Identification of thermoplastics
The thermoplastics are best identified by fire.
Acrylic. (PMMA)
Burns with a yellow, blue in the bottom and clear flame. Smells aromatically.
Does not extinguish itself.
Welding: Ultra - sonic welding. Hot air welding.
Akrylonitril butadien styrene.
(ABS)
Burns with a sooting, orange flame. Smells like rubber. Does not extinguish
itself.
Welding: Heating plate. Hot air welding. Ultra - sonic welding.
Polyacetal (POM)
Burns with a clear blue flame
.
Welding: Heating plate. Hot air welding with nitrogen. Ultra - sonic welding.
Polyamide. (PA)
Burns with a yellow, blue in the bottom and sooting flame. Melts and makes foam.
Harsh smell like formic acid. Does extinguish itself
Welding: Heating plate. Friction welding.
Polycarbonate. (PC)
Burns with a sooting, yellow flame and glowing ashes. Smells sweet. Partially
extinguishes itself.
Welding: All welding metods.
Polyethylene. (PE)
Burns with a clear flame, blue bottom, yellow top, drips and smells like
stearin. Does not extinguish itself.
Welding: Heating plate. Hot air welding. Friction welding .
Heating plate temperature: PE 80: 200°C to 220°C
Heating plate temperature: PE 100: 220°C (Quickly change-over time)
Polypropylene. (PP)
Burns with a clear flame, blue bottom, yellow top, drips a lot. Smells like oil
or wax. Does not extinguish itself.
Welding: Heating plate. Hot air welding. Friction welding .
Heating plate temperature: 210°C +/- 10°C
Polystyrene. (PS)
Burns with a sooting, orange flame. Does not extinguish itself.
Welding: Heating plate. Hot air welding. Ultra - sonic welding.
Polysulfon (PSU)
Does extinguish itself.
Welding: Heating plate. Hot air welding. Friction welding . Ultra - sonic welding.
Polyvinylchloride. (PVC)
Burns with a very sooting, yellow flame, which is green at the edges. White
smoke and smells like hydrochloric acid. Does extinguish itself
Welding: All welding metods.
Polyvinylidenchlorid (PVDF)
Does extinguish itself. By heating over 380°C.
toxic fumes are released.
Welding: Heating plate. Hot air welding. Friction welding . Ultra - sonic welding.
Heating plate temperature: 240°C +/- 8°C
