Thermoset vs. Thermoplastic

One of the basic fundamental differences that differentiate materials is the manufacturing method used to make a final product. Although a number of material types and manufacturing processes exist in industry, the vast majority can be classified in one of two broad groups; thermosetting, or thermoplastic. Real Seal utilizes manufacturing techniques and materials from both classes.

Thermoset

Thermosetting materials are typically vulcanized to achieve their final properties. Vulcanization is a process that utilizes heat, pressure and time to form chemical bonds that are not thermally reversible, meaning a material is irreversibly degraded by exposing it to prolonged temperatures above its service temperature range. Thermoset processing for rubber is usually done through procedures such as compression molding, transfer molding, rubber injection molding, or rubber extrusion.

Thermoplastic

Thermoplastic materials are fully reactechemically before being introduced into the manufacturing process. The bonds that are formed in the material are thermally reversible, meaning that they will break down with the addition of heat, and reform when that additional heat is removed. This allows thermoplastic material to be manufactured by plastics techniques such as injection molding, sheeting, extrusion, or thermoforming.