{"id":1018,"date":"2019-07-19T17:36:58","date_gmt":"2019-07-19T16:36:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.becgroup.com\/?p=1018"},"modified":"2022-04-20T13:08:36","modified_gmt":"2022-04-20T13:08:36","slug":"polystyrene","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.becgroup.com\/news\/polystyrene\/","title":{"rendered":"POLYSTYRENE \u2013 Light, Versatile and Recyclable"},"content":{"rendered":"

Think polystyrene and invariably you\u2019ll think of the packaging encasing your new TV or home appliance, or those lightweight coffee cups?<\/p>\n

That\u2019s polystyrene in its\u2019 expanded air (EPS) form, however here at BEC we use polystyrene for all manner of solid component parts by injection moulding it, rendering it versatile and easy to predict.<\/p>\n

DIVERSE<\/h3>\n

Lightweight, non-toxic and easily formed into various shapes, Polystyrene is a commonly used plastic for everyday items; such as food packaging, containers, industrial and automotive parts. \u00a0Even around the home; here at BEC we injection mould polystyrene<\/a> into 125mm round self-seal coupler ducts for use in bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms, as well as it being the ideal polymer for popular children\u2019s toys.\u00a0 Think Airifix models!<\/p>\n

PREDICTABLE<\/h3>\n

Polystyrene\u2019s predictable and uniform material shrinkage make it ideal for injection moulding, with a reduced warpage of plastic injection moulded parts, it enables the moulder and mould maker to be more precise when it comes to predicting final dimensions of the moulded part.<\/p>\n

100% RECYCLABLE<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s 100% recyclable!\u00a0 Recycled in the UK for over 20 years (do check that your local tip or local council waste collection recycles polystyrene) and with increased awareness, polystyrene can be ground down for regrinding, compacted and manufactured into something new or remoulded or recycled into a completely new product.<\/p>\n

IMPACT STRENGTH<\/h3>\n

Whilst brittle in its crystal-clear optical form, with the application of additives it offers impressive impact strength (HIPS).\u00a0 As one of the oldest polymers (1930), it\u2019s amorphous and used in many well-known plastic alloys, (ABS, SAN, SBR, SBL etc).<\/p>\n

REDUCED WASTE<\/h3>\n

As for the pros and cons:<\/p>\n

PROS<\/h3>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Easily recyclable and reused (has its own recycle code, number 6)<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Excellent for moulding fine detail (Airfix models)<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Food safe (containers, packaging)<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wide range of grades (from crystal clear to high impact)<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Good for printing (Pad, screen etc)<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Economical<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ideal for gluing and ultrasonic welding<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reacts well to colour applications<\/p>\n

CONS<\/h3>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Some good chemical resistance, but others (EG: Solvents) can be very bad<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Can look and feel cheap (with the wrong surface finish)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Low thermal softening point<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Can degrade and discolour UV <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Flammable (although FR grades are available)<\/span><\/p>\n

For help or information about selecting the most appropriate and cost efficient material for your product, simply\u00a0 email\u00a0hello@becgroup.com<\/a>\u00a0or call 01425 613131 today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Find out more about Polystyrene this month and explore its’ possible applications.. Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1020,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19,17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1018","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-material-of-the-month","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\nPOLYSTYRENE \u2013 Light, Versatile and Recyclable - BEC Group<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Here at BEC we can help you with the material selection for your next product innnovation. 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