Chloe Zhang
Plastic model kits are made from a variety of plastics, with polystyrene being the most common. Plastic model kits became popular after World War II, when plastics were perfected and mass-produced. The versatility of plastics made them ideal for model kits, and the machines of the war stimulated the public's interest in modelling. Today, polystyrene is used in about 90% of model kits due to its low cost, ease of processing and shaping, and simple deformability. Other plastics used in model kits include polyurethane, nylon, ABS, and PETG.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Types | Polystyrene, Polyurethane, ABS Plastic, Nylon |
| Properties | Deformability, Corrosion Resistance, Easy Processing, High Stability, Impact Strength, Low Weight |
| Polystyrene Properties | Cheap, Easy to Process and Shape, Low Temperature Thermoforming |
| ABS Plastic Properties | Impact-Resistant, Good Petrol and Oil Resistance, Bonds Well with Glue and Paint, Density: 1.06 g/cm |
| Use Cases | Polystyrene: High-End Kits, ABS: Vehicle Bodies, Ships, Aircraft, Tanks, Excavators, Moving Elements |
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What You'll Learn
- Polystyrene is the most common plastic used in model kits
- Polyurethane, or 'resin', is another commonly used plastic
- Some model tracks are made from nylon
- ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is used for parts that need to withstand impacts
- Transparent polystyrene is not recommended for thicknesses under 2mm
Polystyrene is the most common plastic used in model kits
Polystyrene can be thermoformed at relatively low temperatures, typically around 120°C, making it more accessible to work with than other plastics that require higher temperatures for deformation. Additionally, polystyrene is easy to paint and can be machined using metalworking tools, further enhancing its popularity among model kit manufacturers and hobbyists alike.
While polystyrene is the predominant choice for model kits, it is important to note that other plastics, such as polyurethane, ABS, and nylon, are also used. These alternative plastics offer their unique advantages, such as the impact resistance of ABS in vehicle bodies, ships, and aircraft models. However, polystyrene remains the material of choice for the majority of model kits available today.
The choice of plastic for model kits ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the application and the processing capabilities available. Polystyrene's versatility, affordability, and ease of use have solidified its position as the go-to material for creating detailed and customizable models across a wide range of subjects, from ancient history to science fiction.
Model-making has evolved significantly since its ancient origins, with plastic kits becoming prevalent in the 1950s and sparking a full-fledged hobby by the 1960s. Polystyrene's widespread use has contributed significantly to the growth of the scale-model industry, allowing manufacturers to produce intricate and diverse models that capture the imaginations of hobbyists worldwide.
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Polyurethane, or 'resin', is another commonly used plastic
Polyurethane, or resin, is another commonly used plastic in plastic models. Resin is an extremely important class of polymer materials that are pivotal in daily life and various fields of industrial production. It is a solid or semi-solid substance that is insoluble in water but can be dissolved in specific organic solvents. During processing, the resin is hardened by heating or by adding a curing agent.
There are two types of resin: natural and synthetic. Synthetic resins are cast from synthetic resin. Synthetic resins are widely used in adhesives, coatings, and 3D printing, particularly where fine detail and smooth finishes are required. Resins are great for detailed work like casting and coatings, and they offer high precision and chemical resistance, making them ideal for custom parts and high-performance applications like 3D printing.
Polyurethane resin, in particular, has good flexibility and toughness due to its unique molecular structure. It is often used in the manufacture of shoe soles, sofas, and other products. It is also used in dental applications, jewelry casting, and mold making. Other types of resin include epoxy resin, polyester resin, phenolic resin, and acrylic resin.
Resin models are considered more realistic and durable than plastic models, and they can include intricate details. However, resin models are more expensive and harder to work with than plastic models. They also release toxic fumes, so it is important to wear protective gear and ensure proper ventilation when working with resin.
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Some model tracks are made from nylon
Plastic model kits are commonly made from polystyrene, polyurethane, or resin. However, some model kits, particularly those with tracks, may be made from nylon or ABS plastic. Nylon is a versatile material with excellent durability, noise reduction capabilities, and resistance to wear and adhesion. These properties make it a suitable choice for model tracks, as well as for track plates on heavy-duty vehicles like excavators, bulldozers, and crawlers.
