Plastic Products for Transportation Applications

LEXAN offers multi-layer ballistic grade polycarbonate meant to resist bullets and physical attack to protect armored vehicles without sacrificing optical clarity.

See-through plastics such as acrylic and polycarbonate can be used to separate and protect bus drivers or train conductors. Whenever you need a transparent barrier or enclosure, plastics combine light weight with high strength, and they won’t shatter like glass, which protects passengers and drivers alike from sharp edges. Polycarbonate offers higher impact strength, while acrylic tends to be more scratch resistant.

Certain plastics with insulating properties can be used in housing and shrouds to safely protect important vehicle components, such as fans, air conditioners, electrical systems, and even a ship’s anchor. Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) is commonly used in many electrical applications because it’s flame-retardant and fairly heat resistant, with low electrical conductivity and high impact strength.

Materials used in mass transit applications must meet strict FST requirements to ensure passenger safety. There are many specialized plastics engineered for the industry that offer lightweight and aesthetically pleasing options for interior walls and components. LEXAN H6506 and LEXAN DH65011(S) are polycarbonate/ABS blends that offer high stiffness and several decorative colors. Simona’s Boltaron® 4800 is a thermoplastic alloy designed for mass transit applications with an infinite range of colors and a wide selection of textures for endless design possibilities.

Mudflaps protect the body and undercarriage of trucks and other vehicles from mud, water, salt, and debris that tires encounter on the roadway. Polypropylene offers solid impact and chemical resistance. For the most heavy-duty mudflaps, polyurethane is often chosen for its superior durability and flexibility.

On mass transit vehicles, Bolatron 4800 is often used for seat backs, and may be thermoformed into a composite with coring materials to reduce weight. Both materials meet all FST regulations. On marine vessels, Boatboard HDPE is often used in seating components because of its rugged performance in wet and sunny environments. Foam PVC is often used for seat cushions, as it is lightweight with good screw retention and can withstand harsh marine conditions.

UHMW-PE makes excellent snowplow blades because this wear and abrasion resistant plastic conforms to the surface being plowed without damaging the pavement. It doesn’t absorb moisture and its chemical resistance means it won’t be broken down by salt or other melting chemicals. It absorbs impact without breaking and is quieter than metal blades. UHMW-PE snowplows are even recommended by the FFA for use at airports because they don’t leave behind metal shavings or damage lights or runways.

Transit shelters much be tough enough to withstand abuse from both weather and mankind. LEXAN MARGARD™ MR10 polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable and features a proprietary scratch and chemical resistant coating which makes it easy to clean away spray painted graffiti. It’s also UV and flame resistant, so it won’t catch fire or yellow in the sun.

From dump trucks to pick-up trucks, plastic liners can protect truck beds from damage and make unloading easier. HDPE and Polypropylene are both smooth, durable, and easily recycled lining materials. For industrial trucks that hold highly abrasive cargo, UHMW-PE offers better wear properties for longer-lasting performance and a slick, low-friction surface that promotes material flow for easy unloading.