Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What are the best plastic materials for furniture manufacturing?

Accepted Answer

The best materials depend on specific furniture application. For structural components requiring high impact resistance, AuroraTec™ rigid PVC compounds and PVC composites offer more than 2x the tensile or flexural modulus of typical PVC substrates. For flexible applications like edge banding and seating, AuroraFlex™ compounds provide durometers from 35A to 95A Shore A. For outdoor furniture requiring weatherability, two-part capstock systems deliver superior UV stability. Aurora's technical team can help select optimal material based on durability, aesthetic, and environmental requirements.

Question 2

How does PVC compare to wood in furniture applications?

Accepted Answer

PVC and thermoplastic compounds offer several advantages over wood in furniture applications. They provide superior moisture resistance without swelling or warping, require minimal maintenance, resist mildew and rot, and maintain consistent appearance over time. Auroralite™ cellular foam rigid PVC products make an excellent wood replacement, combining maintenance-free vinyl features with the matte finish look of painted wood. They allow easy nailing and screwing while providing significant weight reduction compared to solid wood.

Question 3

Do you offer sustainable plastic materials for furniture brands?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Aurora offers multiple sustainable material options for furniture manufacturing. AuroraFlex™ flexible PVC compounds are available with renewable non-phthalate plasticizers. They provide low-VOC formulations that support indoor air quality requirements and LEED certification. Recyclable material options help furniture brands meet corporate sustainability commitments and comply with RoHS, REACH, and Prop 65 environmental standards.

Question 4

Are Aurora's plastic materials compliant with safety regulations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Aurora materials are formulated to meet rigorous safety and regulatory standards. They offer fire-retardant formulations through the AuroraGuard™ product line, including both halogenated and non-halogenated TPO-based materials. Compounds can be customized to meet specific compliance requirements including REACH, RoHS, Prop 65, ASTM standards, and low-VOC requirements for indoor air quality. Aurora's team can help select materials meeting specific regulatory needs.

Question 5

What durometer range is available for furniture applications?

Accepted Answer

AuroraFlex™ flexible PVC compounds range from 35A to 95A Shore A durometer to semi-rigid, with specific gravities from 1.15 to 1.65. SBS and SEBS compounds extend even softer, with TPE options available from 10A to 50D durometer hardness. This wide range allows specification for different furniture components - softer materials for cushioning and edge protection, firmer materials for structural applications. Durometer hardness is measured per ASTM D2240 standards.

Question 6

What finishes and colors are available for furniture materials?

Accepted Answer

Aurora compounds are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. AuroraTec™ rigid PVC can be either clear or opaque, with pigments and additives to achieve specific colors. Opaque PVC uses fillers and pigments to block transparency and impart specific colors, while clear rigid PVC maintains transparency without these additives. They offer matte, gloss, textured, and woodgrain finish options. Aurora's team can work with customers on custom color matching for branded furniture lines.

Question 7

How do PVC composites improve furniture performance?

Accepted Answer

AuroraTec™ PVC composites provide enhanced dimensional stability with more than 2x the tensile or flexural modulus of typical PVC substrates, enabling higher performance-engineered profiles. Combined with a lower coefficient of expansion, you get significantly less contraction or expansion due to temperature fluctuations. This makes them ideal for outdoor furniture and applications where dimensional consistency is critical.

Question 8

What wood replacement options are available for furniture?

Accepted Answer

Auroralite™ cellular foam rigid PVC products provide excellent wood replacement for furniture applications. These materials combine maintenance-free vinyl features with the matte finish look of painted wood. They allow easy nailing and screwing like traditional wood while providing mildew resistance, rot resistance, and significant weight reduction compared to solid materials. Ideal for decorative furniture panels, trim pieces, and outdoor furniture components.

Question 9

What flame-retardant options are available for commercial furniture?

Accepted Answer

AuroraGuard™ TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) compounds provide flame-retardant options for commercial furniture applications. Available in both halogenated and non-halogenated formulations for fire safety compliance. These multiphase compositions provide both rigid and elastomeric properties - one phase hard at room temperature and fluid when heated, another phase elastomeric and rubberlike at room temperature. Ideal for office furniture, hospitality furniture, and applications requiring fire resistance.

Question 10

What processing methods are compatible with furniture compounds?

Accepted Answer

Aurora compounds are optimized for mass production with reduced material waste. Materials are compatible with thermoforming, injection molding, and extrusion processes. AuroraTec™ rigid PVC offers a wide processing window and is available in pellet or powder form for manufacturing flexibility. AuroraFlex™ SBS and SEBS compounds provide high-performance durability with easy processing characteristics.

Question 11

What flexible compounds are available for furniture sealing and cushioning?

Accepted Answer

AuroraFlex™ flexible PVC provides cost-effective solutions for furniture edge banding, seals, cushioning, armrest covers, and flexible components. Available from 35A to 95A Shore A durometer with specific gravities from 1.15 to 1.65. Additives include renewable non-phthalate plasticizers, improved low-temperature tolerance, and biocides. AuroraFlex™ SL delivers high-abrasion resistance for longer-lasting materials with no tearing. SBS and SEBS compounds offer TPE options from 10A to 50D durometer including clear and oil-free grades.

Question 12

How can I request a quote for furniture materials?

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 furniture application, performance requirements, aesthetic specifications, and volume needs. Aurora's experienced team will recommend the optimal material solution and provide competitive pricing for your project. Custom formulations are available with fillers for specific properties including reduced shrinkage, increased weight, pigment, and lubrication.

Innovative Engineered Thermoplastics and PVC Materials for High-Quality Furniture Manufacturing

PVC Compounds & Custom Polymer Formulations for Residential, Commercial & Outdoor Furniture Applications

Why Use Engineered Thermoplastics & PVC for Furniture Manufacturing

From rigid PVC and PVC composites to flexible compounds & cellular foam, our comprehensive material portfolio meets the demanding requirements of residential, commercial & outdoor furniture production.

Contact Us About Your Specific Furniture Solution!

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Applications of Engineered Thermoplastics and PVC in Furniture Manufacturing

Office & Commercial Furniture

Office desks, workstations, ergonomic chairs & conference tables demand materials that withstand constant use in high-traffic environments.

Outdoor & Patio Furniture

Garden chairs, patio tables, sun loungers & poolside furniture face constant exposure to UV rays, moisture & temperature fluctuations.

Kitchen & Bathroom Furniture

Cabinets, countertops, vanity units & shelving in kitchens + bathrooms require materials that resist moisture, humidity & frequent cleaning.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Furniture

Eco-conscious furniture manufacturers & green building projects require materials that align with sustainability goals.

Luxury & High-End Furniture

Luxury home furnishings, high-end office furniture & custom interiors demand premium finishes, sleek design options & flawless surface quality.

Latches, Clips & Furniture Accessories

Furniture hardware demands materials that withstand repeated stress cycles, resist cracking under load, and maintain dimensional precision over years of use.

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Why Make Us Your First Choice in Custom Material Solutions for Furniture?

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

Durability & Structural Integrity

Weatherproof & Moisture-Resistant Properties

Sustainability & Recyclability

Design Flexibility & Customization

Cost-Effective & Manufacturing-Friendly

Helpful Resources for Furniture Manufacturers

Brands & Materials

Aurora Material Solutions Furniture Brands

Aurora Material Solutions Furniture Materials

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