PVC plastic, also known as polyvinyl chloride, is a type of thermoplastic polymer widely used in various industries. It is one of the most commonly used synthetic materials globally. PVC is particularly known for its durability, chemical resistance, and versatility.
The chemical composition of polyvinyl chloride allows the material to be recycled multiple times without the polymer chains breaking down. It has been used for several decades and, due to its technical properties, has become widespread. In terms of pure volume, it is the third most used plastic type, after polyethylene and polypropylene.
PVC Has Many Material Properties
Polyvinyl chloride has a range of properties that make it a highly used and versatile material across many industries. PVC plastic is typically hard, strong, and rigid. It has good properties with a glass transition temperature of around 80 degrees.
At this temperature, PVC maintains its shape, which is crucial in many applications, particularly when materials are exposed to varying temperatures. This property makes PVC ideal for products that need to withstand heat without losing their structural integrity.
One of the material’s significant advantages is its high compatibility with various additives, which considerably broadens its potential applications. By adding plasticizers, the mixture of PVC can be made more flexible. Thus, PVC is often categorized into two main groups: rigid and flexible PVC.
Several of these applications are Carmo’s home ground: for more than 70 years Carmo has injection-moulded components in Denmark, with weldable PVC for medical bags, tarpaulins and technical films at the core.
How Does Carmo Use PVC?
Carmo uses PVC for a wide range of components used in medical devices or industrial applications, where the advantages of PVC can be fully utilized.
Examples of Carmo’s Technical PVC Components:
- Eyelets
- Filler flanges and plastic caps
- Weldable PVC inflation valves
- Plastic buttons and snap fasteners
Examples of Carmo’s Medical PVC Components:
How is PVC Fastened?
PVC components can be attached to plastic films using high-frequency welding (HF welding). This ensures a very strong joint, where the PVC component melts and bonds with the film. Carmo offers a range of high-quality HF welding machines to weld Carmo components. Learn more about Carmo’s HF welding machines.
PVC components can also be glued using PVC adhesive. This method is particularly suitable for prototype production, small-scale manufacturing, or minor repairs.
Uses of PVC
In medical devices, PVC’s weldability is the key property: Carmo’s PVC connectors, ports and valves are designed to HF-weld directly onto PVC film, produced under Carmo’s ISO 13485 quality management system.
Flexible PVC is typically used when a more flexible and softer material is needed. Here are more examples of flexible PVC products:
- Medical equipment
- Tarpaulins
- Technical hoses
- Rainwear
- Conveyor belts
- Blood bags
Rigid PVC is commonly used in construction, where the plastic is used for various building products. Some examples include:
- Drinking water pipes
- Drainage systems
- Roof sheets
- Gutters
