Monthly Archives: September 2016

  • Plastic vs. PVC

     

    Many people don't realize that PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a plastic. They also don't realize how many uses it has aside from piping. It is commonly used in imitation leather, shower curtains, window frames, and curtains. When curious people do an online search for "PVC vs Plastic," what they should really be searching for is "PVC and other plastics compared," so that is what I will do.

    PVC is an extremely versatile material which is most commonly used for piping because of its inexpensive production and high mechanical strength. In this post, we will outline the major properties of PVC and compare it to some other common plastics. For the highest-quality, least expensive PVC pipe and fittings available, check out our online store!

    Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

    gray and white pvc pipeAs a material, PVC has not changed much since 1926. It has high hardness and mechanical strength, meaning it is very strong. It has a low temperature tolerance, breaking down at temperatures over 140 degrees Fahrenheit and melting at temperatures over 160 degrees, unless it is put through an extra chlorination process; this makes it CPVC. As far as its electrical properties, PVC has good insulation, but, because it has polar elements to its composition, it has worse insulation than other plastics, such as polyethylene and polypropylene.

    PVC is extremely chemical-resistant, able to withstand acids, salts, bases, fats, and alcohols. For this reason, it is often used in sewage piping. It is even resistant to some solvents, such as fuel and paint thinners, but some may damage it; therefore, using PVC to drain or hold solvents isn't recommended. PVC can be produced in a variety of colors, but primarily comes in white, dark gray, or blue-ish clear. In addition to the applications listed in the introduction, PVC is used for home siding and gutters, skiing equipment, medical tubing, and much more.

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  • 3 Eagle Scout Project Ideas with PVC

     

    The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest rank one can achieve in the Boy Scouts of America. Most Boy Scouts reach this rank while they are in high school. Among other components, one of the requirements of becoming an Eagle Scout is completing a service project that benefits the community in some way. There are many types of Eagle Scout projects, such as helping improve conditions at a local park, making life better for shelter animals, organizing a litter pick-up day, and many more.

    If you are working on becoming an Eagle Scout and enjoy crafting or DIY, the following Eagle Scout project ideas may interest you! They all contain a PVC component. It is a versatile, strong, and inexpensive material that can help you bring your final project with the Boy Scouts to life.

    1. Build PVC Dog Beds for Your Local Animal Shelter

    pvc elevated dog bed with green fabric on grass
    Animal shelters can often lack sufficient funding to purchase all the supplies they need. This can leave dogs and other animals without beds. These elevated PVC dog beds are great for indoor and outdoor use and can be made for any size dog. This specific dog bed consists of four legs and a rectangular frame. Heavy duty, durable fabric is attached to the frame, allowing a dog to rest comfortably on something more comfortable than concrete or asphalt.

    While the sizes and lengths of pipes and fittings can vary depending on the type of dog that will be using the bed, the following PVC parts will be needed:

    In addition to the PVC materials, you will also need some strong fabric and bolts to hold the fabric onto the frame. To put it together you will need a screw gun and maybe another person to hold the frame steady while you attach the fabric. These usually take under an hour to make each!

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