Appliances and whitegoods must be aesthetically pleasing with excellent scratch resistance and high gloss. As such Astalac™ ABS and Astaloy™ ABS/PC alloy polymers have been the materials of choice for trim components on refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers and washing machines. Typically, the facia panels have had to be flame retardant or heat resistant in nature as well. The versatility of Astalac™ ABS has made it the material of choice for many years. Marplex colour compounds the ABS to extremely tight colour tolerances.
The high heat and flame retardant requirements of the dryers make the Astaloy™ ABS/PC alloy and Iupilon® polycarbonate the most suitable material of choice for the dryer doors and control panel fascias.
The high molecular weight polystyrene from Denka, MW1, is a new improved toughness grade of general purpose polystyrene which is ideal for refrigerator crisper draws and dairy doors.
For internal components such as electrical housings, gears, bearings and structural parts Marplex can offer Iupital® Polyacetal, Ultramid® Polyamide 6 and 66 and Reny® MXD6 Polyamide.
The appliance market comprises of the large (whitegoods) appliances and the small. Detailed below are some typical applications:
| Refrigerator trim components | ABS |
| Freezer frames | ABS |
| Butter dishes | SAN |
| Crisper draws | MW1 |
| Refrigerator door gasket | TPE |
| Clear shelving | Polycarbonate |
| Door handles | ABS |
| Dishwasher/Dryer control panels | FRABS |
| Flame retardant barriers | Polyamide 66 |
| Interior dishwasher components | Polyacetal |
| Washing machine panels | ABS |
| Control panels | FRABS |
| Connectors | Polycetal |
| Dryer doors | ABS/PC, Polycarbonate |
| Knobs and buttons | ABS |
| Hinges | Polyamide 6 |
| Clear display covers | Acrylic |
| Air conditioner panels | ABS |
| Vacuum cleaner bodies | ABS |
| Vacuum cleaner nozzles | Polycarbonate |
| Irons | Polycarbonate |
| TV masks | HIPS |
| Heater covers | Polycarbonate, ABS/PC |