Nylon is a synthetic polymer discovered by Wallace Carothers in 1935. It is known for its toughness, high melting point, and good heat and chemical resistance. These characteristics, along with its flexibility and durability, make nylon a valuable material in various applications, including in the form of fibres, sheets, or shapes for model-making.
Model tracks made from nylon offer several advantages. Firstly, nylon is a lightweight material, especially when compared to metals like steel. This lightweight property is advantageous for models as it allows for easier handling and manoeuvring. Secondly, nylon's resistance to wear and adhesion ensures that the tracks remain functional and durable over time, even with extended use.
The flexibility of nylon is another benefit, allowing for the creation of intricate and detailed tracks that can withstand stress and strain without breaking. This flexibility also enables the production of models with movable parts, enhancing the overall functionality and play value of the models. Furthermore, nylon's noise reduction capabilities contribute to a quieter overall model, which can be advantageous in certain settings or for extended periods of use.
In summary, some model tracks are made from nylon due to its durability, noise reduction, lightweight nature, and resistance to wear and adhesion. These properties make nylon a practical choice for model tracks, ensuring long-lasting and functional models with enhanced play value.
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ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is used for parts that need to withstand impacts
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a highly versatile plastic that is used across several industry sectors. It is a strong, durable, impact-resistant engineering thermoplastic that is compatible with many manufacturing processes, including injection moulding, 3D printing, fused-deposition modelling (FDM), and CNC machining.
ABS is derived from acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene polymers. Acrylonitrile and styrene make ABS stiff, while butadiene particles are elastic and provide toughness and impact resistance. The impact resistance of ABS can be amplified by increasing the proportion of polybutadiene in relation to styrene and acrylonitrile. ABS has excellent impact resistance, even at low temperatures, and can absorb shock effectively and reliably.
ABS is used in applications where impact resistance is a critical requirement. For example, it is used in the manufacture of the Lamy Safari fountain pen due to its strength and impact resistance. In addition, ABS is commonly used to make plastic face guards for wall sockets and protective housing for power tools, where its impact resistance helps to protect the user from electrical hazards.
ABS is also used in the production of electrostatically sensitive components and refractory prefabricated parts. Its impact resistance and toughness make it suitable for these applications, where it can withstand impacts and provide structural integrity.
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Transparent polystyrene is not recommended for thicknesses under 2mm
Polystyrene is one of the most widely used plastics, with a range of applications, including in the making of models. It is naturally transparent to visible light, but it can be coloured with colourants. As a thermoplastic polymer, polystyrene is solid at room temperature but flows when heated above about 100°C, its glass transition temperature.
Polystyrene is the most common type of material for model kits, with polyurethane or 'resin' being the next most popular. Some model tracks are nylon or ABS plastic, but most are polystyrene.
Oriented polystyrene (OPS) is produced by stretching extruded PS film, improving visibility through the material by reducing haziness and increasing stiffness. This is often used in packaging where the manufacturer would like the consumer to see the enclosed product. OPS is less expensive to produce than other clear plastics such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS).
While polystyrene is a versatile material, it does have some limitations. For example, transparent polystyrene is not recommended for thicknesses under 2mm. This is because polystyrene sheets thinner than 2mm may not have the necessary structural integrity to be used in certain applications. Additionally, cutting thin transparent polystyrene sheets can be challenging, especially for those new to laser cutting.
One possible solution to cutting thin transparent polystyrene is to coat the material with a removable substance, such as black paint, which can help generate enough heat to cut the material. However, this method may not always be effective, and other techniques or tools may be required.
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Frequently asked questions
Polystyrene is the most common type of plastic used in model kits, followed by polyurethane or resin. Other types of plastics used include ABS, PETG, and nylon.
Polystyrene is a cheap, clear, and brittle plastic that is easy to process and shape. It can be thermoformed at low temperatures, making it a popular choice for model kits. However, it is not suitable for thicknesses below 2mm as it breaks relatively quickly.
Aside from plastic, model kits can also be made from balsa wood, resin, metal, rubber, and zinc alloy.
