PVC for screwdriver handle

[Hawker1]

Customer has requested PVC for a injection molded
screwdriver handle. No other information is available.
Any thoughts on grade/type and safty concerns would be helpful.
Thanks

 

[CoryPad]

Many basic screwdrivers use cellulose acetate for the handle. Comparing those properties with an injection molding grade of PVC, it looks like Geon M3500 would be a candidate. More information is available at:

http://www.polyone.com/tds/PDFs/M3500.pdf

Regards,

Cory

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[Pud]

Hi,

Many years ago, screwdriver handles were made from cellulose acetate (CA), either the proprionate (CAP), or the butyrate (CAB). It was clear, but usually tinted, had extreme impact strength (could be used for chisel handles too), and was self-polishing so it always looked good with use. Hard to find now and expensive,

Modern screwdriver handles are made from impact modified polypropylene.

There would be some drawback to using PVC (imho), e.g.

1.Although it appears cheap it has a high s.g. (around 1.4) so you do not get many handles for your buck…..

2.PVC tooling should be made of stainless steel as it gives off HCl when molten. Screws and barrels should also be stainless or nimonic as it will cause premature wear (via corrosion) on standard stuff.

3.If your mould shop also uses acetal (POM) you will need extremely good housekeeping and methodology as the two when combined in a machine mutually decompose each other making “big bangs!”

4.ABS might be just as good as PVC.


Rgds


Harry

 

[patprimmer]

I have to agree with Pud.

Cellulose acetate makes fine screwdriver handles due to feel, impact strength, compressive strength and chemical resistance, but it is very expensive due to the increasing costs of cellulose and due to the "dirty" nature of manufacturing plants.

Top end screwdrivers are now made of nylon. Those used by mere mortals are made from polypropylene.

The fancy soft touch grips are polyurethane in the nylon handles and PP/EPDM allow for PP handles.

Hard grades of polyurethane or "Hytrel/Arnitel" type elastomers could also work very well.

PVC will be susceptible to chemical attack from some chemicals typically used in automotive workshops.

Regards

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[dwightdixon]

Rigid PVC compounds with suitable properties are available from a variety of suppliers around the world. Pick your favorite supplier and let his rep. pick the grade. Above warnings apply for cost, corrosiveness, and safety. If you can get the OEM to change the spec., high impact copolymer PP would be cheaper, safer, and easier for you to run.