Why use PVC Profiles and Extrusions?
PVC (short for Poly Vinyl Chloride) is a thermoplastic, meaning it is easy to mould and shape when heated. It is durable, with good resistance to weathering and chemical corrosion. It is often used on building exteriors.
Rigid PVC (RPVC or UPVC) extrusions are often used for exterior doors, window frames and drainpipes as they are sturdy and strong.
Flexible PVC (FPVC) is made by adding plasticisers and is often used for flexible extrusions such as window gaskets, flooring trims and sealing applications.
Advantages of PVC Extrusions
PVC has great properties for exterior use and it is relatively cheap to produce, making it a popular material commodity. Advantages of PVC include:
- High durability: PVC has a high density, which makes it very hard and resistant to impact deformation, denting or cracking.
- Versatility: PVC can be made flexible or rigid depending on the use of plasticisers, making it useful for a wide range of applications
- Flame Retardance: PVC won’t catch fire, it’s naturally self extinguishing, making it the perfect material for insulating electrical cables.
- Weather Resistance: PVC doesn’t degrade in rain, wind, UV or ozone exposure (Provided the relevant grade is used)
- Water Resistance: PVC doesn’t absorb water or degrade under saline solution, which is why PVC is often used in marine industries such as boat building.
- Chemical Resistance: PVC is largely resistant to most chemicals.
- Cost Effective: PVC is cheaper than most other plastic materials.
- Easily recycled: PVC is a thermoplastic, it can be heated and remoulded repeatedly at the end of its product life cycle.
- Easily Co-Extruded: PVC can be used to create multilayer structures by extruding Both Rigid & Flexible together. Co-extrusion is sometimes used for pipes, cables, seal solutions and even to create a dual colour effect.
- Long-lasting and Low-Maintenance: PVC requires very little upkeep and can last a long time, which makes it perfect for exterior applications such as doors and window frames.