Types of Thermosetting Plastic
With a number of benefits to thermosetting plastics vs. thermoplastics, the methods and materials fill an important role in the plastic fabrication industry. Within the class of thermosetting polymers, there are a number of different types of material that each serve unique purposes and applications.
RTM Thermosetting Plastics (Fiberglass-Reinforced)
Osborne pioneered the resin transfer molding process in the 1970s before it was established as an industry norm. The closed-molding process utilizes a fiber preform which is impregnated with liquid resin to create finished products that are optimized for strength, hardness, color, flame resistance, corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, and more.
- Polyester
- Vinyl Ester
- Polyimides
RIM Thermosetting Plastics
Osborne adopted RIM-molding technology in the early 1990s when only a handful of manufacturers in the U.S. worked with highly engineered liquid thermosets like DCPD. Since then, expansion into other forms of DCPD, polyurethanes, structural foams, and more provide original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with several material options. RIM polymers create parts that are highly impact, corrosion, and temperature resistant. These types of plastic also offer a number of production benefits from the ability to vary wall thickness to lower energy and space requirements.
- pDCPD (polydicyclopentadiene)
- Polyurethanes
- Polyureas
- Structural Foams
Other Thermosetting Plastics
Osborne only utilizes the thermosetting resins that will offer clients the best combination of utility and value. Although we do not typically work with them, there are a number of other thermosetting polymers available:
- Epoxies
- Melamine
- Silicone
- Urea Formaldehyde
Contact us to learn more about thermosetting polymers and how they can improve your product or project!
