Softened PVC (PVC-P) is a flexible plastic with high resistance to mechanical stress, moisture and common industrial chemicals. It is most commonly used for the manufacture of slatted screens, swing gates, protective screens, transparent barriers and other elements used to separate work areas, reduce heat loss and protect employees and technology.
What is plasticized PVC and why is it used in industry?
Softened PVC is created by adding plasticizers to polyvinyl chloride, giving the material elasticity, flexibility and the ability to withstand repeated mechanical stresses. Unlike hard PVC, it retains its flexibility even at low temperatures and can absorb shock without permanent deformation. Visually, it is an almost transparent material and is therefore a suitable option for situations where visual transparency of the part is required.
It is the combination of flexibility, transparency and durability that makes it one of the most used materials for separating production areas, warehouses and logistics facilities.
The main features of softened PVC-P include:
- high flexibility and elasticity
- good weather resistance
- resistance to water and moisture
- transparency and openness
- good electrical insulation properties
- Resistance to a wide range of acids, alkalis and salt solutions
- easy weldability and adhesiveness
- Favorable ratio of price and utility properties
- long service life, low maintenance
- retains flexibility even at low temperatures
Laminated screens – the most common use of softened PVC
The most widespread application of softened PVC is industrial slatted screens. These consist of overlapping transparent strips suspended in the entrance openings between the various operations.
Their main task is:
- reduction of heat loss
- limitation of dust penetration
- protection against draughts
- noise reduction
- maintaining the passage of handling equipment
- transparency for visual inspection
Laminated screens are commonly installed in:
- production halls
- of warehouses
- logistics centres
- Refrigeration
- freezers
- food processing plants
- agricultural buildings
Thanks to the transparency, visual control of the movement of people and trolleys is maintained, which contributes to greater traffic safety.
Soft PVC swing gates
Another important area of application is industrial swing gates.
Compared to fixed door systems, they offer:
- high impact resistance
- minimum maintenance requirements
- fast passage of people and handling equipment
- long service life even under intensive operation
Softened PVC is mainly used here as a transparent infill, which allows visibility through the door and increases safety in high traffic areas.
Typical users are:
- logistics centres
- production plants
- automotive industry
- food processing plants
- distribution warehouses
From our practice: Softened PVC and its applications
1. Logistics centre – dusty part of the warehouse
- Task:
The customer was dealing with a method of separating the dispatch part of the warehouse with frequently opened doors to the exterior – increased dustiness. - Material chosen:
Softened PVC strips, thickness 3 mm - Result
Separation of individual zones with no restrictions on forklift passage. The slatted screens effectively separate the dusty area but do not restrict the operation of the handling equipment. Thanks to their transparency, they also increase safety in the workplace.
2. Engineering production – protection of workers from emulsion and chips
- Task:
In a large-format milling centre, the customer was dealing with a situation where cooling emulsion and metallic debris were getting outside the machining area and making the machine difficult to operate. - Material of choice:
Custom-cut barriers made from a roll of softened PVC - Result
After the installation of the precision shaped parts, the pollution in the surrounding production area was significantly reduced and, above all, the safety of the entire workplace was improved.
3. Industrial water treatment plant – flat sealing of pipe joints
- Job:
In water treatment for industrial applications, the customer was looking for a suitable material for sealing pipe joints with an emphasis on durability. - Material of choice:
Custom-made intermediate ring made from a roll of plasticized PVC - Result
The material perfectly fulfils the sealing effect and also has a very long service life. The gasket is preventively changed during general maintenance every 5 years.
Other industrial uses of softened PVC
In addition to slatted screens and swing gates, soft PVC is also used in other industrial applications due to its versatility. Soft PVC is typically used for the following elements:
- protective machine hinges
- welding screens
- transparent device covers
- protective cuffs
- flexible dust barriers
- industrial bags
- cover sails
- conveyor aprons
- production of flat seals for industrial use
The material can be tailored to specific requirements for transparency, colour, hardness and chemical resistance. The combination of properties makes softened PVC a great all-round material for many applications, not just industrial ones.
Custom processing options
Softened PVC is a very easy to process material that can be cut and shaped very well. Most often the material is processed by cutting on a CNC plotter, which is highly accurate, fast and efficient. In our production we have 2 CNC plotters with a working area of 3100 x 2100 mm and we are able to produce even dimensionally large parts from soft PVC.
The material can also be high-frequency welded and bonded, and the combination of these technologies can be used to achieve even shape-intensive parts.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the service life of industrial PVC slats?
In normal operation, the lifetime of PVC slats varies between 5 and 10 years depending on the intensity of use and operating conditions.
Can soft PVC be used in freezers?
Yes, there are low-temperature versions of the material that can be used down to -40°C while maintaining elastic properties.
What thickness of softened PVC is used for slatted screens?
The most commonly used strips are 2, 3 or 4 mm thick. The specific choice depends on the size of the opening and the intensity of traffic.
How wide are PVC slats used in industrial screens?
The most common strip widths are 200 mm, 300 mm and 400 mm. Smaller slats are used for passenger passages, wider versions for forklift passages and larger industrial openings. However, other variants can be custom-made.
What are the main advantages of transparent PVC over opaque barriers?
Transparent PVC allows visual control of the movement of people and handling equipment, increasing operational safety while maintaining natural lighting in the workplace.
How to clean industrial PVC screens?
In most cases, water with a common non-aggressive detergent is sufficient. Thanks to the smooth surface, less dirt is deposited on PVC and the material can be easily kept hygienically clean.
Summary
Softened PVC is one of the most widely used materials for separating industrial areas and protecting production processes. Due to its high flexibility, durability and transparency, it is used especially in slatted screens, swing gates, protective curtains and safety barriers. Properly designed soft PVC elements help to reduce energy losses, increase operational safety and extend the service life of technologies.
Do you need to deal with soft PVC parts or advice on the most suitable solution? Contact us and we will be happy to advise you and produce the required part directly on our CNC machines.
