Plastic Materials by Application
Choosing plastic by application means matching a material's properties, such as chemical resistance, impact strength, temperature range and UV stability, to where and how the part will be used. Laird Plastics supplies sheet, rod, tube, roll and film across 17 application areas, with material guidance from local service centers.
How to Choose a Plastic for Your Application
Where will the material be used?
Indoor and outdoor applications call for different materials. Sunlight, moisture and temperature swings wear down plastics that aren't built for them, so outdoor use calls for UV-stable, weather-resistant grades.
What does the material need to do?
Define the job first: structural support, wear surface, protective barrier, display or fluid handling. The job decides which properties matter most, such as strength, wear resistance, clarity or ease of fabrication.
Will it face cuts, impacts or punctures?
Mechanical stress rules out some materials. Impact-resistant and abrasion-resistant grades hold up better than rigid, brittle ones, so know the loads before you choose.
What chemicals will it contact?
Chemical compatibility depends on the material, the chemical, its concentration and the temperature. Check compatibility before you order. Start with our Chemically Resistant Plastics.
The wrong material costs time and money. Not sure which one fits? Contact your local Laird Plastics service center or send us your specifications, and our plastics experts will match a material to your needs.
Application FAQs
What does "shop by application" mean?
It means choosing plastic by the job the part has to do and where it will be used, rather than starting from a material name. Pick the application below and compare the materials that fit.
What is the difference between an application and an industry?
An application describes the job a material performs, such as fluid handling or chemical resistance. An industry describes who uses it, such as automotive or agriculture. To browse by market instead, see our industries.
Can Laird Plastics help me choose the right material?
Yes. Share your specifications with our plastics experts and they will match the correct material to your project. Contact your local service center for material selection help.
Written by B. Decker, Digital Content Specialist. Reviewed by Laird Plastics applications engineering and product management.
