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What is PVC?

PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride and is an amorphous thermoplastic. Unlike many other plastic materials, it is produced not only from crude oil but also from a mixture of crude oil and salt (NaCl).

 

In the past, this plastic material was known to contain toxic substances such as phthalates, but modern formulations have replaced these substances with safe alternatives. As a result, PVC now complies with the REACH regulation.

Hard PVC rods in black and grey

Several Types of PVC

 

There are three main types of PVC: rigid, flexible, and foamed PVC. At Induflex, we work with all three types.

 

Rigid PVC is a solid and robust thermoplastic that is available in various colors.

 

Flexible polyvinyl chloride is a transparent, flexible, and elastic material.

 

Foamed PVC, also known as Vikuporm, is a lightweight material with a foamed core.

Gray PVC blanks for sanding holder in a larger plane sander.

Properties and advantages

Rigid PVC is known for its stiffness, strength, and ability to withstand significant mechanical loads, while also being an economical plastic material. It has good chemical resistance and low water absorption.

 

Flexible PVC is more pliable and can be easily shaped and bent. Both types possess electrical insulating properties and are resistant to chemicals such as acids and bases. They are also recognized for their long lifespan and wear resistance.

 

The service temperature varies: Rigid PVC can withstand temperatures between -10 °C and 60 °C, while flexible PVC can be used at temperatures down to -40 °C. However, it’s important to note that PVC can become crystalline and brittle at low temperatures, which may lead to fractures upon impact.

 

Some versions of this plastic type are food-approved (FCM-approved) and suitable for use in the food industry.

Properties and advantages

Rigid PVC is known for its stiffness, strength, and ability to withstand significant mechanical loads, while also being an economical plastic material. It has good chemical resistance and low water absorption.

 

Flexible PVC is more pliable and can be easily shaped and bent. Both types possess electrical insulating properties and are resistant to chemicals such as acids and bases. They are also recognized for their long lifespan and wear resistance.

 

The service temperature varies: Rigid PVC can withstand temperatures between -10 °C and 60 °C, while flexible PVC can be used at temperatures down to -40 °C. However, it’s important to note that PVC can become crystalline and brittle at low temperatures, which may lead to fractures upon impact.

 

Some versions of this plastic type are food-approved (FCM-approved) and suitable for use in the food industry.

Soft, transparent PVC in a roll on a white background

What can PVC be used for?

PVC can be used in a wide range of applications due to its versatility and the different types, each with its own properties. The rigid version is most commonly used in the construction industry but is also utilized in other sectors due to its good chemical resistance, such as for:

 

  • Fixtures
  • Format wheels
  • Fittings
  • Washers

 

The flexible type is used in even more industries, including the construction, logistics, and food industries, for example:

 

  • Plastic strips
  • Curtain rails
  • Cables and wires
  • Pipes

 

Foamed PVC is primarily used for fixtures or visual projects, such as signage.

Ribbon curtain made frem soft, clear PVC

Machining of PVC

When it comes to plastic processing of PVC, there are some different approaches depending on the type.

 

Rigid polyvinyl chloride is well-suited for subtractive machining on our CNC milling machines.

 

Flexible polyvinyl chloride can be cut with a knife on a cutting plotter.

 

Foamed polyvinyl chloride can be cut and milled, and can also be embossed with foil.

Learn more about our competencies
A production worker is controlling a cut piece of PVC on a cutting plotter

Alternative
materials
to PVC

Alternatives to rigid PVC:

 

Other plastic materials such as polyester (PET), polycarbonate (PC), or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) can be used for similar purposes, depending on temperature requirements, chemical resistance, and visual properties.

 

Alternatives to flexible PVC:

 

The flexible variant can be replaced by silicone or rubber in certain cases, typically where higher temperatures are involved.

 

Alternatives to foamed PVC:

 

Various lightweight panels and sandwich panels that resemble the foamed variant can also be used for many of the same purposes.

 

Alternative
materials
to PVC

Alternatives to rigid PVC:

 

Other plastic materials such as polyester (PET), polycarbonate (PC), or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) can be used for similar purposes, depending on temperature requirements, chemical resistance, and visual properties.

 

Alternatives to flexible PVC:

 

The flexible variant can be replaced by silicone or rubber in certain cases, typically where higher temperatures are involved.

 

Alternatives to foamed PVC:

 

Various lightweight panels and sandwich panels that resemble the foamed variant can also be used for many of the same purposes.

 

A roll of soft PCV is being cut on a cutting plotter machine
Have any questions?
At Induflex, we specialize in plastics. We are ready to help you identify your needs, ensuring you get the right material for your project. Contact us today for personalized advice on your project!
Spørgsmål og svar

  • We have a large inventory of plastics, allowing us to fulfill requests for items made from standard materials within 8-14 working days, depending on the complexity of your project.

     

    If your project requires more specialized plastics, such as PVC with additives, we operate within a month. We only collaborate with European suppliers, so we can quickly order materials to meet your needs.

  • At Induflex, we can achieve very tight tolerances in plastic.

     

    When you order a plastic part from us, it will comply with Danish Standard ISO 2768-1 (medium) by default. We measure the tolerances at room temperature, around 21 °C.

     

    Of course, we can agree on different tolerances if you wish.

  • By sending us a STEP file or PDF with your drawings, we can quickly assist you in determining whether polycarbonate is the right choice for your project.

     

    We can also identify the best machining method for your components.

Technical plastic
for various tasks

At Induflex, we exclusively work with plastic. But plastic is not just plastic. There are many different types of technical plastic materials, each with their unique properties.

 

Explore our materials and get closer to finding the right one for your project.

Learn more about our materials

Technical plastic
for various tasks

At Induflex, we exclusively work with plastic. But plastic is not just plastic. There are many different types of technical plastic materials, each with their unique properties.

 

Explore our materials and get closer to finding the right one for your project.

Learn more about our materials
Crane picking up plastic sheets in Induflex's automatic sheet storage

Have any questions? Fill out the form, and we will get in touch with you.

Induflex is always ready to guide you on the use of technical plastics.