Co-polymer was one of them. All in all, polypropylene will be the best option that offers both durability and a lightweight design. She has also attended Vollrath University, Vulcan University and Social Media Examiner's Social Media and Blogging Success Summits. Polycarbonate trays can be used in a microwave and are also dishwasher safe. A Wood Toilet Seat or a Plastic Toilet Seat: Which One is Really Better? Thing is, not all of it actually will be recycled. Polypropylene is an example of a plastic polymer. Plastic Phone Case. Here is a table that shows a comparison of glass vs. plastic blender jars. When considering polycarbonate, consider that polycarbonate plastic is clear, transparent in color, making it the ideal choice of material. If it catches fire, it will melt away rather quickly. For our canopies and covers after several studies, we decided to use compact polycarbonate sheets of 4 mm thick which are UV resistant. We all know that plastic is bad for the environment because of the toxic chemicals emitted. In fact, much of it will probably just end up in a landfill. The polycarbonate material used in the construction of awnings and roofs is the compact polycarbonate (PCC). Polymer compounds are large macromolecules made from small molecules known as monomers.The chemical process known as polymerization is used for the formation of a polymer out of monomers. Plastic is a synthetic material that is made out of a combination of various components to form this hard end product. Polypropylene is made from propylene monomers. Polypropylene trays have a moderate resistance to breakage and scratches and are very stain resistant. It’s all-too-common to see cracked or broken touchscreens these days. One of the most popular plastic materials used is … Plastic is a polymer that has a large molecular mass. They are not sturdy and don’t last as long as plastic sheds. Gloves. Product Consultant Rick Arenstein advised to not use them in the microwave. When choosing sheds for your home, you have the choice of either resin or plastic. They fall in the middle when it comes to dry time. Wood vs Plastic Toilet Seat: The Ultimate Comparison Guide Comfort: As Comfort is a top priority for many people, it is worth finding out which material is more comfortable. According to their physical properties, polymers are divided into three groups as thermosets, thermoplastics and elastomers. Acrylic vs Polycarbonate. Certain plastics are better for different foodservice operations which makes ordering the right tray critical. Required fields are marked *. Glass vs Polycarbonate – Which one is better? Because plastic is hard and not flexible, the styles for plastic sheds can be pretty limited. I’ve mentioned the pros and cons of glass and Polycarbonate. Plastic, glass and aluminum can hypothetically all be recycled, and you probably just throw them all in your recycling bin and call it a day. Because plastic is hard and not flexible, the styles for plastic sheds can be pretty limited. Finally, plastic is a pretty flammable material. Polycarbonate sheets can cost on average about 35% more than acrylic. Plastic Blender Jar. As you shop for trays, you’ll find there are ABS, melamine, polycarbonate, polypropylene or co-polymer constructions. Polypropylene. He also noted they have incredibly fast dry times. The wood toilet seat is not protected from scratches, and its durability cannot be compared to its plastic counterpart. Its processing is simplified because you can bend it cold given a strong malleability. Let’s take a moment to examine the details of what makes a plastic case, well, plastic. Polypropylene can also prevent evaporation and exposure of items to bacteria, so you can use them for storing, for example, medical equipment. Polycarbonate lenses advantages and disadvantages. Polypropylene bags have crystal clear transparency, which is great if you want to store items in way that all details are shown. It’s not a matter of polycarbonate vs plastic, but rather who uses the best grade and type of polycarbonate, how they refine it, and what the final product looks and feels like in the hand. That means that it doesn’t burn up easily. Tracey Rector is a Content Specialist for Central Restaurant Products, a food service equipment and supply distributor in Indianapolis. Here are the pros and cons of using resin for building sheds: One of the biggest advantages of resin is that it’s inflammable. If you’re low on budget, plastic sheds are a good option. Much like any other product, there are pros and cons to these plastic screen protectors. Co-polymer trays can handle temperatures from 40°F to 210°F, so they aren’t ideal for foodservice operations that will need trays to be put into the freezer. Polycarbonate is the preferred material when manufacturers want to use a hardy, transparent plastic, that they can easily incorporate colors and patterns with. From the comparison we did above, we can see that the better option is resin. Resin is actually an organic polymer material made out of components from plants and wood. PP plastic is a better barrier to moisture and alcohol compared to PET. Remember how polypropylene creased five other important plastic variations? ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene.  According to UL IDES, ABS was discovered during World War II then became available commercially in the 1950s. Polycarbonate trays can be used in a microwave and are also dishwasher safe. Put in a dishwasher or microwave? Polymers are giant molecules composed of a large number of repeating units. Your email address will not be published. So, if your shed accidentally catches fire, it won’t totally burn or even melt. Learn more about how to choose between polycarbonate vs. acrylic. Plastic is a polymer that comes in many varieties. While the pros of resin sheds outnumber the cons, one big con is that resin sheds aren’t durable. “Research was then started in the mid 1950s by General Electric and in 1958 the polycarbonate popularity expanded to a global community,” they said. Additionally over time both will lose visual clarity, the difference being that acrylic be polished to regain it; polycarbonate cannot be. The key difference between polypropylene and plastic is that we can produce crystal clear material from polypropylene, whereas plastic material is not usually clear. She writes for Central's catalog, website and blog and provides latest foodservice information on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+. This isn’t a good choice if you’re an environment activist. Polypropylene has very good resistance to fatigue, so that most plastic living hinges, such as those on flip-top bottles (Tic Tacs), are made from this material. Polycarbonate has a very high resistance to breakage, a moderate resistance to staining and can scratch easily. Glass vs. Each year, Tracey attends the National Restaurant Association Show. Because it is hard and sturdy, it can also be used on sheds.