material is white and can be engraved to produce nameplates, signs, molds, and parts. Because of is anti-adhesive properties adhesives and paints cannot be used with Teflon. Finished products have white text or images engraved on a white background.

Acrylic is available in a variety of translucent and opaque colors, as well as clear.

Available in a variety of colors.

Large variety of colors and faux images / patterns. Available in matte and glossy finishes.

Variety of colors. Available in satin, matte, glossy finishes.

Although clear is most commonly used with printing to achieve colors, red, yellow, blue, black, and green sheet stock is available in most thicknesses. Available with gloss or low glare finish.

White is available for all thicknesses. Gray, black, red blue, green and yellow are available for 3mm and 6mm thicknesses only.

Natural white color is FDA approved for use in food processing equipment.

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