Working directly with an exporter provides a seamless process—especially if you find one that stocks a variety of sizes and thicknesses to suit your needs, has a wide range of materials to choose from, and offers a convenient ordering and delivery process. You also want a company that knows the importance of clear communication to facilitate export plastic ordering and freight delivery needs. However, in order for an export plastic purchase to go smoothly, you also need to know how to choose the right plastic sheets for your project. Here are six steps to help you make the best selection.
1. Identify the Material Type You Need
When choosing or working with plastic sheets, you first need to determine the right plastic material for your project. Here is a brief overview of materials that Acme Plastics carries and their suggested uses:
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- Acrylic. Acrylic plastic is often used instead of glass in windows, retail signage, aquariums, picture frames, roof panels. The transparent plastic is 50% lighter than glass and much more durable, making it a great choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. Acrylic is available in a variety of forms: extruded sheets, cast acrylic sheets, frame grade acrylic sheets, acrylic rods, and acrylic tubes.
- Polycarbonate. Also light in weight, polycarbonate is much more durable and stronger than acrylic, making it highly impact resistant and a good choice for projects that involve bullet-resistant glass, roofing panels, hurricane shutters, windows, and siding. Polycarbonate is available in a variety of forms, including polycarbonate sheets, bullet-resistant sheets, polycarbonate rods, polycarbonate tubes, and twinwall and multiwall polycarbonate sheets.
- PVC. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used for signage, construction, and applications that require chemical-resistant properties. The thermoplastic is available in flexible and rigid forms as well as a general-purpose grade and a grade with increased impact resistance. It’s known for its water- and chemical-resistant properties.
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Acme Plastics also carries other types of materials, such as expanded PVC foam sheets and panels in a variety of colors, sizes, and thicknesses (used POP displays in retail and exhibit spaces as well as for garage doors, wood replacement, cabinetry, stage props, and other uses in construction); polypropylene (PP) and high-density polypropylene (HDPE), which are used to make textiles, automotive parts, packaging materials and reusable containers; PET-G, which is FDA-compliant and used in medical and food applications; and many more.
2. Determine the Required Size and Thickness of the Plastic You Need
Does your project require thin, flexible sheets or thicker, rigid panels? Will you need to have plastic cut to a custom size? By knowing the exact size and thickness of the plastic you need for your project, you will reduce waste and save time during the construction of your project. That’s why it’s helpful to choose an export plastic source that can fulfill custom orders for your project. Acme Plastics can tailor your order to specified sizes, thicknesses, and material grades that your project requires.
3. Assess Environmental and Usage Factors
It’s helpful to consider where you plan to use your finished project when selecting plastic sheets. Will it need protection from elements like weather, projectiles, chemicals, or water? Here are a few things to ask yourself to help choose the right plastic sheets:
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- Weather Resistance. Will your final project be in use outdoors? If so, acrylic or polycarbonate might be a good choice. Acrylic is durable, shatter-resistant, and UV-resistant. Polycarbonate is also durable, impact resistant, UV-resistant, and some grades can withstand hurricane-force winds.
- Impact Resistance. If protection from projectiles and debris is a concern, polycarbonate is an appropriate choice for demanding environments.
- Chemical or Water Resistance. Will the material need to stand up to water or chemicals? Consider PVC, which can handle liquids whether used in construction or for general purposes. It is also chemical resistant.
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4. Consider the Aesthetic and Functionality
Protection isn’t the only thing to consider. Aesthetics and functionality counts, too. Here’s how plastic sheets can offer looks as well as substance.
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- Clarity and Transparency. Acrylic is known for its optical clarity. The material has a 93% transparency rate and can be used in a wide variety of applications.
- Color Options. Color acrylic sheets offer the same benefits as clear acrylic (lightweight, shatter-resistant, excellent optical properties, etc). Available in a variety of transparent or opaque colors, the sheets are used for a multitude of applications in furniture/accessories, art and design, retail displays, lighting, signage, framing, and more.
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5. Evaluate Budget and Shipping Costs
You already save money working directly with a plastics exporter. You receive direct access to wholesale pricing and depending where are you ordering from and where you are located you might save even more on shipping costs. For instance, Acme Plastics is strategically located in Miami to ensure timely delivery to the Caribbean and Central and South America. Our truck delivers directly to your chosen freight forwarder, further streamlining your shipping and delivery.
6. Get an Export Plastic Quote Today with Acme Plastics
Partner with Acme Plastics today for exceptional products, fast service, and unbeatable value. Contact us for a quote for export plastic. Simply let us know the material type, dimensions, and quantity and we’ll respond with a personalized quote. And if you are unsure of your needs, we are happy to help you find the right plastics sheet for your project.
