North America’s Trusted Plastic Distributor & Fabricator

Laird Plastics stocks over 1,000 different plastic materials across multiple categories. Our inventory includes commodity plastics like acrylic, polycarbonate, HDPE, LDPE, PVC, and ABS, as well as high-performance engineering plastics such as PEEK, PTFE, Ultem, UHMW, and Delrin. We also carry specialty materials including marine-grade plastics, FDA-approved food-contact materials, flame-retardant options, and static-dissipative plastics. Materials are available in various forms including sheets, rods, tubes, and films in standard and custom sizes.

Polycarbonate is a strong, transparent thermoplastic known for exceptional impact resistance, clarity, and heat tolerance. It is virtually unbreakable, making it 250 times stronger than glass and 30 times stronger than acrylic. Common applications include machine guards, safety shields, bulletproof windows, greenhouses, electronic component housings, and medical device components. Polycarbonate maintains dimensional stability across temperatures from -40°F to 240°F and offers excellent UV resistance when properly coated. It can be easily thermoformed, machined, and fabricated for custom applications.

Acrylic offers superior optical clarity, scratch resistance, and UV stability, making it ideal for display cases, signage, and aquariums. Polycarbonate provides 30 times greater impact resistance, better heat tolerance, and flexibility, making it the choice for safety applications, machine guards, and high-stress environments. Acrylic is more rigid and easier to polish to crystal clarity, while polycarbonate is more durable but scratches easier. For outdoor signage, choose acrylic. For safety shields or applications requiring extreme durability, choose polycarbonate. Cost-wise, acrylic is generally more economical.

UHMW (Ultra-High Molecular Weight polyethylene) is an extremely tough, self-lubricating plastic with exceptional abrasion resistance and low friction properties. It is commonly used for wear strips, conveyor components, chute liners, marine applications, and food processing equipment. UHMW does not absorb moisture, resists most chemicals, and operates in temperatures from -400°F to 180°F. Its coefficient of friction is lower than nylon or acetal, making it ideal for sliding applications. The material is FDA compliant and USDA approved for food contact applications.

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) has a higher strength-to-density ratio, greater rigidity, and better chemical resistance than LDPE. It is used for cutting boards, chemical tanks, marine applications, and structural components. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) is more flexible, has better impact resistance at low temperatures, and offers superior clarity. LDPE is commonly used for packaging films, squeeze bottles, and applications requiring flexibility. HDPE has a service temperature up to 180°F while LDPE typically operates up to 176°F. Both are FDA compliant for food contact.

Material selection depends on several factors including mechanical requirements (strength, flexibility, impact resistance), environmental conditions (temperature, UV exposure, chemicals), regulatory compliance (FDA, NSF, UL), and cost constraints. Our material specialists can guide you through the selection process by evaluating your application requirements. Common considerations include operating temperature range, chemical exposure, wear resistance needs, optical properties, and whether food contact or medical compliance is required. We recommend requesting material data sheets and, when needed, prototype testing before committing to production quantities.

Yes, high-performance engineering plastics can replace metals in many applications, offering advantages like weight reduction, corrosion resistance, reduced maintenance, and lower production costs. Materials like PEEK, Ultem, and carbon-fiber reinforced polymers provide strength-to-weight ratios comparable to aluminum while resisting chemicals that corrode metals. Common metal replacement applications include gears, bearings, bushings, structural components, and chemical processing equipment. However, plastics have temperature limitations and different mechanical properties than metals. Our engineers can evaluate whether plastic is suitable for your specific metal replacement application and recommend appropriate materials.

Several plastic materials meet FDA requirements under 21 CFR 177 for direct food contact. These include HDPE, LDPE, polypropylene, UHMW, acetal (Delrin), PTFE (Teflon), and certain grades of acrylic and PVC. HDPE and UHMW are particularly popular for cutting boards, food processing equipment, and conveyor components due to their excellent chemical resistance and low moisture absorption. When selecting food-grade plastics, verify the specific resin grade meets FDA requirements for your intended use, whether for direct food contact, repeated use, or single-use applications. NSF certification is also required for certain applications.

Cast acrylic is manufactured between glass plates, resulting in superior optical clarity, better chemical resistance, and easier machining with less cracking. It is ideal for laser cutting, engraving, and applications requiring crystal-clear transparency like aquariums and display cases. Extruded acrylic is produced through a continuous extrusion process, making it more economical and available in a wider range of sizes and colors. While it has slightly lower impact resistance and is more prone to cracking during fabrication, extruded acrylic works well for signage, protective barriers, and general-purpose applications where cost efficiency is important.

