Seek Plastic Material Recommendations

[fred2009]

I need plastic sheeting for shelving in a wet environment. The typical application is 16" X 24" shelving -- supported only at each end (no center supports) -- which must support six evenly spaced 3 pound objects with no or insignficant flexing -- the shelving must maintain rigidity. It would also be preferable that the plastic material be FDA compliant, be available in a black or dark color, UV resistant and, of course, the lower the cost the better. In achieving compromise, the priorities would be rigidty, low cost, FDA compliancy, color, and lastly UV resistancy.

What plastic sheeting material(s) and thickness(s) would represent the best compromise of above priorities?

Thanks for any info.

[DwightDixon]

The meaning of the word "significant" is very key to our recommendations. I would suggest you pick a thermal set fiberglass reinforced material for the best performance. A pultrusion is likely to be the most cost effective by will have to be custom made with reinforcing ribs running the length of the shelf. (Think of the stiff bicycle flag antennas use on kids bikes.) This will require you to pay for a custom die and one major suppliers that have an extruder large enough to make your shelf. Thermal plastic base materials with fiberglass reinforcement are also possible but the long term creep resistance will lower and therefore the shelf will droop more over time.

[Indy Eddie]

Stainless steel. Or contact Nytef / Global Plastics in Ben Salem, PA and see what they can offer you. They have the capabilities needed to produce an extruded shelf.