The table shows that:
- Polymers can be shaped by various moulding processes.
- Wood can only be machined into the shape of a plug, which would not be practical for mass production.
- The processing options are greater for thermoplastics than for thermosets.
|
+ : routine
? : difficult
X : unsuitable
|
Polymer |
Wood |
ABS
(thermoplastic) |
UF
(thermoset) |
Pine |
Polymer Shaping |
Polymer extrusion |
+ |
X |
|
| Compression moulding |
+ |
+ |
|
| Injection moulding |
+ |
? |
|
| Blow moulding |
+ |
X |
|
| Machining |
Milling |
+ |
X |
+ |
| Grinding |
X |
X |
+ |
| Drilling |
+ |
? |
+ |
| Cutting |
+ |
? |
+ |
| Joining |
Fasteners |
+ |
+ |
+ |
| Solder / braze |
X |
X |
X |
| Welding |
+ |
X |
X |
| Adhesives |
+ |
+ |
+ |
|