Engineering plastics are high-performance polymers designed for demanding applications requiring superior mechanical properties, heat resistance, and dimensional stability. Examples include PEEK, Ultem, Torlon, PTFE, acetal (Delrin), and nylon. These materials are used in aerospace, medical devices, automotive components, semiconductor manufacturing, and industrial machinery. Choose engineering plastics when your application requires sustained operation above 200°F, exceptional chemical resistance, low friction and wear characteristics, or compliance with stringent industry standards. While more expensive than commodity plastics, engineering plastics often provide the only viable solution for extreme environments.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) offers excellent chemical resistance, flame retardance, and weather resistance at a lower cost than acrylic, making it suitable for outdoor signage, chemical tanks, and industrial applications. However, PVC has lower optical clarity than acrylic and can yellow over time with UV exposure. Acrylic provides crystal-clear transparency, superior UV stability, and better scratch resistance, making it the preferred choice for display cases, museum exhibits, and applications where optical clarity is critical. PVC is easier to fabricate and weld, while acrylic is more rigid and maintains its appearance longer in outdoor environments.

Yes, all Laird Plastics locations offer precision cut-to-size services with same-day turnaround available on most stock materials. We utilize CNC routers, panel saws, and laser cutting equipment to achieve tight tolerances. Our capabilities include straight cuts, custom shapes, holes, notches, and complex geometries. Typical cutting tolerances are plus or minus 0.030 inches for standard cuts and plus or minus 0.005 inches for CNC machining operations. We can cut materials from thin films to thick sheets up to several inches. Simply provide your specifications or CAD drawings, and our team will fabricate your parts to exact dimensions.

Our fabrication services include CNC machining, laser cutting, routing, drilling, thermoforming, vacuum forming, plastic welding, bending, and polishing. We work with your specifications or provide design assistance for optimal manufacturability. Our CNC capabilities include 3-axis and 5-axis machining with tolerances to plus or minus 0.001 inches. Thermoforming services accommodate parts up to 120 inches by 60 inches. We also offer assembly services, finishing operations, and secondary processes like printing or coating. Whether you need a single prototype or production quantities, our experienced fabricators deliver quality components on time.

Delivery timeframes vary by material availability and location. Stock materials typically ship same-day or next-day from your nearest Laird Plastics location. Will-call pickup is available immediately at all branches. For materials not in stock locally, we can often transfer from another location within 24 to 48 hours. Special order materials or custom colors may require one to three weeks depending on manufacturer lead times. Custom fabrication jobs are typically completed within three to seven business days for standard quantities. Expedited service is available when needed. Contact your local branch for specific delivery estimates on your order.

Yes, you can browse and purchase plastic materials through our website 24/7. Our online store features detailed product specifications, material data sheets, and real-time inventory availability. You can filter by material type, size, color, and properties to find exactly what you need. For custom sizes or fabricated parts, you can request a quote online and our team will respond with pricing and lead time. Account customers can access their pricing, order history, and saved lists online. Our e-commerce platform is designed for both small quantity purchases and large industrial orders with freight shipping options available.

Yes, complimentary technical support is available at all Laird Plastics locations. Our material specialists average over 15 years of plastics industry experience and can assist with material selection, compliance questions, fabrication recommendations, and application engineering. We help evaluate factors like chemical compatibility, temperature requirements, mechanical properties, and regulatory compliance to ensure you select the optimal material. Technical consultations can be conducted via phone, email, or in-person meetings. We also provide material data sheets, test reports, compliance documentation, and can arrange for material testing when needed for critical applications.

Materials with excellent UV stability and weather resistance include UV-stabilized acrylic, polycarbonate with UV coating, PVC, HDPE, and ACM (aluminum composite material) panels. Cast acrylic offers the best long-term clarity and color retention for outdoor signage and architectural applications. King ColorBoard, a PVC-based sheet, provides superior weather resistance and comes in vibrant colors that resist fading. For marine environments, King StarBoard (marine-grade HDPE) is specifically engineered to withstand saltwater, UV exposure, and extreme weather. All outdoor materials should be UV-stabilized or coated to prevent degradation and discoloration over time.

