Use And Care Manual

Glossary

Degradation The process where the chemical structure,

physical properties or appearance of plastics deteriorates.

Dimensional Stability The capability of a plastic part

to maintain its original shape and dimensions under

conditions of use.

Elasticity The property of a plastic which allows it

to return to its original dimensions after deformation.

Elongation The percentage of the original length which

a material will deform, under tension, without failing.

Environmental Stress Cracking Cracks which develop

when a plastic part is subjected to incompatible chemicals

and put under stress.

Extrusion The process used to continuously form a shape

by forcing a heated or unheated plastic through a shaping

orifice (die).

Filler A relatively inert material added to a plastic to

modify its strength, permanence, working properties, other

qualities or to lower costs.

Flexural Strength The measure of a material’s ability

to withstand a specified deformation under a beam load

(bending) at 73° F. Normally expressed in PSI.

Forming A process in which the shapes of plastic pieces

such as sheets, rods or tubes are changed to a desired

configuration.

Glossary