PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), available in both Rigid (uPVC) and Flexible (pPVC) formulations, is a highly durable commodity thermoplastic valued for its flame retardancy, chemical resistance, and cost efficiency. At Jucheng Precision, an ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified manufacturer, we specialize in high-precision PVC injection molding for medical fluidic and industrial plumbing applications. Utilizing 35+ advanced molding presses (50-650T) equipped with corrosion-resistant screws and 25+ in-house 5-axis CNC machines, we strictly control PVC's thermal degradation window to eliminate corrosive HCl gas outgassing. We provide a free DFM analysis within 24 hours, ensuring defect-free components verified by Zeiss CMM.
Rigid & Flexible PVC Material Grades We Mold
We process both Rigid (uPVC) and Flexible (pPVC) vinyl compounds from global chemical compounders, tailored for structural, chemical, and medical applications:
| PVC Polymer Class | Marque et qualité typiques | Caractéristiques et avantages clés |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid PVC (uPVC) | • Westlake PVC Rigid Compound • Formosa PVC Suspension Grades |
High mechanical stiffness, outstanding chemical resistance to acids and alkalis, and inherent flame retardancy (UL 94 V-0). Ideal for municipal pipe fittings, valve bodies, and electrical junction boxes. |
| Flexible PVC (pPVC) | • Teknor Apex Apex PVC • Alphagary Evoprene Flexible |
Plasticized formulation providing rubber-like flexibility, high elongation, and low cost. Specified for flexible grommets, cable relief boots, soft seals, and protective caps. |
| Medical Clear PVC | • Colorite Medical PVC Compounds • Westlake Healthcare Compounds |
USP Class VI and ISO 10993 certified. High optical transparency, gamma/EtO sterilization stability, and non-toxic. Used for fluid drip chambers, IV connectors, and catheter valves. |
Applicable Molding Processes for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC’s unique melt shear sensitivity and thermal degradation window demand specialized processing architectures:
| Processus de moulage | Adéquation du procédé et détails d'application |
|---|---|
| Moulage par injection standard | Excellent. Configured with specialized chrome-plated or stainless screws to mold rigid uPVC plumbing elbows, tees, and valve bodies. |
| Moulage par insertion | Excellent. Allows seamless encapsulation of brass threaded inserts or steel bolts directly into rigid PVC electrical junction boxes and valve housings. |
| Multi-Shot / Overmolding | Good. Flexible PVC is often overmolded over rigid ABS, PC, or rigid PVC structures to create soft sealing lips and ergonomic hand grips. |
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Manufacturing & Processing Guide
PVC is thermally sensitive and prone to releasing corrosive hydrochloric acid (HCl) gas if overheated or subjected to high shear. Strict technical execution is required:
- Thermal Degradation Control: Barrel processing temperatures must be strictly managed within a narrow window between 160°C and 190°C (320°F to 374°F). Melt temperatures exceeding 200°C will trigger polymer chain degradation, generating corrosive HCl gas and part discoloration.
- Corrosion-Resistant Screw & Barrel Metallurgy: To resist acid corrosion, Jucheng uses bimetallic barrels, chrome-plated screws, and stainless steel mold inserts (S136 or M340 hardened to 48–52 HRC) on all PVC production lines.
- Low-Shear Tooling & Gate Sizing: PVC melts exhibit high viscosity and shear sensitivity. We design wide, rounded runners and generous gates (minimum 60% of part wall thickness) to prevent localized shear heating and surface burn marks.
- Shrinkage Variance: Rigid uPVC exhibits low mold shrinkage (0.2% to 0.6%), while Flexible pPVC exhibits higher, elasticity-dependent shrinkage (1.0% to 2.5%). Our tooling division scales mold cavities precisely using 5-axis CNC machining to guarantee exact part geometry.
Key Application Industries for PVC Molded Parts
- Medical Devices & Biotech (ISO 13485 Compliant): Clear IV drip chambers, fluid connectors, blood tubing connectors, catheter valves, and oxygen mask fittings.
- Municipal Plumbing & Construction: Rigid uPVC pipe elbows, couplings, T-joints, ball valves, drain fittings, and conduit junction boxes.
- Electrical & Consumer Hardware: Cable strain-relief boots, electrical wire terminal covers, soft-touch tool grips, and protective sealing grommets.
Material Properties
| Density (Rigid uPVC) | 1.35 - 1.45 g/cm³ |
| Density (Flexible pPVC) | 1.15 - 1.35 g/cm³ |
| Hardness Range (Flexible pPVC) | 40A - 95A Shore A |
| Tensile Strength at Yield (Rigid uPVC) | 40 - 60 MPa |
| Tensile Strength at Break (Flexible pPVC) | 10 - 25 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus (Rigid uPVC) | 2,600 - 3,400 MPa |
| Tensile Elongation at Break (Flexible pPVC) | 150 - 450 % |
| Vicat Softening Temperature (Rigid uPVC) | 75 - 85 °C |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT @ 1.8 MPa, Rigid) | 65 - 75 °C |
| Flammability Rating (Rigid uPVC) | Classe UL 94 V-0 |
| Linear Mold Shrinkage (Rigid uPVC) | 0.20 - 0.60 % |
| Linear Mold Shrinkage (Flexible pPVC) | 1.00 - 2.50 % |
| Taille maximale de pièce | 1000 x 800 mm |
| Taille minimale de pièce | 1 x 1 mm |