The choice of material directly affects the strength, durability, and adaptability of a plastic tube or profile to its environment. Some prioritise rigidity, while others require high flexibility or specific chemical resistance.

At ABI Profils, we offer a wide range of plastic materials tailored to the needs of various industrial sectors. We’ve written this article to help you better understand their properties and applications so you can make an informed decision

Need advice? Contact one of our Project Managers on +33 (0)4 71 61 29 99 or via our online contact form.

Comparison of Plastic Materials

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC is one of the most commonly used materials in plastic extrusion. It comes in both rigid and flexible forms, depending on your requirements.

Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene is valued for its light weight and chemical resistance. It is widely used in the food industry and packaging.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

HDPE is highly impact-resistant and commonly used for fluid transport and applications requiring good mechanical strength.

Mineral-Reinforced HDPE C

This reinforced HDPE offers greater rigidity and excellent dimensional stability. It is well suited to industries requiring high mechanical strength.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

ABS is known for its strength and aesthetic finish. It is commonly used in the production of electronic components and technical furniture.

High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)

HIPS is mainly used in packaging and point-of-sale displays.

Which Material for Your Application?

Materials for Plastic Tubes

• HDPE: high resistance to impact and abrasion, ideal for industry and dynamic storage.

• PP: lightweight, recommended for packaging and food-grade applications.

• ABS: strong with an aesthetic finish, widely used in automotive and furniture.

• PVC: excellent electrical insulator, resistant to chemicals.

Materials for Other Types of Profiles

Our plastic rods are solid profiles, rigid or flexible, made from PVC, PP, HDPE or ABS. Available in coils or pre-cut lengths, they are used in construction, leisure, packaging, and signage.

We also offer flexible plastic sleeves. They provide protection and flexibility. Available in flexible PVC, SEBS, or LDPE, they are suitable for the automotive sector, construction, dynamic storage, medical, and sports & leisure.

Finally, our flexible plastic strips are available in flexible PVC and SEBS. They are used for building insulation, signage, leisure activities, and certain industrial applications.

Contact Our Specialists

The right material for your plastic tubes or profiles depends on the specific requirements of your application: impact resistance, chemical properties, temperature, rigidity, recyclability, etc. Each industry has its own demands. Defining your needs is key before selecting a material.

To support your decision-making, our team is here to help you develop your project.

Need advice or a quote? Contact us to speak with a specialist and discover the right solutions for your industry. Reach out via our online form or by phone at +33 (0)4 71 61 29 99.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of plastic profiles?

Plastic profiles come in various types:

• Coextruded profiles: combining multiple materials for enhanced performance.

• Rigid profiles: suited to industrial environments requiring stability.

• Flexible profiles: often made of PVC or SEBS, ideal for applications needing flexibility.

• Technical profiles: developed for demanding sectors like automotive or aerospace.

What are the different types of plastic tubes?

Plastic tubes are categorised based on their usage:

• Transparent tubes: used for displays, POS, or medical applications.

• PVC tubes: chemical-resistant, used in industry and construction.

• Core tubes: for winding plastic films and paper.

• PP and HDPE tubes: lightweight and robust, suited to chemical and food fluids.

• Coextruded tubes: layered materials offering specific properties.

What is plastic extrusion?

Plastic extrusion is a continuous manufacturing process used to produce tubes and profiles. The plastic material is heated, homogenised, and pressed through a die that shapes it. This method is widely used to create components with precise dimensions and custom properties suited to industrial demands.