In its natural state, Polyethylene terephthalate (also known as PET, PETE, and PETG) is a colorless, semi-crystalline resin. After processing, it becomes semi-rigid to rigid and becomes a very light weight material ideal for FDA compliant food and beverage containers and thermoforming applications. It’s has higher impact strength than acrylic and is more cost effective […]
Plastics for the food and beverage industry
The food and beverage industry has very specific standards that plastics must adhere to. Thankfully there we have plastic materials that meet FDA regulations and are manufactured to withstand demanding environments and chemical wash-downs: UHMW Plastics Also known as high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a tough, wear resistant plastic with a low coefficient of […]
Should the Winter Olympics replace ice with plastics to even the playing field?
The 2018 Winter Olympics may be over but people are talking about ways to help even the playing field to eliminate bias towards colder countries. Many winter Olympic sports are played on ice, and this seemingly gives an unfair advantage to countries where cold temperatures are common. Could ice surfaces, bobsled, and skeleton tracks be […]
What is plastics thermoforming?
Many plastics applications, especially sample or prototype parts, require thermoforming to form the plastic into unique shapes and sizes. Thermoforming is accomplished in 3 steps: a plastic sheet is carefully heated to a pliable, stretchable temperature, the heated plastic is placed in a mold, then the individual pieces are trimmed to size. Thermoforming Applications At […]
Laser cutting vs. waterjet cutting plastics
In plastics manufacturing, you have the option of laser or waterjet cutting to cut your materials. Most often, laser cutting will be your best option as it allow for the most precise and consistent cutting. Laser cutting allows you to cut more precise shapes and holes without the need for tooling. Also, because the laser […]
Product highlight: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Machined Plastics
For prototyping or when impact resistance, strength, and stiffness is required, ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is the plastic of choice. ABS has excellent dimensional stability making it the perfect plastics material to use for your next prototyping project. It’s also easy to paint and glue. Natural (beige) and Black ABS are FDA compliant for use […]
Looking to upgrade your retail space? Consider plastics!
Retail store design is constantly evolving. Do you dream of incorporating plastics products in your Point of Purchase display cases, FRP panels, or PVC display boards? Whatever you can imagine, we have your entire retail needs covered…with plastics! Here’s a sampling of the plastics materials you can use in your retail space: See-through plastics: Acrylic […]
Join us at Global Shop 2018 in Chicago
ACI Plastics is heading to Chicago March 27-29 for Global Shop 2018, the nation’s largest retail design industry trade show. The show will be at McCormick Place Convention Center, Hall F. The show features face-to-face networking opportunities with retail industry professionals (like us), pavilions aimed at different buying needs, inspiration and ideas to optimize store […]
A New Year for Innovations
At ACI Plastics we’re all about innovation! 2017 was an exciting year for plastics, and we’ve helped many clients create imaginative and innovative products using plastic materials like acrylics, PVC, and nylon. As many do at this time of year, we reflect on the previous year and also look ahead to the next. What new […]
Happy Holidays from everyone at ACI Plastics
It’s that busy time of year again! At ACI Plastics, we take a few moments every holiday season to step back and reflect on all the successes we had over the past year. We’re truly honoured to have helped so many people with their plastics supply and fabrication projects these past 12 months. Whether it was […]