1. Applications of the resin compounds
2. Physical and chemical properties of different resin compounds
3. Operating condition for the resin compounds
4. Requirement of specialty chemical resins

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy plastic resin from reputable plastic pellet manufacturers

Once you know your requirements, buy plastic resin pellets that are most suitable for your applications. Plastic resin pellets come in various sizes ranging from a barrel shaped pallet to a disc shaped pallet. Plastic resin pellets are also available in a powdered form.

I recommend: Eastman Chemicals is a leading resin manufacturer that supplies adhesives, cellulose acetate fibers and PET polymers. A Schulman Inc. is another company that produces plastic resins, compounds, color concentrates and additives.

Buy PVC resins from the renowned PVC resin suppliers

PVC resin is one a specialty chemical resin with high strength and better durability. Once you identify your requirements, check out the resin suppliers that provide PVC resins suitable for your operating conditions.

I recommend: Bayshore Vinyl Compounds Inc. provides superior quality virgin flexible and rigid PVC compounds for injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding. Colorite Polymers, a TekniPlex company, produces elastichem thermoplastic elastomers, multichem vinyl-urethane alloys, foam compounds and concentrates and self-Frosting compounds.

Buy polycarbonate pellets from reputable manufacturers

High impact resistance, temperature resistance and superior optical properties of polycarbonate resins make them suitable for indoor as well as outdoor use. You can use polycarbonate pellets for manufacturing domestic molded products, providing protection to walls and advertising boards or sophisticated CD and cassette cases.

I recommend: Bayer is one of the leading plastic pellet manufacturers of polycarbonate products. L.E.B. Enterprises, Inc. provides lightweight and high-performance polycarbonate pellets for all types of goods like consumer electronics, household appliances and food storage containers.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To avoid direct exposure to sunlight or UV radiation, put a special coating on products made of plastic resin pellets.
• •  Consult the resin and pellet manufacturers about recycling and disposal of the resin products.
• •  Hire a resin compound expert for critical applications of the resins and resin products.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Make sure that the resin and pellet manufacturers are certified

Products developed by resin and pellet manufacturers must meet at least ISO or ASTM standards.

I recommend: Oxford Polymers manufactures engineering-grade plastic resin pellets and other plastic materials such as carbon fiber structures and thermoplastic alloys. The company's ISO certification can also be verified at its web site. The Plastics Group of America produces ISO-certified plastic resin pellets and reinforced resins that can be used with polycarbonate or nylon materials, or to blend specialty colorants used for hardware, furniture or automotive applications.

Note the specialties of resin and pellet manufacturers

Ensure that the companies you choose to work with have experience in your market.

I recommend: ABC Polymers reprocesses resins and plastic pellets for agricultural, polymer and plastic scrap industries. Resin manufacturer Sartomer markets specialty chemical resins to industries that work with inks, coatings, composites, rubber and adhesives.

Research or inquire about pricing for resins and pellets

Pick resin and pellet manufacturers that can give you the best deals on epoxy pellets, plastic resin pellets and equipment for chemical pellet manufacturing. If necessary, contact the company by phone or by email regarding pricing information.

I recommend: View data sheets for product specifications, as well as instructions on how to purchase items at efi Polymers. Linli Color is a full-service resin manufacturer that specializes in plastic resin pellets and colorants. Find out about prices by filling out the company's request for quote form online.

Consider working with resin and pellet manufacturers that offer additional services

Consultation services, customized packaging and just-in-time delivery are some of the services that resin and pellet manufacturers provide to their clients.

I recommend: Gellner Industrial provides bulk storage, as well as research and development services for its water-based polymers and specialty chemical resins. Hoehn Plastics offers pick-up and delivery service, a recycling program and full-service grinding and granulating operations.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Reviewing the abundance of products, industry experience and certifications, awards and reviews can also help you determine if you want to work with resin and pellet manufacturers.
• •  Good communication is also important when working with resin and pellet manufacturers. Find chemical pellet or chemical resin manufacturing companies that offer support and assistance in product design and development as well as any technical issues.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Attend on-site training courses or read literature to learn the tasks of resin manufacturers

Learn the basic duties and procedures of resin and pellet manufacturers, from the laboratory to the production line.

I recommend: Study materials safety data sheets and processing guidelines relating to resins and pellets at The Plastics Group website. Online education programs about plastics, epoxy pellets and resins, including specialty chemical resins, are also available at the BASF Corporation.

Visit industry related workshops to learn about innovations for resin suppliers

Workshops, conferences and seminars usually provide new information on trends and technological advancements.

I recommend: The Society of Plastics Engineers offers educational and training resources such as seminars, webinars and video-on-demand programs that focus on the plastics industry and plant operations. The Flexible Packaging Association holds meetings and other programs for those who specialize in plastic resin pellets and the plastic packaging industry.

Get tips on proper handling and cleanup of plastic resin pellets

Find information on ways for resin suppliers to safely handle chemicals such as plastic resin pellets. Become aware of proper cleaning procedures to avoid hazards such as slips and falls, and water contamination.

I recommend: The American Chemistry Council program, Operation Clean Sweep, publishes manuals and provides training tools that examine the best steps for transporting chemicals throughout a resin manufacturer facility. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration, or OSHA, also provides safety and hazards training through certificate and online programs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Resin

Resin comes in the form of either a natural or a synthetic compound that starts out with a glue like consistency but hardens into a plastic or vinyl as it's treated.

I recommend: Learn more about different types of resins; like acrylic bonding resins, casting resins, CIPP resins, corrosion resins, and more when you click on the links on the right side of the page at the AOC website. AOC is a manufacturer of resin products.

Resin pellet

Resin pellets are small granules, typically measuring a few millimeters, that are formed in the shape of a cylinder or disk. They're considered raw manufacturing material and are shipped in bulk to manufacturers where they're re-melted and then molded into a final product.

I recommend: Learn more about one solution for cleaning up messy resin pellet spills and debris at Elgee Manufacturing.

Polymer

A polymer is a large molecule composed of many molecules strung together. Polymers typically come in the form of thermoplastic or thermosetting resins. Polymer products can be rubbery, sticky or gooey or hard and tough.

I recommend: For more information on polymers and a list of manufacturers, visit the GlobalSpec website.

Injection molding

Injection molding refers to the process of taking resins and converting them into products using injection molding machines. Originally developed in the 1930s, injection molding benefits include reduced scrap and minimal finishing requirements.

I recommend: Learn more about the injection molding process at CustomPartNet. Topics include injection molding capabilities, process cycle, equipment, tooling, materials, possible defects, design rules and cost drivers.

Extrusion

Extrusion is a common manufacturing process using machines called extruders. The process begins by melting resins. That material is then heated and pumped for processing. After extrusion, the melted extrudite is processed through other manufacturing operations to produce products like pellets, sheets, film, pipes or molded parts.

I recommend: View examples of extruded shapes and profiles at HPE Extrusion Solutions.

American Chemistry Council

The American Chemistry Council is a professional trade organization that was founded in 1872 and consists of leaders in chemistry throughout the country. The organization's members commit to goals and guidelines that extend beyond federal regulations regarding safety, health and the environment. Its Plastics Division includes leading plastic resin manufacturers.

I recommend: Get more information on the Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council and on the plastics industry by clicking on any of the links at the organization's website.