Chloe Zhang
Plastic model kits are used for a variety of themes, including military, vehicles, ships, aircraft, trains, and architectural models. The first plastic models were made from cellulose acetate, but today, most plastic models are made from polystyrene, which is easy to shape, cheap, and impact-resistant. Other plastics used for models include polyurethane, nylon, ABS, and PETG. The choice of plastic depends on the requirements of the application and the processing options available.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Types | Polystyrene, Polyurethane, ABS, PETG |
| Natural Form | Polystyrene: Crystal clear. ABS: Milky, cloudy |
| Deformability | Polystyrene: Very simple. ABS: Fairly impact-resistant |
| Corrosion | Resistant |
| Processing | Polystyrene: Easy. ABS: Can be glued and painted very well |
| Density | ABS: 1.06 g/cm |
| Temperature Resistance | ABS: Just under 100°C. Polystyrene: Can be thermoformed at low temperatures |
| Typical Applications | ABS: Parts that have to withstand impacts, e.g. bodies for vehicles, ships, aircraft, tanks or excavators |
| Cost | Polystyrene: Cheap |
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What You'll Learn
Polystyrene
While polystyrene is brittle and less impact-resistant than ABS, it is still a popular choice for model makers due to its ease of use and low cost. It is important for model makers to choose the right material based on their specific requirements and the processing options available to them.
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Polyurethane
One example of a polyurethane resin is the EasyFlo Series by Polytek Development Corp. These resins have a simple 1A:1B mix ratio by volume and can be poured, rotocast, and sprayed. They are incredibly versatile and suitable for various projects, including industrial, hobby, and craft applications.
When working with polyurethane, it is important to consider the curing process. For example, Polytek Development Corp.'s polyurethane plastics cure at room temperature, which offers convenience and ease of use. However, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific curing requirements, as they may vary depending on the product and application.
Overall, polyurethane is a versatile and user-friendly plastic that is well-suited for model-making and a variety of other projects. Its availability in different viscosities, colours, and curing options makes it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced hobbyists. With its excellent detail reproduction and versatility in application methods, polyurethane is a great option for creating high-quality models.
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Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, or ABS, is a common thermoplastic polymer used for injection moulding applications. It is a low-cost, impact-resistant plastic with good petrol and oil resistance. ABS has a density of 1.06 g/cm and a temperature resistance of just under 100°C.
ABS is derived from three monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. Acrylonitrile provides chemical and thermal stability, butadiene adds toughness and strength, and styrene gives the finished polymer a glossy finish. The different amounts of each monomer can be added to the process to vary the finished product. ABS is stable to decomposition under normal use and polymer processing conditions. However, if the temperature reaches 400°C, ABS decomposes into its constituents, some of which are carcinogenic to humans.
ABS is widely used in various industries, including automotive, construction, electronics, and toys. It is commonly used for 3D printing, injection moulding, and extrusion processes. In the automotive industry, ABS is used for plastic alloys, decorative interior car parts, and exterior components. In construction, ABS is used for plastic tubing and corrugated plastic structures. In electronics, ABS is used for printers, vacuum cleaners, and keyboard keycaps. In the toy industry, ABS is used for LEGO bricks and plastic toys.
ABS is easy to work with and can be glued, painted, moulded, sanded, and shaped. It takes colour easily, allowing for precise dyeing to meet specific project requirements. ABS has a low melting point, making it suitable for injection moulding and 3D printing. It also has high tensile strength and impact resistance, making it durable and able to withstand heavy use.
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Cellulose Acetate
Polystyrene, ABS, and polyurethane are the most common types of plastic used in model kits. However, cellulose acetate is also a type of plastic that is used in model-making.
The process of making cellulose acetate involves treating cellulose with acetic acid and then with acetic anhydride in the presence of a catalyst, such as sulfuric acid. The product of these reactions is a fully acetylated compound known as primary cellulose acetate or cellulose triacetate. Triacetate has a high melting point of 300°C and is highly crystalline, making it soluble only in a limited range of solvents. From solution, triacetate can be dry-spun into fibres or cast as a film with the help of plasticizers.
If the primary acetate is treated with water, a hydrolization reaction can occur, partially reversing the acetylation reaction and producing a secondary cellulose acetate, or cellulose diacetate. Diacetate has a lower melting point than triacetate and can be dissolved by cheaper solvents like acetone for dry-spinning into fibres. It can also be mixed with plasticizers to create powders for moulding solid objects or casting as a film.
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Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETG)
Polyethylene terephthalate glycol, commonly known as PETG or PET-G, is a type of plastic that is growing in popularity for both businesses and consumers. It is a thermoplastic polyester that offers significant chemical resistance, durability, and excellent formability for manufacturing. PETG is also fully recyclable.
One of the key advantages of PETG is its low forming temperature, which makes it easy to vacuum and pressure-form, as well as heat-bend. This feature, along with its high damage resistance, makes it a popular choice for 3D printing and other heat-forming manufacturing techniques. PETG is also well-suited for fabrication techniques like die cutting, routing, and bending. Its strength and cost-effectiveness compared to acrylic or polycarbonate make it ideal for impact-resistant glazing and high-strength display units.
PETG is commonly used in food containers, bottles for liquid beverages, and FDA-compliant food storage containers. It is food-safe and can be easily printed on, making it a popular choice for product materials, displays, and signage. PETG is also used in the medical field due to its ability to withstand harsh sterilization processes, making it suitable for medical implants and pharmaceutical applications.
In terms of modelling, PETG is often used in modern 3D printers and is favoured for its ease of use, strong layer adhesion, and odourless printing. It has very low shrinkage properties, enabling larger prints than materials like PLA or ABS. PETG is also a popular choice for point-of-sale stands and retail displays, as it can be easily manufactured in a wide range of shapes and colours, making it perfect for eye-catching signage.
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Frequently asked questions
Polystyrene is the most common type of plastic used in model kits. It is cheap, easy to process and shape, and can be thermoformed at fairly low temperatures.
Other types of plastic used in model kits include polyurethane, nylon, ABS, and PETG.
Polystyrene is a good choice for model kits because it is cheap, easy to process and shape, and has good corrosion resistance, deformability, and impact strength. It can also be thermoformed at fairly low temperatures.
One disadvantage of using polystyrene in model kits is that it is brittle and can break relatively easily, especially when used in thicknesses below 2mm.
