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What are the Different Types of Resin Material?

Jeri Sullivan
Jeri Sullivan

The different types of resin material are plastic resin, polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, casting resin, polymer resin, acrylic resin, chemical resin, and dry resin. Resin is a substance used in lacquers, adhesives, plastics, and epoxies and is known for its translucent properties. Resin initially is in liquid form but hardens to produce a solid coating.

Plastic resin material is a large category of resins and includes many types. Plastic resins are manufactured using synthetic materials and are produced when large hydrocarbon molecules are heated until they break into smaller particles. The process, known as "cracking," is repeated until the hydrocarbons are separated into different materials, such as ethylene and propylene, which can then be used to form all kinds of products.

Prescription pill bottles are made from resin material.
Prescription pill bottles are made from resin material.

Some examples of the products made from plastic resin include soda containers, milk jugs, and prescription pill bottles. Each of these products are made with polyethylene resin material, which is a type of plastic resin. Other types of plastic resin include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, and polystyrene. PVC is most often used in the plumbing industry for lightweight, rigid pipes and also in the cosmetic industry due to its water resistant features. Polystyrene is extremely lightweight and able to withstand higher temperatures, which make it a good option for insulated drinking cups and smoke detector housings.

Polymer resins may provide glossy coatings for furniture.
Polymer resins may provide glossy coatings for furniture.

Acrylic resin is also a type of plastic resin but the process to manufacture it is different. Acrylic resins are formed when a chemical reaction among monomers, which are small molecules, produce a polymer. The resulting polymer is strong and transparent, which allows acrylic resins to be used for manufacturing aquariums, cell phone displays, taillights for cars, and bathtub liners.

One type of resin material is acrylic resin, which is used to make cell phones and other items.
One type of resin material is acrylic resin, which is used to make cell phones and other items.

Liquid resin material is used in a process called resin casting. Resin casting works by pouring warm liquid resin into a rubber mold and allowing it to harden. The mold is then peeled away to expose the hardened resin shape. Due to the labor intensive nature of resin casting, it is typically not used for large scale production but instead by home enthusiasts or small businesses. The most common use of resin casting is to make toys, small figurines, and jewelry.

PVC, used to make lightweight pipes, is a resin material.
PVC, used to make lightweight pipes, is a resin material.

Dry resin material is a type of resin that has had the moisture removed so it can be stored until needed. When the resin is needed, it is heated so it converts back into a semi-liquid state. The most common use for dry resin material is as a glue or epoxy. The dry resin is mixed with water to form a glue or paste which is then applied to items such as wood veneer. As the resin glue dries, the resin adheres to the veneer and keeps the wood strips firmly attached together.

Discussion Comments

anon994598

Is resin material considered a hazardous material?

anon306478

is it possible to seal/repair a small hole and crack in 3 mm glass with this product?

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    • Prescription pill bottles are made from resin material.
      By: Steve Cukrov
      Prescription pill bottles are made from resin material.
    • Polymer resins may provide glossy coatings for furniture.
      By: Visionär
      Polymer resins may provide glossy coatings for furniture.
    • One type of resin material is acrylic resin, which is used to make cell phones and other items.
      By: Andrew Barker
      One type of resin material is acrylic resin, which is used to make cell phones and other items.
    • PVC, used to make lightweight pipes, is a resin material.
      By: auremar
      PVC, used to make lightweight pipes, is a resin material.
    • Liquid resin is widely employed by recreational crafters and hobbyists to produce jewelry.
      By: Monkey Business
      Liquid resin is widely employed by recreational crafters and hobbyists to produce jewelry.
    • Polypropylene resin is widely used to make plastic bottles for milk, soda and other beverages.
      By: Budimir Jevtic
      Polypropylene resin is widely used to make plastic bottles for milk, soda and other beverages.
    • Polyester resin is commonly used in the production of glass reinforced plastics, which may be used to create surf boards.
      By: Max Topchii
      Polyester resin is commonly used in the production of glass reinforced plastics, which may be used to create surf boards.