Materials
Plastics:
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Ideally suited for a wide range of packaging, printing, die cutting, electronics, protective overlays, and limited optical applications, PET is a great choice for high performance plastic film. Colvin-Friedman utilizes material from top manufacturers including Dupont, Mitsubishi, JBF, SKC, Kodak and others. Available in a wide range of thicknesses, PET can be purchased in either roll or sheet form.
Polyethylene Terephthalate with a Glycol Modifier (PETG)
Depending on thickness, PETG can be a semi-rigid to rigid material, easily formed, die cut and punched. Used as a midrange priced product between acrylic and polycarbonate, PETG is commonly used in POP displays, signage, moisture/solvent barriers and optical applications. Clarity of PETG approaches that of acrylic, while impact resistance approaches that of polycarbonate. Available in a wide range of thicknesses, PETG can be purchased in either roll or sheet form.
Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene describes a huge family of resins, and is by far the largest volume commercial polymer. Purchased in varying densities, the most common being low density (LDPE) or high density (HDPE). Uses include packaging, bags, industrial applications, piping, orthopedics and others. HDPE is commonly available in sheet form, where LDPE is commonly thinner gauge and available in roll and sheet form.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Exhibiting excellent clarity and impact strength, PC can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications. Available in a wide range of thicknesses in both roll and sheet form, PC proves to be a versatile material with many different coating options. Colvin-Friedman utilizes name brand polycarbonate such as Lexan or Makrolon.
Acetate
Cellulose acetate is a polymer made from wood pulp and/or cotton fibers. With glass like clarity and uniform optical properties, it is often used in lens and optical applications. Good dimensional stability and ease of die cutting make acetate a versatile material for many applications. Available in a range of thicknesses, colors and finishes.
Polypropylene (PP)
A thermoplastic polymer, PP is used in a range of applications from packaging and labeling, textiles, stationary, supports and others. When extruded and stretched in machine direction and across machine direction, it is known as BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene), which increases both strength and clarity. BOPP is widely used as a packaging material. It is easily coated, printed and laminated. It is also known as the “living hinge” material due to its resistance to fatigue.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Available in two basic forms, rigid and flexible, PVC is the third most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer. Rigid PVC is a common, strong but lightweight plastic used in construction, piping and other applications where rigidity is key. Flexible PVC includes the addition of plasticizers, creating a softer sheet. Used in inflatables, static clings, electrical insulation and others, it is commonly a replacement for rubber.
Others
Colvin-Friedman has the ability to process most any plastic, such as nylon, polyolefin, high impact polystyrene, polystyrene, ABS, polysulfone, polyimide, and others. If you would like to spec in a material other than those listed above, chances are we can cut it! Call today to find out more.
Papers:
Nomex
Related to nylon but with aromatic backbones, Nomex is sold in both fiber and sheet forms. Nomex sheet is a calendared paper, and is mostly used in electrical insulation for circuit boards, transformer cores, light fixtures and other electrical applications, due to a high inherent dielectric strength, mechanical toughness, flexibility and resilience.
Vulcanized Fibre
With many common applications such as washers, gaskets, automotive, electrical and more, Vulcanized Fibre is light weight with high mechanical strength. Great for die cutting and available in many grades such as commercial, electrical, trunk, bone and wood laminating, Vulcanized Fibre comes in many different configurations such as rolls, coils, sheets, tubes and rods.
Others:
In general, paper products lend themselves to die cutting. Colvin-Friedman has the ability to process most any paper product from absorbent paper, electrical paper, specialty paper, non-silicone release papers, blotter papers and others. Call today to discuss your individual paper die cutting needs.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSA):
Acrylic adhesives
Offering long shelf lives, acrylic adhesives are extremely versatile. Able to bond to plastics and metals, they can even provide a secure bond between oily and contaminated surfaces. Colvin-Friedman can convert most traditional put ups for acrylic adhesives, and can laminate in line.
Double Coated Adhesives
Generally containing a carrier liner (typically made of film, tissue or paper), double coated adhesives offer the benefit of a differential release. This can aid in laminating materials with different surface energies, as well as aiding in the removal of adhesives in non-permanent applications.
Transfer Adhesives
The most common stock item for Colvin-Friedman, transfer adhesives offer many benefits. Overall profile is reduced due to lack of a carrier liner, which aids in adhesion to irregular shapes. Easily die cut and laminated, transfer adhesives are the go-to for most in line conversion jobs. Common put ups utilize extended liners, eliminating “bleed” from the edge of the tape. This assists in process control and packaging.
Rubber Adhesives
Due to susceptibility to UV and temperature fluctuations, rubber adhesives are best used for indoor applications. Advantages include a short cure time with aggressive adhesion.
Fabrics:
Felt
Available in synthetic or natural put ups, felt is a versatile material with properties unrivaled by many non-wovens and other fabrics. Colvin-Friedman primarily processes wool and synthetic polyester felt, with the ability to cut most any other type as well. Wool felt is chemical resistant, flame retardant and wear resistant. Felt creates an excellent sound insulator, and has terrific vibration damping qualities. Synthetic felt can be highly absorbent and can be used for ink absorption.
Non wovens
Broadly defined as sheet or web bonded together by entangling fiber or filaments, non wovens are flat, porous sheets made directly from separate fibers or from molten plastic. Properties include absorbency, bacterial barriers, filtering, liquid repellence, strength, washability and softness. Applications include envelopes, filters, hygiene products, labels, roofing, upholstery and more.
If you are looking for plastic die cut sheet then look no further than Colvin-Friedman Company.