What is thermoplastic and what can you do with it?
Thermoplastic is an incredibly versatile material that can be used in a number of settings and industries, including education, homeware, construction and recreation. One of its main benefits is that it is so easy to work with when it has been heated and will then retain its shape once it has cooled. It can be soft like rubber or hard like steel so there is almost no end to the potential uses for this material, which is why it is so popular for playground markings.
Common forms of thermoplastic
There are many different types of thermoplastics, but the most common ones are:
- Acrylic
- Nylon
- Polyethylene
- Polypropylene
- Polystyrene
- PVC
- PTFE
Advantages of thermoplastics
Thermoplastics can benefit us in so many ways due to their incredible properties, including:
- UV resistance
- Impact resistance
- Recyclable/reusable
- Environmentally friendly
- Durability
- Chemical resistance
- Fantastic aesthetics and colours
- Different compositions, textures and feels
It’s not easy to find another material that can deliver all of the above, as well as being so flexible in its uses.
Where are thermoplastics used?
Business branding
If you want to impress customers on their approach to your office or premises, you can enhance your brand by having your logo on the ground with a friendly ‘Welcome’ message. Not only that, but thermoplastics are also used to create directional signs that will guide your customers to where they need to go.
In the home
If you’ve ever bought non-stick cookware, you’ve used a thermoplastic called PTFE. There can be thermoplastics all around the kitchen, such as cupboard doors, utensils and even appliances like food mixers. For those who like to make extra food for lunch tomorrow, that means you’ll probably end up putting it in a thermoplastic container to protect it in your bag. Computers and game consoles will also involve some thermoplastics and some of your clothes may contain nylon so it’s hard to find a room in your house that doesn’t contain some element of thermoplastic.
In construction projects
Due to the strength of thermoplastics, they can be used to provide a flame-retardant barrier, add strength to a structure or get water from one end of the site or building to the other in hoses and pipes. Thermoplastics are also used for road signs, road markings and roadways.
Playground markings for schools and clubs
We love thermoplastics, which is why we use them for our playground markings. Their durability and UV resistance make them perfect for outdoor playgrounds. They won’t be affected by the elements, or their energetic users, who deserve the highest quality, anti-slip material that thermoplastic can provide. These thermoplastic playground markings are great for helping children to learn lessons on maths, geography and English, as well as providing lots of fun games for playtime and the opportunity to delve into sports.
For more information about our thermoplastic playground markings, please get in touch or browse our site. Alternatively, you can discover more advantages of our material, which should give you plenty more reasons to choose our playground markings.
Read more of our blogs:
Things you should consider when designing a playground
