Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - a polymeric material that is widely used in various fields of advertising products, in the process of repair and construction work, in the design of interior interiors.
History of success
The rich 30-year history of PVC material in the field of thermoplastic plastics is striking in its uniqueness. Due to its excellent properties and characteristics, foamed PVC has a huge variety of applications in all areas of everyday life of a modern person. The raw materials for the production of polyvinyl chloride are such types of raw materials as coal, oil and gas. During the polymerization of the vinyl chloride intermediate, a final PVC material is formed consisting of molecules of carbon dioxide, hydrogen and chlorine.
Numerous developments in the field of production, improvement of formulations and processing methods have shown that due to its unique molecular structure, the substance occupies a special place among other types of thermoplastics.
Foamed PVC has a large number of positive qualities: durability, resistance to temperature extremes, mechanical stress, a variety of processing methods and excellent chemical resistance. Excellent impact resistance and the possibility of outdoor use is achieved through the use of various additives. Foamed PVC sheet is the most common type of PVC product.
The first in Russia production of PVC plastic was introduced by United Extrusion Company under the UNEXT brand. The use of modern high-tech equipment allows us to produce products that comply with all international standards. Thanks to the use of the best raw materials and a unique formulation, UNEXT PVC foamed is no different from its European counterparts.
Types of Sheet Plastic
Since the advent of sheet material on the market, PVC foamed plastic has quickly become a universally applicable product. A variety of types of sheet polyvinyl chloride with special properties allows you to use the material to translate ideas in various fields.
There are several types of the most common hard PVC sheet plastic:
- inert foam PVC sheet - manufactured using the latest technology. As a result, the internal structure is uniform and porous, and the outer surface on both sides is smooth and glossy;
- freely foamed PVC sheet - lightweight plastic made of solid polyvinyl chloride, characterized by a silky surface and a fine porous structure;
- compact sheet - has good impact resistance and high stability;
- compact transparent PVC sheet - transparent plastic with excellent light transmission and impact resistance;
- wavy transparent sheet - created specifically for roofing, characterized by low flammability;
- composite PVC sheet - the inner part consists of free-foam plastic, and the outer layer is a double-sided aluminum coating.
A variety of types and high technical reliability of PVC sheets make plastic universal for various fields of application: interior decoration of buildings, construction, erection of advertising and information stands, interior design of shops and trading floors, mechanical engineering, etc.
Foamed PVC: General Features
- The material does not absorb water and moisture from the air, so it does not swell and, as a result, does not deform during the entire period of operation. Even when in water for a long time, the appearance of the plastic and its performance characteristics do not change.
- One of the main advantages of PVC sheet is its fire safety - plastic belongs to the group of flame-resistant materials that do not support combustion in air.
- Foamed PVC has excellent light fastness.
- The material is used to create elements of complex shape using thermo-, pneumo- and vacuum-forming methods.
- Plastic is resistant to the most common chemicals: household detergents and disinfectants, solutions of acids and alkalis.
- PVC refers to environmentally friendly materials that do not contain heavy metals and do not adversely affect human health and the environment.
- The material is easily machined and handled using conventional tools: it is easily cut, drilled, sawn, bent, glued, fastened with nails, screws and rivets.
- The surface of the plastic is ideal for coating with self-adhesive and laminating film, as well as for applying screen printing, inks for silk-screen printing and varnishes.
Processing methods
PVC foamed sheets are easily exposed to any processing and gluing method. Due to its mechanical features, plastic does not require the use of complex and expensive equipment. PVC sheets can be processed with conventional tools that are used when working with wood or metal.
PVC plastic sawing
Foamed PVC sheet can be manually sawn with a circular saw and band saw, as well as a jigsaw. The material can be sawn with a hand saw designed for woodwork. Saws for metal can become clogged due to the proximity of the cloves. Optimum parameters for sawing:
- speed up to 300 m / min;
- feed 30 m / min.
Experts recommend the following indicators of tooth angles: α = 5 - 10 ° - the front angle, b = 10 - 20 ° - the back, with a tooth pitch of 5 to 10 mm.
Drilling
Foamed PVC is drilled with conventional drills designed for working with metal. The most optimal effect is achieved at a speed of 50 to 300 rpm and a feed of 3.5 to 6 m / min. Angles are recommended for use with these values:
- φ = 100 - 110 ° - angle at the apex;
- β = 30 ° - angle of elevation;
- α = 0-5 0 - rake angle.
Milling
For processing PVC plastic, you can use standard universal vertical and horizontal milling machines. To prevent damage to the surface of the material, plastic or wooden gaskets are used for fixing. Optimum operating mode:
- cutting speed not more than 900 m / min;
- material feed 0.3 - 0.6 m / min;
- rake angle α = 5 - 20 °;
- back angle γ = 10-25 °.
