Material Guide
Choosing the Right Material for Your Lab & Cleanroom Solutions
We work across a wide range of engineering plastics and understand the chemistries, temperature limits, and compliance profiles that matter in regulated facilities.
Polypropylene (PP)
Why We Use It: Durable, non-corrosive, and highly chemical-resistant with low moisture absorption—ideal for high-purity environments.
Best Applications:
- Fume hoods and lab casework
- Chemical tanks, carboys, and distribution
- Cleanroom furniture and accessories
Key Benefits:
- Superior chemical resistance; easy to sanitize
- Lightweight, non-staining, non-conductive
- Long service life with minimal maintenance
PCI Advantage: Most of our lab casework and cabinets are PP for reliability and cleanability.
PVC & CPVC (Corzan®)
Why We Use It: Proven, economical corrosion resistance; CPVC adds higher temperature capability while retaining PVC’s strengths.
Best Applications:
- Exhaust ducting and ventilation manifolds
- Wet benches, tanks, and scrubber components
- Acid/alkali storage and drain systems
Key Benefits:
- Excellent chemical resistance; flame-retardant options
- Cost-effective and versatile
- Broad fittings for retrofit work
PCI Advantage: Frequently used for safe, reliable corrosive exhaust and ducting.
PVDF (Kynar®)
Why We Use It: High-purity, high-performance plastic with exceptional chemical, thermal, and UV resistance for critical processes.
Best Applications:
- Semiconductor & bio/pharma chemical handling
- Ultra-pure transfer systems and manifolds
- Cleanroom components requiring high purity
Key Benefits:
- Outstanding chemical and heat resistance
- Low extractables for sensitive processes
- Long service life in demanding duty cycles
PCI Advantage: Frequently used for safe, reliable corrosive exhaust and ducting.
Acrylic (Plexiglass®)
Why We Use It: Strong, lightweight, and optically clear—ideal when visibility and cleanliness are priorities.
Best Applications:
- Isolation chambers and equipment enclosures
- Pass-throughs and viewing panels
- Clear cabinet doors and guards
Key Benefits:
- Excellent clarity and presentation
- Easy to machine and bond
- Lightweight with good impact resistance
PCI Advantage: Often paired with PP frames for visibility + cleanability in glove boxes and pass-throughs.
PVC & CPVC (Corzan®)
Why We Use It: High impact resistance and toughness—ideal where acrylic may chip; great for shields and guards.
Best Applications:
- Machine guards and splash shields
- Viewing windows in rugged areas
- Enclosures near high traffic zones
Key Benefits:
- Very high impact strength
- Good temperature performance and formability
- Safer alternative to glass in busy labs
PCI Advantage: Go-to for durable safety guards in high-use areas.
PTFE (Teflon®)
Why We Use It: Near-universal chemical resistance and high temperature performance; ultra-low friction surfaces.
Best Applications:
- Harsh chemistry contact surfaces and liners
- Gaskets, seals, and slide plates
- Solvent/acid/base exposure components
Key Benefits:
- Exceptional chemical inertness
- Wide service temperature window
- Non-stick, low-friction behavior
PCI Advantage: We line or fabricate in PTFE when processes push limits.
PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy)
Why We Use It: Ultra-pure, melt-processable fluoropolymer for tubing, fittings, and vessels requiring minimal extractables.
Best Applications:
- Semiconductor wet benches & chem supply
- Ultra-clean transfer lines and drip trays
- High-purity sample handling
Key Benefits:
- Very low extractables; high purity
- Strong chemical & temperature resistance
- Smooth surfaces for clean flow
PCI Advantage: Often paired with PP frames for visibility + cleanability in glove boxes and pass-throughs.
FRPP / FM4910-Rated PP (incl. Flametec™ CP7-D)
Why We Use It: Polypropylene performance with enhanced fire characteristics; select grades meet cleanroom fire performance requirements.
Best Applications:
- Cleanroom casework, cabinets, and enclosures
- Equipment panels and tool housings
- Acid/alkali storage and drain systems
Key Benefits:
- Excellent chemical resistance; flame-retardant options
- Cost-effective and versatile
- Broad fittings for retrofit work
PCI Advantage: Go-to for durable safety guards in high-use areas.
ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene)
Why We Use It: Tough, impact-resistant engineering plastic that performs well in colder environments.
Best Applications:
- Fixtures, trays, and organizers
- Instrument panels and housings
- Prototyping and form-fit parts
Key Benefits:
- High impact resistance and toughness
- Good dimensional stability
- Cost-effective for non-corrosive duties
PCI Advantage: We line or fabricate in PTFE when processes push limits.
Delrin® / Acetal (POM)
Why We Use It: Stiff, strong, and precise—excellent machinability for tight-tolerance parts.
Best Applications:
- Precision manifolds and valve bodies
- Jigs, fixtures, and wear components
- Structural parts needing stiffness
Key Benefits:
- High strength-to-weight; fatigue endurance
- Dimensional stability; clean machining
- Good fuel/solvent resistance
PCI Advantage: We machine acetal when tight tolerances and rigidity are critical..
HDPE & LDPE
Why We Use It: Lightweight, tough, and chemical-resistant—great for tanks and storage on a budget.
Best Applications:
- Chemical and water tanks
- Secondary containment and drip trays
- Utility carts and mobile storage
Key Benefits:
- Good impact strength and chemical resistance
- Easy to fabricate and weld
- Economical for large volumes
PCI Advantage: We build PE tanks/containment where durability meets value.
Halar® (ECTFE)
Why We Use It: Excellent corrosion resistance and low permeability; strong choice for aggressive chemicals.
Best Applications:
- Liners and cladding in corrosive zones
- Chemical contact components
- Selected cleanroom/controlled areas
Key Benefits:
- Broad chemical resistance
- Good temperature and UV performance
- Smooth, cleanable surfaces
PCI Advantage:Specified for corrosive duty exceeding standard polyolefins.
Kydex® (Acrylic-PVC Alloy)
Why We Use It: Rigid, formable, and tough with strong chemical resistance—great for thermoformed panels and covers.
Best Applications:
- Equipment skins and formed panels
- Protective guards and trays
- Durable casework accents
Key Benefits:
- Thermoformable with crisp detail
- Impact and abrasion resistance
- Chemically resilient surface
PCI Advantage: Enables robust, cleanly formed covers/panels quickly.
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
Why We Use It: Lightweight and stiff with a good gas barrier; useful where weight matters.
Best Applications:
- Machine guards and light panels
- Trays, bins, and organizers
- Non-critical covers and signage
Key Benefits:
- Good stiffness-to-weight ratio
- Easy to machine and finish
- Recyclable in many streams
PCI Advantage: A cost-efficient choice for light-duty components.
UHMW-PE (Ultra-High -Molecular-Weight PE)
Why We Use It: Ultra-low friction and extreme wear resistance—perfect for sliding and impact surfaces.
Best Applications:
- Slide plates, wear strips, and liners
- Impact-absorbing guards and bumpers
- Low-friction guides in material flow
Key Benefits:
- Outstanding abrasion resistance
- Self-lubricating, low-friction
- Tough at low temperatures
PCI Advantage: Extends service life in high-wear zones.
Not Sure Which Material Fits Your Application?
Give us your specs, we’ll help you get the right material, build it for durability, and handle fabrication through installation.