🧩 PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride
(Versatile thermoplastic material with good chemical and electrical resistance, extensively used in insulation, housings, pipes, and automotive fittings. Available in rigid (PVC-U) and flexible (PVC-P) forms.)
🔹 What is PVC
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a chlorinated polymer. Its high chlorine content (≈56%) provides natural flame retardancy and excellent resistance to weathering and chemicals. Depending on the additives (plasticizers), it can be engineered as a rock-rigid pipe or a soft, rubber-like gasket. It is recognized for its dimensional stability and ease of thermal processing.
🔧 Composition & Properties
- Base: 100% Vinyl Chloride.
- Density: 1.30–1.45 g/cm³.
- Softening Temperature: 75–95 °C.
- Chemical Resistance: Excellent (oils, acids, weak bases).
- Continuous Heat Resistance: 60–80 °C.
🚗 Where PVC is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Electrical | Sleeves, connectors, cable jackets | Excellent dielectric, flexible |
| Fluids / Vacuum | Hoses, fittings, valves | Good resistance to oils and tech fluids |
| Interior | Gaskets, covers, dashboard parts | Soft, elastic, easy to clean |
| Exterior | Pipes, strips, mudflaps | UV stable, rigid (PVC-U) |
🔧 Welding Temperature and Methods
| Method | Optimal Temp | Observations |
| Hot Air | 230 – 250 °C | Easy to weld, stable flow |
| Heat Plate (Mirror) | 220 – 240 °C | Clean bond, bubble-free |
| Plastic Extrusion | 230 – 250 °C | PVC or compatible PVC-U rods |
| Ultrasonic | — | Possible for thin rigid PVC |
🔩 Material Compatibility
- ✅ Compatible: PVC-U, PVC-P, ABS, ASA, PMMA.
- ⚠️ Good Compatibility: SAN, PC, PS-HI.
- ❌ Incompatible: PP, PE, PA, POM, PTFE, PVDF (completely different melting points).
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation: Use pure PVC or PVC-U rods at ≈ 240 °C. Avoid overheating — the material releases irritating chlorinated vapors when burned. Ensure good ventilation and clean the area with isopropyl alcohol before welding.
🧠 How to Identify PVC
- Engraved marking: >PVC<, >VINYL<, >GEON<, >INOVYN<.
- Texture: Smooth, glossy or matte, sometimes slightly oily to the touch.
- ReplastMD practical test: Burns with a yellow-green flame, a sharp chlorine smell, and persistent white smoke. Softens at 80–90 °C.
🛠️ PVC Welding at ReplastMD:
At our ReplastMD service center (Chisinau, Ciocana sector), we perform professional PVC welding for pipes, housings, and decorative elements, ensuring a clean, matte, and durable finish.