Plastic sheeting is a versatile product used across a wide variety of industries. At JR Plastics, we supply quality plastic sheets directly to customers in U.S. markets and beyond. Read on for a quick introduction to plastic sheeting.
What is Plastic Sheeting Called?
Plastic sheeting goes by many names and can be considered a catch-all for a variety of industry terms. Polythene sheeting, polyethylene sheeting, poly sheeting, plastic film, and poly film all refer to plastic sheeting. Other terms for plastic sheeting include liners, vapor barriers, tarps, underlayment, and more.
Names for plastic sheeting may emphasize the material components or final application. For example, “greenhouse films” means plastic sheeting intended for use in greenhouse applications to provide protection for plants and temperature regulation. “Polythene sheeting” points to the type of plastic that the sheet is made from.
What is the Difference between Plastic Film and Plastic Sheet?
Though some use them interchangeably, the terms “sheet” and “film” refer to different products with distinct physical properties. Plastic sheets are thicker than plastic film. Plastic sheets exceed 0.25 mm in thickness, while plastic film typically measures less than 0.25 mm according to ASTM Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics (D883-23).
Sheet and film also differ in applications. Plastic sheeting offers increased thickness and strength, making it ideal for applications that require durability such as water tanks and outdoor furniture. Plastic film can be found in packaging like bags and soft goods like shower curtains.
What Can You Use Plastic Sheeting For?
Plastic sheeting satisfies an expansive range of applications in many industries. Plastic sheets are used in construction, manufacturing, shipping and transportation, and more. The thickness, size, and physical properties of plastic sheets vary and determine which type of plastic sheeting is best suited for a particular project.
At JR Plastics, we offer four different types of plastic sheeting: Marine Board, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Sheet, Recycled HDPE Slip Sheet, and Copolymer Polypropylene (PP) Sheet. Each sheet product can be used in countless applications, but one may be ideal for a specific application.
See examples below:
- Marine Board for outdoor furniture and accessory construction in marine environments
- HDPE Sheet for water tanks and containment tanks
- Recycled HDPE Slip Sheet for shipping and warehousing
- Copolymer PP Sheet for ducts/hoods and vale/pump components
Selecting the Best Plastic Sheeting
To select the best plastic sheeting for your needs, you must consider the application. The application dictates the size, thickness, and physical properties required.
Here are factors to consider when choosing the best plastic sheet for your project:
- Environment and conditions of application
- Size and thickness
- Color and texture finish
- Weight
- Chemical and UV resistance
- Cleaning
- Toughness and strength
- Cost
- Machinability and fabricability
- Arc resistance
If you need assistance in finding plastic sheeting for your needs, submit a contact request. Our JR Plastics team will help you determine which type of plastic sheeting will work best for your application.