Melamine, ABS and PVC
What is the difference between Melamine, ABS and PVC
ABS and PVC belong to the thermoplastics classification, while Melamine belongs to the thermoset plastics
Thermoplastics:
Polymers that can be melted and recast repeatedly are called thermoplastics. They become molten upon heating and solidify upon cooling.
Thermosetting:
Thermosetting plastics consist of long chains of cross-linked molecules, resulting in a rigid structure. They can be moulded, shaped, and pressed into various forms when heated. However, they cannot be reheated and re-shaped once set.
ABS is considered a green plastic due to its quicker decomposing time and lack of harmful gas emissions when burned. However, the two materials have no discernible differences in manufacturing or use. The main difference between them is the cost, with PVC being cheaper.
Melamine
Melamine is a type of engineered wood stronger than particle board due to its unique manufacturing process. As a result, it has become increasingly popular among manufacturers who want to preserve sustainable resources. Thanks to the laminate applied to its outer surfaces, its flexible aesthetic can be matched to any décor. This laminate can even resemble wood grain. Melamine combines wood particles, paper, and resin under extreme pressure. It’s now known for its fire-retardant, moisture-resistant, and warp-proof properties, making it a competitive alternative to traditional hardwood.
ABS & PVC
| Parameter | PVC | ABS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environment | PVC can be recycled; however, burning PVC can expose harmful gas to the environment. PVC takes longer time than ABS to be decomposed. | ABS is considered to be the ‘Green’ because it can be recycled. However, the recycling can be done by burning the material also, no harmful gas is exposed. ABS takes shorter period of time to decompose in the ground. | ||||
| Resistant to Fire | PVC is also resistant to fire, however, in case of fire, the gas exposure is risky and unhealthy. | ABS more resistant to fire. Even if there is fire, the exposure of harmful is limited. | ||||
| Durability | PVC is more resistant to solvent and UV lights. It is possible to use the strongest form of solvent. | ABS can be damaged if a strong solvent is used. ABS is less resistant to lights. | ||||
| Costing | PVC is cheaper than ABS and other plastic materials. | ABS is the most expensive edgebanding solution in the plastic segment. | ||||
| Processing | PVC is a good product for all sorts of edgebanders. However, due to its strong composition, it is little harder to process than ABS in edgebanders. | It is more convenient to process ABS on edgebanders. The lifetime of trimming knives of the edgebanding is longer. Only be careful with the selection of solvent to be used for cleaning. | ||||
| For laser edgebanding | If PVC is burned, the exposure of the gas is harmful. Therefore, for laser, or airtech technolody, PVC cannot be used. | ABS is the perfect product for laser technology due to its resistant to fire and also when burned, there is not harmful gas. It is only recommended to used minimum thickness of 1mm for laser edgebanding processed. | ||||
| Dimensions | In PVC, thickness between 0.3mm and 2.8mm is possible. The width can be between 14mm and 610mm | In ABS, thickness between 0.3mm and 2mm is possible. The width can be between 14mm and 250mm |