Thermoset

How it Cures - Key Difference

Thermoset plastics contain polymers that cross-link together during the curing process to form an irreversible chemical bond. The cross-linking process eliminates the risk of the product remelting when heat is applied, making thermosets ideal for high-heat applications such as electronics and appliances.

Features & Benefits

Thermoset plastics significantly improve the material’s mechanical properties, providing enhanced chemical resistance, heat resistance and structural integrity. Thermoset plastics are often used for environmentally sealed products due to their resistance to environmental factors and deformation.

Pros

• More resistant to high temperatures than thermoplastics

• Highly flexible design options

• Thick to thin wall capabilities

• Excellent aesthetic appearance

• High levels of dimensional stability

• Cost-effective

Cons

• Cannot be recycled

• More difficult to surface finish

• Cannot be remolded or reshaped

Thermoplastic

How it Cures - Key Difference

Thermoplastic pellets soften when heated and become more fluid as additional heat is applied. As the material is cooled it takes on the mold shape. The curing process is completely reversible as no chemical bonding takes place. This characteristic allows thermoplastics to be remolded and recycled without negatively affecting the material’s physical properties.

Features & Benefits

There are multiple thermoplastic resins that offer various performance benefits, but most materials commonly offer high strength, shrink-resistance and easy bendability. Depending on the resin, thermoplastics can be used for a variety of different applications including low-stress applications such as plastic bags or high-stress mechanical parts.

Pros

• Highly recyclable

• Aesthetically superior finishes

• High-impact resistance

• Remolding/reshaping capabilities

• Chemical resistant

• Hard crystalline or rubbery surface options available

• Eco-friendly manufacturing

• Generally, less expensive than thermoset

Cons

• Can melt if heated