The different types of resin material are plastic resin, polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, casting resin, polymer resin, acrylic resin, chemical resin, and dry resin. Resin is a substance used in lacquers, adhesives, plastics, and epoxies and is known for its translucent properties. Resin initially is in liquid form but hardens to produce a solid coating.
Plastic resin material is a large category of resins and includes many types. Plastic resins are manufactured using synthetic materials and are produced when large hydrocarbon molecules are heated until they break into smaller particles. The process, known as "cracking," is repeated until the hydrocarbons are separated into different materials, such as ethylene and propylene, which can then be used to form all kinds of products.
Some examples of the products made from plastic resin include soda containers, milk jugs, and prescription pill bottles. Each of these products are made with polyethylene resin material, which is a type of plastic resin. Other types of plastic resin include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, and polystyrene. PVC is most often used in the plumbing industry for lightweight, rigid pipes and also in the cosmetic industry due to its water resistant features. Polystyrene is extremely lightweight and able to withstand higher temperatures, which make it a good option for insulated drinking cups and smoke detector housings.
Acrylic resin is also a type of plastic resin but the process to manufacture it is different. Acrylic resins are formed when a chemical reaction among monomers, which are small molecules, produce a polymer. The resulting polymer is strong and transparent, which allows acrylic resins to be used for manufacturing aquariums, cell phone displays, taillights for cars, and bathtub liners.
Liquid resin material is used in a process called resin casting. Resin casting works by pouring warm liquid resin into a rubber mold and allowing it to harden. The mold is then peeled away to expose the hardened resin shape. Due to the labor intensive nature of resin casting, it is typically not used for large scale production but instead by home enthusiasts or small businesses. The most common use of resin casting is to make toys, small figurines, and jewelry.
Dry resin material is a type of resin that has had the moisture removed so it can be stored until needed. When the resin is needed, it is heated so it converts back into a semi-liquid state. The most common use for dry resin material is as a glue or epoxy. The dry resin is mixed with water to form a glue or paste which is then applied to items such as wood veneer. As the resin glue dries, the resin adheres to the veneer and keeps the wood strips firmly attached together.