Frequently Asked Questions about Appliance Plastics and PVC Compounds

Question 1

What are the best plastics for appliance manufacturing?

Accepted Answer

The best plastics for appliances depend on the specific application requirements. For heat-resistant applications like ovens and microwaves, AuroraGuard™ PBT and PEI compounds offer excellent thermal stability up to 200°C and 340°F respectively. For impact resistance in refrigerators and washing machines, AuroraGuard™ PC and PC/ABS alloys provide outstanding durability. For flexible components like seals and gaskets, AuroraFlex™ flexible PVC and TPE compounds offer the right combination of flexibility and performance. Aurora's technical team can help select the optimal material based on your temperature, chemical exposure, and mechanical requirements.

Question 2

Why is PVC used in appliances?

Accepted Answer

PVC and engineered polymers offer significant advantages for appliance applications including excellent heat resistance for cooking and heating appliances, impact strength to withstand daily use, electrical insulation for safety, chemical resistance to detergents and cleaning agents, flame retardancy for fire safety compliance, and cost-effectiveness for high-volume manufacturing. Aurora's compounds are specifically engineered with NSF® 51 approval and UL94 V-0 listing to meet the demanding requirements of appliance manufacturing.

Question 3

What materials are best for food-contact appliances?

Accepted Answer

For food-contact applications, AuroraGuard™ PC compounds comply with FDA, REACH, and NSF standards. Aurora's NSF® 51 approved compounds are specifically designed for food-contact surfaces in kitchen appliances, refrigerators, and food processing equipment. Aurora also offers phthalate-free formulations and renewable plasticizer options for applications requiring the highest food safety standards in blenders, food processors, and refrigerator components.

Question 4

Do you provide custom plastic formulations for appliance manufacturers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Aurora Material Solutions specializes in custom-engineered formulations for specific appliance requirements. Our team will work with you to complete the formulation with fillers for reduced shrinkage, increased weight, pigment, lubrication, UV stabilization, glass-fiber reinforcement, and other properties tailored to your exact application needs. We offer high-flow injection molding and extrusion-grade compounds optimized for appliance manufacturing efficiency.

Question 5

What flame-retardant options are available for appliances?

Accepted Answer

Aurora offers comprehensive flame-retardant solutions for appliance safety. AuroraGuard™ polymers provide high-heat, low-smoke zero-halogen, and flame-retardant properties with UL94 V-0 listing. Both non-halogenated and brominated flame-retardant grades are available. AuroraGuard™ PEI compounds are inherently flame resistant for critical electrical insulation applications in commercial appliances without requiring additional flame-retardant additives.

Question 6

What temperature ranges can your appliance materials withstand?

Accepted Answer

Aurora's materials cover a wide range of temperature requirements for appliances. AuroraGuard™ PBT provides heat resistance up to 150°C (or 200°C with glass-fiber reinforcement) for cooking appliances. AuroraGuard™ PEI compounds are rated for continuous use up to 340°F (170°C) for commercial applications. For low-temperature applications like refrigeration, PC and PC/ABS alloys offer excellent low-temperature toughness. AuroraFlex™ flexible compounds can be formulated with improved low-temperature tolerance for specialized applications.

Question 7

How can I request a quote for appliance-grade plastics?

Accepted Answer

Contact Aurora's sales team directly through the website, call (330) 422-0700, or reach out to your regional sales representative. Provide details about your application requirements, performance specifications, and volume needs. Aurora's team will work with you to recommend the optimal material solution and provide competitive pricing for your appliance project, whether for kitchen appliances, laundry equipment, HVAC systems, or commercial applications.

Question 8

What is UL94 V-0 and why is it important for appliances?

Accepted Answer

UL94 V-0 is the highest flammability rating in the UL94 standard, indicating that a material self-extinguishes within 10 seconds after flame removal with no flaming drips. This rating is critical for appliance safety, particularly for electrical components and housings that could be exposed to heat or electrical faults. Aurora's AuroraTec™ rigid PVC compounds and AuroraGuard™ materials meet UL94 V-0 requirements for fire safety compliance in appliance manufacturing.

