ABSTRACT
Today, nearly 10,000 American companies are active in the general area of synthetic polymers.
Following is a brief description of these companies divided according to their function.
. Manufacturers: There are over 200 major manufacturers of general-purpose polymers
and numerous other manufacturers of specialty polymers. . Processors: Some companies manufacture their own polymeric materials for sub-
sequent processing, but the majority purchases the necessary polymeric materials
from other companies. Processors may specialize in the use of selected polymers,
such as nylons and polycarbonates, or focus on particular techniques of processing,
such as coatings, films, sheets, laminates, and bulk molded and reinforced plastics. . Fabricators and finishers: A majority of companies are involved in the fabrication and
finishing of polymers, i.e., production of the end products for industrial and public
consumption. Fabrication can be divided into three broad areas:machining, forming, and
fashioning. Machining includes grinding, sawing, screwing, and other techniques. Form-
ing includes molding and other methods of shaping and joining by welding, gluing,
screwing, andother techniques. Fashioning includes cutting, sewing, sheeting, and sealing.