Â. Both of them have polymer characteristics because of the presence of repetitive units. Sure, they may cost a little bit more, but you’ll get more benefits in the long run. This type of tray has a very high resistance to breakage, scratches and stains. Their molecular structure looks similar with carbons and hydrogen molecules- but then the differences arise. Polypropylene was invented in the early 1950s and hit the ground running. Required fields are marked *. Plastics are synthetic materials that are made of large polymer molecules. ABS is also not a bad option, but it won’t be as tough and lightweight as other materials. So now that you have a better understanding of the pros and cons of glass blender jars and plastic blender jars, which is better? Main Difference – Polypropylene vs Polycarbonate. In fact, many green movements have been banning plastics. I for one, would recommend doing so. Plastic. They have a very wide temperature range with the ability to handle temperatures from -40°F to 212°F.  This makes them ideal for use in a freezer or in high temperature atmospheres. Plastic screen protectors do help to extend the longevity of your device. They provide different benefits (and drawbacks). Main Difference – PVC vs Polycarbonate. LEXAN polycarbonate is also available in a variety of flexible (film) grades. Plastic vs. Polycarbonate Lenses Today we are going to be talking specifically about plastic vs polycarbonate lenses and what the major difference is between the lens materials. PROS. As oxygen is the major cause of corrosion and decay, it is an important factor to be considered in the decision-making process especially when plastic … Use the guide below to determine which construction best suits your needs. This is a big limitation of plastic. Resin can also be said to be the form of plastic that’s closer to its original composition. Polycarbonate is sometimes called Lexan (trademarked name by GE Plastics) or Makrolon. Both the resin and plastic have an organic nature, which means that they are mainly composed of long hydrocarbon chains. This difference has led these polymers to gain a completely different set of physical and mechanical properties. This makes them ideal for use in a freezer or in high temperature atmospheres. Compared to resin, plastic appears to be lighter to carry. Polypropylene trays have a fairly decent drying time, although they may require wiping for fast drying. Water resistance, for example, can be a great decision maker towards plastics. The most common screen protector you’ll find is a plastic one. If there is proper plastic recycling, then plastic is the better way. Many foodservices choose polypropylene over melamine as well because of it’s extreme durability and lower price. Glass is superior in this category, which is why binoculars, telescopes, and cameras use it. Silicone vs Plastic: Is Silicone Better Than Plastic? Your email address will not be published. Restaurant Supply & Restaurant Equipment Blog, Foodservice Industry News Week in Brief: September 23-27. I generally recommended people with prescriptions anywhere between +/-0.50 to +/-4.00 to go with polycarbonate lenses. Acrylic and polycarbonate are two of the most popular clear plastics. Should you need to move your shed quite often, plastic is the more viable choice. In a TIME article, they noted it “was invented by a German scientist and came into fashion as material used to make plastics and laminates in the 1930s.”  Melamine trays are durable and have excellent stain resistance.  They can handle temperatures from 0°F to to 212°F and can be used in dishwashers. In summary the benefits are: acrylic is stiffer, shinier, more scratch resistant and cheaper than polycarbonate which is bendier and virtually unbreakable. When going for hygiene you would take into consideration the plastic toilet seat, as it maintains the new look for longer periods giving you an easy time when cleaning. Your email address will not be published. Polypropylene and Polycarbonate are polymer compounds. Polypropylene is the most versatile. So, if you were to ask us which of the two options we recommend, we’ll definitely recommend resin. One of the biggest differences between acrylic and polycarbonate is the cost. Polycarbonate is generally more expensive than acrylic plexiglass. Comparing ABS VS Polycarbonate. Polyethylene gloves are cheaper than their polypropylene counterparts. If you’re after a shed that can lost long years, then you best get a plastic one. Polypropylene was invented in the early 1950s and hit the ground running. Out of the two, which one is the better choice? Since it is close to its original, natural form, it still retains its organic components. Greenhouse design is a very personal decision to make. 5 Key Differences Between a Silicon vs. Plastic toilet seat cleaning. This type of plastic has a heavy resistance against breakage, scratches and stains.  They can handle temperatures from 0°F to to 180°F.  ABS trays are dishwasher safe and fall average when it comes to dry time.  