{"id":16048,"date":"2023-09-16T15:18:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-16T13:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bkbprecision.com\/?p=16048"},"modified":"2026-01-13T12:35:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T11:35:09","slug":"what-is-thermoplastic-examples-and-applications-of-thermoplastics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bkbprecision.com\/en\/news\/what-is-thermoplastic-examples-and-applications-of-thermoplastics","title":{"rendered":"What is thermoplastic? Examples and applications of thermoplastics"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n What is thermoplastic? Examples and applications of thermoplastics<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
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What is thermoplastic? Examples and applications of thermoplastics<\/h1>\n
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There are many different types of plastic. We can roughly subdivide all these different plastics into thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers. Each has their own specific properties, making them more or less suitable for certain applications.<\/p>\n

As BKB Precision is the specialist in the processing of thermoplastics, we would like to take a closer look into the specific types and characteristics of thermoplastics. This is especially because developments in plastic materials are not standing still, and this leads to interesting new application possibilities.<\/p>\n

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What are thermoplastics?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thermoplastic is known for its flexible, pliable properties. This is due to the molecular structure of the material. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thermoplastics consist of a long series of molecules, also called polymers. In their solid form, these chains of molecules lie against each other. However, when the polymers are heated, they become agitated and slide past each other, making the material pliable or even fluid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A thermoplastic can therefore be easily bent or moulded into any desired shape. This makes the material highly suitable for injection moulding, although most thermoplastic materials are also available in sheet or semi-finished products. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, because thermoplastic can be reheated for short periods several times, it can be easily recycled and is therefore a type of sustainable plastic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thermoplastics can be subdivided into clear groups. This is also known as the \u2018thermoplastic pyramid\u2019 and is shown in figure 1. The triangle shows three layers, from bottom to top: standard plastics, technical plastics, and high-performance plastics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plastic PET bottles, packaging film and PVC tubes are well-known examples of thermoplastics. But many thermoplastics can also be used for industrial applications. POM is a frequently used material for mechanical applications. It is very good in the average range of properties, which makes it highly versatile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, nowadays PEEK plastic (polyether ether ketone) is increasingly used for many high-performance applications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Thermoplastic application possibilities <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

PEEK<\/a> plastics adhere to higher requirements than standard or technical plastics and can be machined very accurately, resulting in beautiful, high-quality parts with smooth surfaces. The technical properties of this type of thermoplastic include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n