PVC Plastic Sheets

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most widely used plastics in the world. This industrial plastic is often used to make chemical storage tanks, oil tanks and photographic developing instruments. If you would like to build a greenhouse or winterize your windows, look no further than our PVC sheet selection. A PVC custom plastic sheet has excellent chemical, impact and thermal resistance while being easy to handle.

PVC foam sheeting is one of the oldest and most developed synthetic materials and is suitable for a virtually unlimited range of applications. TAP Plastics has both Type 1 PVC and foam PVC panel sheets for sign graphics, soundproofing, cosplay, event kiosks, crafts and much more. We offer PVC plastic sheets in a wide variety of sizes, colors and thicknesses. Give your PVC project the finished look you desire by requesting holes, radius corners and routed or rounded edges. The practical applications of PVC are endless.

Read more below about how to fabricate custom-cut PVC foam sheets and their many uses. If you’re still not sure whether PVC is right for your needs, you can order a sample before committing to full custom-cut plastic sheets. Contact us by email or by calling 888-827-7330 if you have questions or need ordering assistance.

What is PVC plastic sheeting used for?

PVC sheeting features high-impact strength and resistance to most industrial chemicals. This versatile plastic offers excellent thermal and sound insulation so it absorbs vibrations and oscillations. PVC plastic sheets are also easy to fabricate, glue, paint and screen print. We currently offer type 1 custom-cut PVC sheets in gray and white. Our rigid foam PVC wall panels are also available in black, red, green, light yellow and dark blue. Both have a wide range of sheet thicknesses and custom sizes to choose from.

TAP Video: What is foamed PVC?

 

Custom Cut PVC Plastic Sheet Fabrication

What are the Basics of PVC Machining?

KomaTex Foamed PVC sheets and KomaCel Expanded PVC sheets can be easily and quickly worked with the standard tools used to process wood and metal. To prevent breaking and splitting, the tools must be sharp. Generally, you should use a high-cutting speed and slow, continuous forward feed. Normally, it is not necessary to cool the cutting tools, but in special cases, compressed air is sufficient. Deep notches and sharp edges can cause premature breaking of the material if too much weight is placed on the affected area.

Forming and Bending PVC

Deep-drawing and blowing of KomaTex or KomaCel sheets is possible only to a limited extent. This is also true of bending and folding. The sheets can be deep-drawn, bent and, by warming, beveled under certain conditions. Deformations under thermal impact are possible to a limited degree (e.g., bending, beveling with notch, etc.)

Can PVC be Welded?

Both KomaTex and KomaCel can be welded by normal procedures, such as hot gas, heated tool, bending and welding, friction, etc., using common equipment. Before welding, the part of the sheet to be welded must be properly cleaned with a cleaning agent or by machining. After welding, finishing may be necessary. Komatex should be worked very carefully to ensure that the foam structure does not collapse.

About Bonding PVC

KomaTex and KomaCel will accept most adhesives for rigid PVC. The sheet surface must be clean, dry and free of oil or grease. When choosing an adhesive, consider the strength required, the temperature the sheet will be exposed to, cure time and environmental safety.

When bonding PVC to itself, the same solvent-type adhesives used for rigid PVC will provide excellent results. We recommend Lord and IPS Weld-on products for most applications in which bonding to PVC sheets or another substrate is required. As always, we suggest a test piece prior to full production.

Painting and Screen Printing PVC

TAP's PVC sheeting has a superior surface for screen printing. This method will give outstanding results with a crisp, clear, colorful finish. Paints also can be used to achieve similar results. No primers are required when using either method. UV, solvent-based and acrylic inks and paints can be used with KomaTex to gain great results. To get proper adhesion, the sheets must be clean and free of all dust, oils and grease before printing or painting. Isopropyl alcohol removes most foreign objects. Please consult your local distributor or ink manufacturer to find the best inks and paints to use with KomaTex. Laser-cutting PVC is not recommended.

PVC Sheets Characteristics and Benefits

Komatex is the product of choice for these application requirements:

• Chemical and corrosion resistance
• Moisture resistance, low water absorption
• Low flammability (UL-940VO) – perfect for trade shows and exhibit halls
• Thermal and sound insulation – absorbs vibrations and oscillations
• Matte finish that readily accepts most inks, paints and vinyls
• Easy fabrication with most common tools
• Bonds easily to similar and various other substrates
• Suitable for the majority of interior applications; can be use in limited exterior applications

Komatex features a closed-cell, matte-finish surface with a fine cell structure. It will fit the requirements for a multitude of applications, including substrates for graphics, point-of-purchase displays, backers for channel letters and wood replacement. Experience has shown that Komatex is the highest-quality PVC sheet available.

Komatex sheets are not harmful to human health or the environment in manufacturing, applications or disposal. Komatex is free of lead, cadmium and barium. All Kommerling products comply with national and international regulations relating to the environment.

Applications for PVC Panel Boards:

• Substrate for signs – easily screen printed, painted, laminated; ideal for vinyl letter application
• Exhibit and trade-show booths
• Point-of-purchase and 3D displays
• Photo mounting
• Arts and crafts
• Dimensional lettering
• Marine
• Refrigeration
• Vehicle manufacturing
• Theater and stage sets
• Models, architectural prototypes
• Wood replacement