Industrial operations require predictable, chemically resilient material profiles that balance structural stability with ease of fabrication. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) remains a global standard for these requirements across demanding medical environments, commercial trade show displays, and architectural systems.
As an established distributor and custom fabricator with 80 years of supply chain expertise, E&T Plastics manages and machines specialty plastics for design engineers, procurement professionals, and OEMs across North America. Review our technical engineering specifications below for expanded PVC, CPVC, solid PVC Type I and Type II materials.
Expanded PVC
Lightweight material options are critical for reducing shipping overhead and simplifying field installations without sacrificing dimensional integrity. Expanded (or foamed) PVC features a closed-cell composition with a durable matte surface finish that delivers substantial weight reduction compared to solid PVC sheets. This structural chemistry provides inherent moisture resistance, chemical mitigation, and an essential UL-94 V0 flame rating.
We stock comprehensive expanded configurations from premier material manufacturers including Kommerling, Palram, and Vycom in thicknesses from 1 mm to 25 mm and sheet dimensions up to 60” x 120”. Available standard colors include white, black, gray, red, beige, blue, green, and yellow.
Our key inventory includes specialized, application-specific brands:
- Palboard® (Palram). A co-extruded, multilayered sheet built with dense solid skins over a lightweight recycled foam core. The high-reflux white face accepts digital and analog screen inks directly without surface pre-coating. Standard stock dimensions are 48” x 96” with 3 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm thickness profiles.
- Celtec Ultra White® (Vycom). A monolithic high-gloss sheet engineered with UV resistance up to eight times greater than conventional expanded PVC substrates. We distribute 48” x 96” sheets in 2 mm, 3 mm, and 6 mm specifications.
- KOMACEL® (Kommerling). An extrusion-foamed sheet combining an integral solid gloss skin with a microcellular core. This structural surface bonds with screen printing, paints, and structural vinyl. Material thickness runs from 4 mm to 30 mm.
Common end uses include trade show dividers, POP displays, signage, exhibits, and construction applications where the material is great for direct digital print and replaces wood. Our custom plastic fabrication and CNC routing services are available to cut these PVC solutions to your specifications.
For higher-heat or electrical-grade laminate needs, our phenolic thermoset materials offer a dielectric, high-temperature alternative to standard PVC pipe and sheet stock.
PVC Type I & PVC Type II
Solid PVC sheet and rod stock are the workhorses of corrosion-resistant plastic fabrication. PVC bonds through solvent cement and thermal welding, giving fabricators two reliable joining methods that most other corrosion-resistant materials do not support. Standard Type I carries a continuous operating temperature of 160°F; CPVC extends that to 200°F.
Industrial material selection dictates picking the exact chemical formulation to withstand caustic environments. E&T Plastics processes solid PVC and CPVC stocks engineered for demanding industrial fluid and gas handling systems:
- Grey Type I PVC. The standard chemical-resistant grade for plating tanks, ventilation exhaust hoods, and harsh chemical scrubbers. This formulation is fully NSF-compliant.
- White Type I PVC. Retains identical chemical and corrosion resistance properties as Grey Type I but is utilized for high-visibility or aesthetic-driven installations.
- Clear PVC. Features transparent walls for direct visual monitoring of sediment buildup and fluid flow inside processing systems. It can be thermally welded or solvent-cemented directly to standard white or grey PVC components.
- Sediment monitoring. Clear walls make blockages and buildup visible before they cause downtime.
- Type II PVC. Modified with impact modifiers to provide superior physical shock resistance and toughness where high mechanical loads are present.
- CPVC (Chlorinated PVC). The standard grade for high-temperature chemical transport. Extends the thermal limits of standard Type I PVC from 160°F up to a continuous 200°F service threshold.
For electrical-grade laminates or applications exceeding standard thermal limits, our phenolic thermoset stock provides a durable, dielectric alternative to standard PVC sheet and pipe.
We also stock flexible vinyl tubes, rated for food-grade, pharmaceutical, and chemical processing use, and vinyl strip doors for temperature, dust, and noise control in walk-through openings.
PVC Type I and Type II are listed on our corrosion-resistant materials page. To discuss specifications, request a quote or contact us.