These trays should not be used in a microwave. Plastic Screen Protector. Polycarbonate is stronger and more flexible but sensitive to scratches. Overall, resin sheds seem to have more pros than cons. When to use LEXAN vs Plexiglass The material most likely to meet this fate is plastic. Mechanical Properties: The density of polypropylene (PP) is between 0.895 and 0.92 g.cm. They are used in countless applications within society, including appliance casing, carrier bags and spectacle lenses. A plastic tub dishwasher may be cheaper initially but down the line, considering electricity and maintenance costs, it may be a better idea to spend a little more and get a dishwasher that has a stainless steel tub. Hello, which is the best and cost effective material to use for beverage type trays? It is usually brown in color and a good material for sealants or containers. So, you might not find certain aspects actually to be a con or even positive for you. Your email address will not be published. Central Restaurant Products' Foodservice Equipment & Restaurant Supply Blog - The latest information and trends on foodservice equipment, restaurant supplies and everything food for the foodservice professional. Generally, plants that prefer moist soil are better suited to plastic pots; plants that prefer drier soil are better suited to clay pots. polypropylene vs polycarbonate luggage - https://www.bizhop.co.uk/ For polypropylene vs polycarbonate luggage - check out our blog posts at www.bizhop.co.uk Resin sheds are considerably easier to repair because they are more versatile and easier to mold. The majority of the analysis in this article is from the viewpoint of the novice grower. The only con that resin sheds have is that they’re not very durable. Plastic. Acrylic is marginally clearer than polycarbonate and the difference is negligible but the gap will widen if polycarbonate is allowed to yellow, as a result of sun-exposure. Image Courtesy: 1. Polycarbonate lenses also provide you with protection from 100% of the harmful UV rays from the sun. Clarity: A lens that’s optically clearer provides a better picture. Conclusion. Any help will be great! The key difference between polypropylene and polycarbonate is that polypropylene consists of aliphatic hydrocarbon chains, whereas polycarbonate consists of aromatic hydrocarbon chains. TPU has a soft, flexible texture. However, they’re inflammable, environmentally friendly, and more flexible. You can mold many different shapes for your shed using resin. Polycarbonate vs. I’m looking for manufactures to develop a tray that I have designed and I would like to learn about which is the material of choice for franchise/ chain resturants. You can say that plastic is the finished and totally inorganic form of resin. It has quick dry time and can be used in both the microwave and dishwasher. Its superiority doesn’t mean polycarbonate lenses don’t provide a clear picture — just that glass offers more clarity. Resin vs. Which is a good reason why we should reduce our use of plastic and replace it with silicone where we can. UL IDES said this type of plastic was researched extensively from the time it was created in 1898 through 1930 but was then discarded. Polycarbonate is a tough, transparent plastic material with outstanding strength, stiffness, and impact resistance. If it catches fire, it will melt away rather quickly. Plastic sheds are harder and more solid, making them hard to handle. Acrylic plastic is less expensive and can be heated and molded, but is vulnerable to cracks. From the comparison we did above, we can see that the better option is resin. Many foodservice find this type of tray to be a great value as it costs much less yet is so durable. But when it comes to creating a barrier for oxygen PET works better in comparison. Polycarbonate’s optical clarity makes it ideal for applications such as machine guards, signs, face shields, skylights, POP displays. Plastic Trays: Which Type Is Best For Your Foodservice Operation? Mainstream plastic sheds are actually cheaper to buy than resin. Polystyrene (PS) Polystyrene comes in many shapes and forms, from foam egg cartons and meat trays, to soup bowls and salad boxes. Polycarbonate Food Storage Containers: Clear in color; Shatter resistant; Durable and extremely long lasting; Can withstand temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 210 degrees Fahrenheit; Will maintain clear color despite use of oils of acids; Polypropylene Food Storage Containers: Translucent in color; Lower priced, economical option Let's compare some of the properties of each. They fall in the middle when it comes to dry time. Both Polypropylene and polyethylene are a form of plastic- a plastic material known as a polymer. A pre-drying process is required when forming polycarbonate. According to UL IDES, it’s popularity skyrocketed and created five other important variations. Wood vs. Will they be dropped frequently? To explain a little better, let’s talk about these types of pots, their general attributes, why they work better for some plants than others, and their overall pros and cons. Do they need to be freezer safe? And of course, often people in the flower business use plastic because in its use it’s better than paper. What exactly is resin and how can it to make sheds? A good quality wood or plastic seat should both be comfortable to sit on. All those pros make them a better choice than plastic. Polycarbonate lenses have an index of refraction of 1.59, and will generally be about 20% thinner than standard plastic lenses. Their drawbacks are: acrylic can crack/shatter under impact and polycarbonate is easier to scratch. Summary – Polypropylene vs Plastic. In order to know that, you must first understand the composition of both and the pros/cons each type has. From there, you’ll be able to know which is the more viable option between the two. Polycarbonate was first invented in the late 1800s by a German chemist named Einhorn. Many restaurants and foodservices will choose ABS trays because they have the durability of melamine for a lower price. Melamine is a very old type of plastic that dates back to the 1830s. Although polycarbonate is much tougher, it will be a bit heavier. They can handle temperatures from 32°F to 180°F and are microwave and dishwasher safe. The cons of LEXAN are that it is easier to scratch, and minor scratches cannot be polished away. Both PVC and Polycarbonate are good examples of thermoplastics. Being more flexible of a material, resin is much easier to customize.