http://www.acculam.com | Thermoset plastics are widely used in manufacturing and other industries. Developed a century ago, engineers continue to find uses for thermosets.
2. Overview
Thermoset plastics have been in use for nearly 100 years and continue to provide
reliable service to a number of industries, including aerospace, automotive
manufacturing, electronics and others. Thermoset plastics are strong and heat
resistant, making them ideal for several applications. Understanding their basic
properties will help you determine whether thermosets are right for your needs.
3. Thermosets: A Brief History
• Thermoset plastic was developed in 1906 by Belgian
chemist Leo Baekeland.
• Baekeland developed the plastic by combining
phenolic resin, formaldehyde and heat.
• Early uses of Baekeland’s discovery included
kitchenware, toys and electronics.
• Further refinements expanded the usefulness of
thermosets and allowed them to be used in many
industrial applications.
4. Why Thermosets?
Thermoset plastics have a number of unique
properties that make them ideal for uses in
various industry. Thermosets are:
-
Heat resistant.
Corrosion resistant.
Sturdy
High strength to weight ratio
5. How Thermoset Laminates Are Made
Thermoset laminates are thermoset plastics made by combining plastics with other materials to
increase their strength. The graphic below illustrates the manufacturing process:
A-stage
B-stage
C-stage
uncured raw stage
semi-cured stage
cured stage
6. Common Base Materials For
Thermoset Laminates
A variety of materials can form the base
materials for thermoset laminates, including:
-
Canvas
Paper
Linen
Glass
Graphite
7. Thermosets Are Versatile
Thermoset plastics are easy to craft into the
components your company needs for various
parts. These plastics can be:
• Milled
• Drilled
• Turned
• Sawed
• Sheared
• Punched
• Sanded
8. Industries Using Thermosets
Thermoset plastics are used in a variety of
industries, thanks to their strength, heat
resistance and versatility. Industries using
thermosets include:
Electronics
Automotive
Transport
Chemical
Utilities
Electrical
Medical
Aviation
Computer
Textile
Machinery
Metal Finishing
Aerospace
Home Appliance
Semi-Conductors
9. How Thermosets Are Used
Thermosets are used in a variety of components,
where their strength and heat resistance are
valued. Some common applications include uses
in:
Switches
Coils
Panels
Boards
Gaskets
Generators
Fuses
Sockets
Vanes
Arc Shields
Gaskets
Transformers
Condensers
Washers
Bus Bars
10. About Accurate Plastics
With more than three decades in the business, Accurate Plastics has built a hard-earned
reputation for providing clients with quality thermoset plastic products. Our company can work
with you to determine how thermosets can meet the insulation or other needs of your products
and provide strong, sturdy materials you can depend upon. To learn more, visit
http://www.acculam.com/.