Materials

A generic term for plastics, thermoplastics or polymers, materials are the stuff of which molded and extruded parts are made. Broad subcategories include commodity materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC; and engineering materials such as nylon, acetal and ABS for applications requiring higher performance in the areas of heat resistance, chemical resistance, impact, fire retardancy or mechanical strength. This Zone includes links to many material subsets, including those mentioned above as well as thermoplastics elastomers, biopolymers and nanocomposites.

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Mixed Signals on Resin Prices

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Part 5: Heat Deflection Temperature vs. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis

In the final part of this five-installment series, we bring DMA to a practical level using the results for glass-filled nylon.

Article

Part 4: Heat Deflection Temperature vs. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis

The presentation of DMA data can sometimes frustrate users and discourage its adoption. Those unfamiliar with DMA should insist on receiving data relevant to the manner in which the part they are developing will be used.