Polypropylene translucent, coloured, matte

Attributes: Its unusual toughness together with the fact that it is tear-proof makes polypropylene a material with a wide spectrum of applications. It is light, antistatic, scratch-resistant, resistant to numerous chemicals, UV-stable, temperature-resistant from -10 °C to +110 °C and, last but not least, environmentally friendly because of the fact that it contains hardly any additives and burns down to water and carbon dioxide under favourable conditions.

Applications: Even though many of our polypropylene sheets are corona treated and can therefore be glued with relatively good success, it is generally true that glue work with polypropylene (and polyethylene) is much more problematic than it is with other plastics. If the areas to be glued are first treated with POLY-PRIMER, small area gluing can be successful using SUPER GLUE. This technique, however, is not good enough for constructive uses. Mechanically produced connections like, for example, RIVETS, are a much better method – plug-and-socket connections or hook-and-loop tapes (whose glue backing sticks relatively well to this material) can also be used successfully. The idea of using hook-and-loop tape for large area bonding leads to the further possibility of employing DOUBLE-SIDED ADHESIVE FILM.

Translucent polypropylene is a very popular material for making covers for broschures, folders, student term papers or presentations. The wide colour range allows you to easily distinguish among different documents. The somewhat rough surface does not show up fingerprints and lends it a kind of restrained elegance. It is very easy to make a folder out of PP film by simply cutting and folding it. When used as a hinge-joint it is practically indefatigable. These sheets of PP can also be used as packing material and as decoration.

Light objects or lamps made from translucent polypropylene sheets are especially beautiful: the material allows a great deal of light through it and gives off an elegant glow. The range of colours available provides the means for creating a wide variety of mood lighting. Care should be taken when making lamps that there is enough ventilation for the fixture and enough distance between the light (heat source) and the film because PP is itself only heat resistant to a limited degree.

Cutting PP sheets can be done especially well using a GUILLOTINE PAPER CUTTER or fly cutter but good results can be obtained with a blade and straight edge as well. The sheets can be stamped using normal punching tools. Making a groove for a hinge or a fold should be done with a round groove knife (e.g. a FOLDING BONE) working on an even, solid substrate.