At Aetna Plastics, we help metal finishers, fabricators, and OEMs run reliably in corrosive, high-duty environments. From plating and pickling to fume control and material handling, our plastics deliver the chemical resistance, electrical insulation, and durability metal-processing lines demand—paired with precision fabrication to fit your tanks, ducts, and equipment.
Thermoplastics outperform traditional materials where acids, alkalis, humidity, and heat are present, while staying lightweight and easy to work with. Polypropylene (PP) is widely used for plating and rinse tanks due to cost and broad chemical resistance; PVC / CPVC and PP are common for corrosive fume exhaust; and PVDF (Kynar®) covers higher temperatures and aggressive chemistries.
Benefits of Plastics in Metal Processing
Key advantages
- Corrosion & chemical resistance for acids/alkalis, including chrome and other plating chemistries.
- Non-conductive & spark-safe parts for electroplating areas (insulators, fixtures, tank walls).
- Temperature capability with PVDF for hotter baths and washdowns.
- Lightweight, easy installation versus metal; ideal for retrofits and platform upgrades.
- Low maintenance surfaces that resist scaling and wear.
Common Applications in Metal Processing
Our plastics serve a variety of metal processing needs:
- Process tanks: plating, pickling, etching, anodizing, rinse
- Secondary containment: sumps, drip pans, spill trays
- Air handling: hoods, PVC/CPVC/PP duct, exhaust plenums, wet scrubber components
- Piping & manifolds for chemical transfer and recirculation
- Fixtures & insulation: anode/cathode supports, spacers, racks, bushings
- Platforms & safety: FRP grating, stairs, handrail; machine guards and sight panels
- Material handling: UHMW/TIVAR® wear strips, guides, chute & hopper liners
Materials for Metal Processing
Aetna Plastics offers a broad range of medical-grade plastics, including options with FDA, USP Class VI, and ISO 10993 certifications:
- Polypropylene (PP): Go-to for plating/rinse tanks; strong chemical resistance and value.
- PVDF (Kynar®): High chemical purity and higher temperature service for aggressive baths.
- PVC / CPVC (duct & sheet): Proven for chrome and corrosive-fume exhaust systems; light and low-maintenance.
- PP Duct (air handling): Broad exhaust chemical resistance and higher temp vs. PVC.
- UHMW / TIVAR®: Self-lubricating, quiet wear surfaces for conveyors, guides, and liners.
- HDPE & PP (containment): Cost-effective trays, sumps, and spill control.
- PTFE & fluoropolymers: Extreme chemical resistance; gaskets, linings, and seals.
- FRP (Fibergrate®): Corrosion-resistant platforms, grating, and structural shapes—non-conductive and 70% lighter than steel.
Why Metal Processing Teams Choose Aetna Plastics
- Broad stock of sheet, rod, pipe/valves/duct, and FRP structural shapes
- Custom fabrication: tank builds/liners, manifolds, hoods, and precision CNC parts
- Application guidance on material selection (bath chemistry, temp, exhaust, compliance)
- Fast, dependable delivery backed by 75+ years supporting industrial facilities
