Is there a differance in polymers?

S

sheepman

New member
A question for the forum, I have noticed that Glock and Springfield XD series seam to use a different polymer than say Ruger, H&K or Walther. I have owned and shot handguns of all these manufactures and have not seen problems with any but am curious to know if there is some reason behind the differences. The Glock and XD polymer look to have a smother finish than the others.

Does any one have any insight on this? :confused:
 
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It's all in the recipe.

but am curious to know if there is some reason behind the differences.
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In a previous life, I worked in the plastic industry and there are just too many reasons for the differences, mostly mechanical properties and that is defned by the customer specifications. Each resin has a data sheet, that lists all the properties. The differences may be slight and the only factor may be the cost.
It's a very competative market. We use to make a resin that was highly protected and most did not know the customer or it's use. Would not surprise me if some gun manufacturers buy their resins, overseas. ..... ;)


Be Safe !!!
 
At this point in time you can tell the man what properties you need and he will dial it into the computer and tell what polymer you need and how to make it .Real designer polymers. Some are also fiber filled with glass fibers etc.
Just remember that if you use solvents try a bit in an inconspicuous place to see if it damages the polymer.
 
Just too many variables

About the only thing these resins have in common, is that most are thermoform resins. There biggest weakness, is high temperatures. Most are impervious to common solvents. Firearm manufactures do not make their own resins and it's entirely possible that they don't form their own frames. ... ;)

Be Safe !!!
 
At this point in time you can tell the man what properties you need and he will dial it into the computer and tell what polymer you need and how to make it.
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If only it were that easy. I work in the environmental field and we use vast quantities of plastics for liners (landfills, mine waste, etc) and we are on a never-ending search for the right combinations of key properties without the down side. For example, higher strength often means less flexible and more brittle (prone to breakage upon impact). And it's not just the resins - in fact, the resin part of the equation tends to be the easy part. The additive package - anti-oxidants and so forth - make the magic and there are vast differences in these. One might make the production end go better (helping the plastic release from the mold that that there is less stress damage, for example) but may negatively affect other performance (the long-term strength of any joints).

Anyone over about 40 yrs old remembers the early days of plastics, where much of what was produced turned out to be crap. We are long past that, but there's still a lot of art in polymer technologies and many of the inherent problems with new formulations (resins + additives) or production methods do not become apparently until years after put into service.
 
I still come across things like sponges and other foams that are fine for a number of years then suddenly change .I would have thought that deterioration would be gradual but they go very fast. :confused:
 
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