Even though you may assume plastic plugs are simple products that don’t require much thought, there are several different materials that we can use to make plugs. Each material has unique properties that make plugs suited for different applications. Read on to discover what type of plastic is used to make a plastic plug.

Types of Plastic Plugs

The first thing to understand about plastic plugs is the various applications one can use them for. These applications determine the material needed, so this is the most important factor to consider.

Some plugs are made for quick fitting, which means they’ll have shorter threads. While this makes it easier to slot these plugs into holes, they don’t have the most secure fit. Tapered plugs, on the other hand, provide a tighter fit, which is ideal when you want to protect internal components from contamination.

Low-Density Polyethylene Plugs

When you need a plug that can stand against chemicals of all types, low-density polyethylene, or LDPE, is often the best choice. LDPE is an affordable material with excellent flexibility. This means that you don’t have to worry about LDPE plugs snapping and breaking during everyday use.

Polypropylene Plugs

Polypropylene, or PP plugs, have a similarly strong chemical resistance, with an added resistance to heat. Some plugs must survive in extreme temperatures, and polypropylene is a good material to use in those cases.

Polyvinyl Chloride Plugs

Finally, polyvinyl chloride plugs, or PVC plugs, have some of the same benefits as LDPE and PP plugs. When you need a plastic pipe plug that withstands high temperatures and has inherent flexibility, you can’t go wrong with PVC.

Now that you know what type of plastic is used to make a plastic plug, consider having your components made from similar materials. There are all kinds of plastics with specific properties that are best for various applications, so contact a professional plastic company like Polymer Molding to learn what materials are best for you.