Thermoplastics are plastic compounds that melt when heated and form to whatever applied to when cooled. Thermoplastics are generally used to form or coat products such as hammers, speaker cases, pens, sporting equipment and many other items. Thermoplastics manufacturers provide the industrial world with a durable, soft material that forms to a mold when heated.

Decide what type of thermoplastics you need: elastomers, resins or polyurethanes. Elastomers are high in elasticity, similar to rubber. Resins are thicker and extremely sticky. Polyurethanes insulate and form quickly. Choose if you want to purchase the thermoplastics in raw form or formed into an object. Lastly, decide whether to use new or recycled thermoplastics. New and recycled products are almost identical in quality but many companies are switching to recycled materials to cut costs and to be more environmentally friendly.

1. Buy raw thermoplastics for manufacturing.

2. Find thermoplastic manufacturers for fabrication.

3. Be more environmentally friendly and use recycled thermoplastics.

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

Create your own items with raw thermoplastics

Thermoplastic materials are flexible, slip resistant and soft. Manufacturers that use raw thermoplastics can create any object that can be made from regular plastic.

I recommend: Order online from a raw thermoplastic elastomer provider like the RTP Company. The Dow Chemical Company carries raw thermoplastic polyurethane. Request a quote for thermoplastic polyurethane and thermoplastic elastomer from the GLS Corporation.

Find product fabrication for thermoplastic materials

Thermoplastics manufacturers fabricate products for customers who need thermoplastics resins, polyurethane and other thermoplastics. Thermoplastics are manufactured into thousands of different items because of their ability to mold well. These items are normally lower in cost and are more flexible when compared to regular plastics.

I recommend: Request quotes from thermoplastics manufacturers such as Plastic Fabricators WA. Precision Custom Products Inc. provides a large facility to manufacture thermoplastics in all shapes and sizes. Buy thermoplastic panels, thermoplastic resins and other products from Tri Town Precision Plastics.

Locate recycled thermoplastics

Thermoplastic suppliers are selling more and more recycled products. Manufacturers often provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional thermoplastics. Recycled thermoplastics are the same as new plastics in every way except that they are better for the environment.

I recommend: Composite Technologies Co. is one of the largest thermoplastics manufacturing companies that provides recycled thermoplastics. Request a quote for recycled thermoplastics from db international. Buy or sell recycled thermoplastics and thermoplastic products with Nexcycle Plastics Inc.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Thermoplastic resins, polyurethanes and elastomers all have different qualities. When choosing a product, be sure the one you pick truly meets your company's requirements.