When it comes to material options for tacking up signs, designing packages, or any other industrial application, corrugated plastic and PVC are now worthy contenders. Although they might appear to be the same thing, they each have their own set of properties, advantages, and specific applications.
Learning about the merits and demerits of these materials is crucial when selecting the best material for your project. So, in this blog, we will discuss everything you must learn about corrugated plastic and PVC, which will help enable you to answer the question of which one is for you.
What is Corrugated Plastic?
Corrugated plastic, also known widely as ‘Coroplast’ or corrugated PP, is a type of sheet comprising of three layers separated by an air pocket that are ribs in shape. This flute is what combines the stiffness of outer coverings thus enabling the easy movement of the entire pack structure when formed to amazon boxes.
Ideal Uses of Corrugated Plastic
In fact, its usage is variously extended in sectors such as packaging, advert boards, or even building materials. It’s lightweight and waterproof which makes it relevant for mobile advertising thanks to its banners, packing and shipping as well as outdoor advertising. Most importantly, it is versatile; sheeting can be easily trimmed, molded, or decorated quite easily for design and marketing purposes.
What is PVC?
Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC for short, is a weather resistant plastic characterized by strength, glossy texture and ability to harden. There are mainly two types of PVC; the flexible and the rigid one. Rigid PVC, usually referred to as polyvinyl chloride foam board or expanded PVC board, is widely used for advertising, signage and building purposes due to its strength and ease of manufacturing.
Ideal Uses of PVC
PVC is widely found either indoors or outdoors where there is a need for a strong and waterproof material. This category includes indoor signage, exhibition stands, sell-out systems, as well as more robust features such as outdoor signboards. Its flat structure enables high-quality graphics printing and can also be easily molded or sliced to suit specific needs.
Key Differences between Corrugated Plastic and PVC
Having grasped the definition of each material, we may proceed to the bottom line about expanded PVC vs. corrugated plastic. Each material has distinct characteristics which may render it appropriate or inappropriate depending on the specific project.
- Weight and Portability
Weight wise, it is clear that corrugated plastic is much lighter when compared to PVC. This is due to the unique fluted structure of corrugated plastic. It can be easily transported and installed hence making it ideal for moveable and often repositioned signs or displays. PVC in most cases due to its weight is sturdy and strong. It is suitable also for long-term displays where strength is crucial.
- Durability and Weather Resistance
Often both hardened corrugated plastic and PVC perform well in moist conditions but when it comes to extended outdoor areas the materials differ. Corrugated plastic does not absorb water but it is moisture resistant this does not guarantee no damage from the sun. However, PVC has excellent weathering properties including withstanding ultraviolet and chemical exposure, hence more preferable for outdoor use over time.
- Flexibility and Strength
When it comes to flexibility, PVC can be considered as a rather rigid material that can offer a good level plain surface which can be the reason as to why PVC is the preferred material for the making of long lasting and good looking signs. Even though it is durable, corrugated plastic has the disadvantage of having a hollow interior that leads to bending when pressure is exerted on it making it more flexible than straight plastic. This trait, however, may be favorable when it comes to using it in lightweight or short term applications.
- Printing and Aesthetic Appeal
Both materials offer favourable surfaces for printing and graphics, however, a few concerns arise. The fluted design of corrugated plastic may at times lead to slight defects in printing particularly with very intricate graphics. On the other hand, Polyvinyl chloride which has a hard textured finishing, allows the reproduction of very fine and clearer graphics which explains the use of PVC whenever high quality images have to be printed for display purposes.
Which Material Should You Choose?
When it comes to selecting from corrugated plastic or PVC, this will be determined by the requirements of your particular project. Below is a fast breakdown to assist you in that regard:
For Temporary Signage and Short-Term Events
Cost-efficient, lightweight, and practical to use, corrugated plastic is an option for signage when there is a need to promote a short-term event or have easily portable signs. It’s easy to transport and set up, making it perfect for trade shows, yard signs, and temporary displays.
For Permanent or Long-Term Signage
Solely, a PVC is or she welcomes orders for display items that are intended to withstand harsh environmental conditions for graduations. Store signage, For example advertising outdoors, or within interiors where high quality finish is desired.
Environmental Impact: Corrugated Plastic vs. PVC
In the current times, the element of sustainability has to come into play uppermost in any decision made. In other words, if used then disposed of suitably available corrugated plastic is friendlier to the environment as it is recyclable.
However, PVC is not very green since it is difficult to recycle and if disposed of wrongly, can be harmful to the environment. Offshore companies that seek green alternatives in the materials they use can easily access corrugated plastic when the material has to be recyclable.
Why Choose Corpac Inc. for Your Material Needs?
In designing any system or products, Corpac Inc. recognizes that it is the unique characteristics and attributes… which is the reason we have a variety of materials such xxx corrugated plastic and Pvc etc. Whether you are looking for assistance in picking out the right materials or the right choices for your application, you are ensured a consultative services from the experts to help you arrive at the best choice. In Corpac Inc. you can get Excellent materials, Affordable prices and Quality service for your project.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts Without a doubt corrugated plastic and PVC are beneficial to use for different types of applications. Powder coated PVC plastic has many appealing features while corrugated plastic is cheap and light. PVC, thanks to its durability, is perfect for applications that call for long-term visual displays. These materials should also Alaska weather as they have distinct advantages. Thus, once you appreciate their specific features, it is possible to select the best material for your projects.
