Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the difference between the terms "Thermoplastic" and "Thermoset"?
A. Thermosets (Hapco products) begin as liquids and solidify or “polymerize” via the reaction of two or more components. The resultant product is completely different than any of the individual components (A + B = C). Thermosets cannot be melted or liquified back to their original states, which is an advantage in certain applications. Thermosets are either hand-mixed and poured or shot through a static mixer using meter-mix dispensing equipment. They are usually associated with Liquid Molding™, compression molding, or roto-molding.
Thermoplastics begin as solid materials, and can be liquified and molded into particular shapes by heating to elevated temperatures. They solidify when cooled. These materials are associated with processes like injection molding, thermoforming, and vacuum forming. The melted thermoplastic is injected into a mold or formed around a pattern, where it is then cooled down, solidified, then ejected out of the mold. Unlike thermosets, they can be recycled, re-melted, and re-used.