Sheet Edge Processing
PVC foamed sheet requires final finishing. For these purposes, you can use a planer, sandpaper or other equipment used to file the edges of wood or plastic. If the material experiences constant dynamic loads, bumps can add to breaks or cracks. A PVC sheet having a thickness of not more than 3 mm can be cut with an ordinary knife.
PVC plastic stamping
The effectiveness of stamping depends on several factors:
- sheet thicknesses - sheets up to 3 mm thick are easily stamped. If special equipment is used and the correct methods are applied, simple forms can be stamped from PVC with a thickness of 4 to 6 mm. Keep in mind that the edges of the sheet will be slightly rounded;
- sheet temperature - with a slight heating of the material, the stamping quality improves;
- stamping equipment - suitable equipment for stamping cardboard and other foam materials;
- angle of the blade - a prerequisite for high-quality stamping is the location of the blades at an angle of 30 °.
Hot bending
For these purposes, any standard thermoplastic bending equipment is used. Accurate bending depends on a uniform temperature distribution and preliminary determination of the zone of constant heating. The most optimal temperature level is from 115 to 130 ° C. If the temperature is above the indicated maximum, there is a high probability of cracking and splitting of the PVC cellular structure. Most often this happens when folding thicker sheets. In case of insufficient heating, the material will be subjected to strong stress and, possibly, will return to its original state.
When bending foamed materials, one-sided heating is successful only up to a certain point, so the bending radius can be visually unsatisfactory. In this case, a V-shaped incision is applied to the inside of the sheet. A prerequisite is the fixation of the resulting product until the material is completely cooled.
Bonding PVC sheets
PVC foamed roll can be bonded with various types of adhesive. If it is necessary to glue the sheets together, you can use solvent glue for cold welding or reactive (second) glue. When bonding non-porous and non-absorbent materials, the following types of glue are suitable:
- solvent contact - is applied to both surfaces in a ratio of 150 g per 1 m 2 ;
- two-component polyurethane - only one surface is covered.
Bonding of PVC with porous and absorbent materials occurs using aqueous dispersed glue or two-component polyurethane.
Experts recommend conducting tests for each specific case, taking into account factors that may affect the bonding efficiency: resistance to weather and chemicals, elasticity of the adhesive joint.
PVC Foam Welding
PVC sheets can be joined using hot air. During the welding process, certain criteria must be observed: preparing the weld and using the correct temperature. The main thing that you should pay attention to is ensuring uniform heating, while avoiding local overheating. To process foamed PVC, you can use a standard welding rod, which should be preheated to a level of 70 - 80 ° C.
The main parameters of work:
- the edges of the seams of PVC sheets should be beveled at 60 °;
- optimal welding temperature 280 - 290 ° C;
- during operation it is necessary to use a high-speed welding nozzle (3.5 m / min).
Thermoforming
Foamed PVC can be stretched or bent after heating to a certain temperature. However, due to the fact that the material is a two-phase system, half of the volume of which is occupied by the air located inside, some restrictions must be observed. Uniform double-sided heating is recommended for sheet processing. The material should be molded after it becomes elastic. Before thermal exposure, remove the protective film from the PVC sheets.
Printing and varnishing
Due to its structure, the surface of the foamed PVC is ideal for screen printing and varnishing. For these purposes, special vinyl-acrylic dyes are suitable. Before printing and varnish, the surface of the sheets is degreased by rubbing with alcohol.
Scope of foamed PVC
Due to the high rates of sound, heat insulation and moisture resistance, the PVC profile has been used for many years in window and door production and serves as a decoration for balconies and loggias. Transparent and wavy sheets of polyvinyl chloride are used in the field of roofing and glass substitutes.
PVC profile differs from other materials in its reliability, durability, unpretentiousness in operation.
Continuous improvement of processing methods and manufacturing technologies allows manufacturers to open up new possibilities for the use of PVC products. A foam PVC mat is used as a non-slip floor covering for the bathroom. It has a soft texture and does not absorb moisture.
Perfectly suited for external use sheet PVC foamed. The price of this material is significantly lower than other types of thermoplastics. It is suitable for advertising or as a display. Sheet plastic is characterized by good resistance to weather conditions and ultraviolet rays.
Foamed PVC, the price of which has competitive advantages, is widely used in advertising, construction and industry. This is a light and durable material with which you can bring to life any design and color solutions.
Manufacturers of building materials offer a wide range of PVC products. All of it is distinguished by a variety of colors, sheet thickness, and properties. The price of one sheet of 2x3 m in size varies from 1,500 rubles to 4,500 thousand (depending on the manufacturer and other characteristics).