ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a short description of the manufacturing properties of plastics. It discusses some of the more important methods of processing plastics. It should be emphasized that the manufacturing methods for plastics are as diverse as the plastic materials themselves; consequently, the chapter presents only a selection of the most important methods. Classification of plastic materials into thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics thus gives valuable information about their behavior in processing and service. The casting of plastics involves, in general, the same main phases as the casting of metals: the production of a suitable die or mold, including cores; the melting of the material or mixing of liquid agents; pouring by gravitation; and “solidification.” The materials used for the rotational molding of thermoplastics are, for example, powdered polyethylene resins and polyvinyl chloride paste, which are the most important, but most of the casting plastics may be used.
