Materials / PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Versatile, cost-effective plastic in sheets, rods & tubes for piping, ducting, and chemical containment.
-10 to +60°C
Operating range
Flame retardant
Self-extinguishing
2-25mm
Sheet thickness
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a chemical-resistant, flame-retardant industrial plastic used heavily for chemical pipework, ducting, valve bodies, splash backs and laboratory enclosures. Rigid PVC sheet (Type 1 / PVC-U) is the standard tank, duct and signage grade and is what we fabricate day to day on the Gold Coast. Type 2 / PVC-C grades extend service temperature for hot chemical lines and pickling work.
Sizes and formats we stock
Standard PVC sheet sizes are 2440 x 1220mm and 3000 x 1500mm in 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 15mm, 20mm and 25mm. Grey is the default colour for engineering work; cream, white, black and clear are also available. PVC rod runs from 10mm to 200mm diameter, and we stock chemical-line PVC pipe and fittings in standard plumbing sizes.
Colours and grades
Industrial grey is the workhorse colour for tanks, bunds and ducting. White and clear are common in signage, food display and laboratory work. Foamed PVC (Foamex) is a lighter, screen-print friendly sheet used for displays and signage; see the Foam PVC page for that grade. Black PVC is used where UV resistance and a low-glare finish matter.
PVC compared to polypropylene
PVC is cheaper than polypropylene, easier to cement (solvent welding) and stiffer at room temperature. Polypropylene handles higher continuous temperatures (around 100°C versus 60°C for standard PVC) and tolerates a wider range of strong acids and alkalis. For ambient-temperature chemical pipework, ducting and signage, PVC is the cost-effective answer. For hot acid lines or food processing, step up to PP.
Why P&M Plastics for PVC fabrication
We solvent-cement and hot-air weld PVC tanks, bunds, ducting runs and lab enclosures every week. Our CNC routers cut PVC sheet to engineering tolerances, and our welders carry the right PVC rod and primers to keep joints chemically resistant and visually clean. PVC is one of the lowest-risk industrial plastics to fabricate, which makes it a fast turnaround on most jobs.
Key Properties
Common Applications
Project Gallery
How We Fabricate PVC
We fabricate PVC using CNC routing for precision cutting, hot air welding for tank and duct seams, and solvent cementing for pipe joints and frame assemblies. PVC machines well, taps cleanly and accepts mechanical fasteners. Sheet edges can be polished or buffed for a finished look. Always use PVC-rated cement (not generic plastic glue) for any pressure or chemical-line work.
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Related Services
CNC Router Services
Computer-controlled CNC routing for precision plastic cutting, profiling, and engraving.
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Full-service plastic fabrication: designed, cut, welded, and assembled to your exact specifications.
Cut to Size Plastics
Plastic sheets, rods, and tubes cut to your exact dimensions from a wide range of materials.
Plastic Welding
Industrial-grade plastic welding for tanks, pipes, bunds, and structural assemblies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PVC-U and PVC-C? +
PVC-U (unplasticised, also called Type 1) is the standard rigid PVC used for sheet, pipe, ducting and signage. PVC-C (chlorinated PVC) is post-processed to push the continuous service temperature up from around 60°C to around 90°C, which is why it is the standard for hot chemical pipework and pickling lines.
Can PVC be welded? +
Yes. PVC welds cleanly using hot air with a PVC rod and is the standard joining method for tanks, bunds and duct seams. For pipework we use solvent cement (Tangit, Bostik), which softens the mating surfaces and fuses them chemically. Both produce structural joints that hold full chemical and pressure rating.
Is PVC fire-rated? +
Yes. PVC is inherently flame retardant and self-extinguishing, with a UL 94 V-0 rating in most grades. This is one of the reasons it is the default material for electrical enclosures, building services panels and chemical room linings where fire load is a concern.
Can I use PVC outdoors? +
Standard PVC will yellow and become slightly brittle after several years of full Australian sun. For permanent outdoor exposure (signage, pool plant rooms, plumbing) specify a UV-stabilised PVC or use a black grade. For signage that lives under shade or eaves, standard grey or white PVC holds up fine.
Is PVC food-safe? +
Clear food-grade PVC certified to FDA 21 CFR 177.1980 is available for food contact, beverage handling and packaging. Most industrial grey PVC sheet is not food certified, so always specify the application at quote time so we draw from the right stock.
What is the maximum temperature PVC will hold? +
Standard PVC (PVC-U) has a continuous service temperature of around 60°C. Above that the sheet softens, loses pressure rating and starts to creep under load. PVC-C extends this to around 90°C. For higher temperatures we step up to polypropylene or PVDF.
Can PVC be vacuum formed or bent? +
PVC line-bends well on a heated wire bender for clean 90-degree folds and can be vacuum formed at low temperatures, which is why it is widely used for screen-printed signage, shop fittings and machine guards. Thicker sheet (above 8mm) is generally cut and bonded rather than formed.
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