King StarBoard is the industry standard for marine applications, offering exceptional weather resistance, UV stability, and durability in saltwater environments. This marine-grade HDPE is used for helm stations, seating, cabinetry, tackle centers, and custom boat components. It will not rot, delaminate, or absorb moisture like traditional marine plywood. Other suitable marine materials include SeaBoard (HDPE), polycarbonate for windshields and hatches, and G-10 fiberglass laminate for high-strength structural applications. All marine plastics should be UV-stabilized and resistant to saltwater corrosion, mildew, and marine organisms. We stock marine materials in white and various colors approved for marine use.

Polycarbonate is the primary material for machine guards and safety shields due to its exceptional impact resistance and transparency. Clear polycarbonate sheet in thicknesses from 0.125 inches to 0.375 inches meets OSHA requirements for machine guarding while providing visibility of operations. For chemical splash protection, clear PVC or acrylic may be specified depending on the chemicals involved. High-impact acrylic offers a more scratch-resistant alternative for applications where chemical resistance is needed. Tinted or opaque guards can be fabricated from various materials. We can fabricate complete guard assemblies with frames, hinges, and mounting hardware to your specifications.

Medical-grade plastics must meet stringent biocompatibility, sterilization, and regulatory requirements. Common materials include USP Class VI certified polycarbonate, Ultem, PEEK, and medical-grade acrylic. Polycarbonate and Ultem can withstand repeated autoclave sterilization cycles. PEEK offers biocompatibility for implantable devices and surgical instruments. Acetal and UHMW are used for components requiring low friction and wear resistance. All medical materials must comply with FDA regulations, ISO 10993 biocompatibility standards, and specific industry requirements. We provide complete material certifications, test reports, and traceability documentation required for medical device manufacturing and quality systems.

Cast acrylic is the premium choice for high-end signage, offering crystal clarity, excellent printability, and superior UV resistance. For budget-conscious projects, extruded acrylic provides good optical properties at lower cost. PVC-based materials like Sintra and Gatorboard are popular for interior signage and point-of-purchase displays due to lightweight construction and easy fabrication. ACM (aluminum composite material) panels provide rigid, flat surfaces ideal for outdoor signs and architectural cladding. Polycarbonate works well for illuminated signs requiring impact resistance. Corrugated plastic sheets are economical for temporary outdoor signage. We stock signage materials in various colors, textures, and finishes.

Laird Plastics has no minimum order quantity. We serve everyone from individual hobbyists purchasing small pieces to large manufacturers requiring full truckloads. Whether you need a single cut piece, a full sheet, or thousands of fabricated parts, we can accommodate your order. Small quantity purchases may be subject to cut charges for custom sizing. For materials not regularly stocked, special orders may require manufacturer minimum quantities, typically a full bundle or production run. Our team will work with you to find the most economical solution for your needs regardless of order size.

Yes, we ship plastic materials throughout the United States and Canada from our 50-plus distribution centers. Shipping options include UPS, FedEx, common carrier freight, and dedicated delivery services depending on order size and destination. Small parcels typically ship via UPS Ground with expedited options available. Full sheets and bulk orders ship via freight carriers with liftgate service available for locations without loading docks. Orders to Alaska, Hawaii, and remote locations may require additional transit time and shipping costs. Canadian customers benefit from our Toronto-area locations to minimize customs delays and shipping expenses. Delivery quotes provided at checkout.

Request a custom fabrication quote by contacting your nearest Laird Plastics location via phone, email, or our online quote request form. Provide specifications including material type, dimensions, tolerances, quantity, and any special requirements. CAD files (DXF, DWG, or STEP formats) expedite the quoting process and ensure accuracy. Include drawings or photos if available. Our fabrication team will review your requirements and provide a detailed quote typically within 24 to 48 hours. For complex projects, we may recommend a brief consultation to discuss optimal materials, manufacturing methods, and cost-saving alternatives. Rush quotes available when needed.

Use our location finder at lairdplastics.com/locations to find your nearest branch. We maintain 50-plus distribution centers throughout major metropolitan areas across the United States and Canada. Each location stocks commonly used materials with access to our complete inventory network. Locations offer will-call pickup, local delivery, technical support, and fabrication services. Our branches are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some locations offering extended hours or Saturday service. Visit our locations page to view addresses, contact information, hours of operation, and detailed driving directions to your nearest Laird Plastics facility.