Question 9

What is NSF 51 certification and which Aurora materials have it?

Accepted Answer

NSF 51 is the National Sanitation Foundation standard for food equipment materials, ensuring plastics are safe for food-contact applications. AuroraTec™ rigid PVC compounds are NSF® 51 approved, making them suitable for refrigerator linings, food storage containers, and kitchen appliance components that contact food. This certification ensures materials meet strict requirements for extractables, taste, and odor in food-contact applications.

Question 10

What makes ABS suitable for appliance housings?

Accepted Answer

AuroraGuard™ ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) combines the strength and rigidity of acrylonitrile and styrene polymers with the toughness of polybutadiene rubber, creating an ideal balance for appliance housings. ABS has supplanted aluminum, zinc, ceramics, and glass in food processors, shavers, and vacuum cleaners due to its excellent impact resistance, surface finish quality, colorability, and cost-effectiveness for high-volume injection molding.

Question 11

Do you offer recyclable materials for sustainable appliance manufacturing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Aurora offers multiple sustainable material options for appliance manufacturing. AuroraGuard™ PC/ABS is available in recyclable grade series. AuroraGuard™ PC compounds can be provided with recyclable PC content. Most AuroraFlex™ TPR formulations are 100% recyclable and RoHS compliant. These options support appliance manufacturers' sustainability initiatives while maintaining the performance characteristics required for demanding applications.

Question 12

What materials are best for washing machine and dishwasher components?

Accepted Answer

For washing machines and dishwashers, AuroraGuard™ PC and PC/ABS alloys provide the impact strength needed to withstand vibration and mechanical stress. AuroraGuard™ PBT offers excellent chemical resistance to detergents and cleaning agents with minimal moisture absorption. AuroraFlex™ flexible compounds are ideal for door seals and gaskets that must maintain performance under constant water exposure. All materials can be formulated with enhanced moisture resistance for wet environment applications.

Call: (330) 422-0700

Engineered Thermoplastics for Appliance Manufacturing

High-Performance Engineered Thermoplastics & PVC Compounds for Heat-Resistant, Electrically Insulating Home & Commercial Appliances

Why Material Selection Is Critical in Appliance Manufacturing

Whether you’re manufacturing refrigerators, washing machines, food processors, or commercial kitchen equipment, our materials provide the performance characteristics needed to meet stringent safety & quality standards.

Contact Us About Your Specific Appliance Application!

Our team will follow up with you in one business day.

High-Performance Thermoplastics for Commercial, Household and Industrial Appliances

Heat-Resistant Plastics for Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances face constant exposure to high temperatures, steam & food contact.

Flame-Retardant PVC for Electrical & Commercial Appliances

Electrical safety is paramount in appliance manufacturing.

Impact-Resistant Plastics for Home & Commercial Appliances

Large appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and commercial dishwashers require materials that withstand mechanical stress, vibration & constant use.

Flexible Compounds for Seals, Gaskets & Internal Components

AuroraFlex™ flexible PVC compounds provide cost-effective solutions for appliance seals, gaskets & flexible components.

Engineered Polymers for HVAC & Refrigeration Equipment

HVAC & refrigeration systems require materials that maintain performance across extreme temperature ranges.

Enter your information below to learn more about our wide range of engineered thermoplastic compounds.

Key Benefits of Aurora’s Thermoplastic Compounds & Polymers for Appliances

Our extensive offering gives you the foundation for a high-performing material compound solution designed to meet your product needs:

Heat Resistance & Thermal Stability

Flame Retardancy & Electrical Safety

Impact Strength & Mechanical Durability

Chemical & Moisture Resistance

Regulatory Compliance & Food Safety

Helpful Resources for Appliance Manufacturers

Frequently Asked Questions

Brands & Materials

Aurora Material Solutions Appliance Brands

Aurora Material Solutions Appliance Materials

Ready to take the next step?

Corporate/Technical Center/Production Facility

Welcome Production Facility

Marieville Technical Center/Production Facility

Lunenburg Technical/Production Facility

Pasadena Production Facility

Evansville Technical/Production Facilities

Lastique, an Aurora Material Solutions Company