What is the difference between polycarbonate and acrylic?

Polycarbonate offers 250 times the impact strength of glass and 30 times stronger than acrylic, making it virtually unbreakable for safety applications. Acrylic provides superior optical clarity and costs 30-40% less than polycarbonate but is more brittle. Choose polycarbonate when impact resistance is critical; select acrylic when clarity and weather resistance matter most.

Which plastics are FDA compliant for food contact applications?

FDA-compliant plastics meeting 21 CFR 177 regulations include natural UHMW polyethylene, white acetal copolymer, FDA-grade HDPE, polypropylene, clear polycarbonate, and acrylic. Port Plastics provides material certification documentation confirming FDA compliance with every shipment.

What temperature can PEEK plastic withstand?

PEEK maintains continuous service at temperatures up to 480°F (250°C) and can withstand short-term excursions to 570°F (300°C) without degradation. PEEK retains 90% of its room-temperature tensile strength at 300°F and performs in extreme cold to -40°F without becoming brittle.

Do you offer same-day delivery?

Same-day delivery is available for in-stock materials ordered before noon local time within our standard delivery radius. Each of our 11 facilities maintains inventory of commonly specified materials. Contact your local Port Plastics branch for specific delivery timelines.

Port Plastics – Leading Plastics Distributor for Industrial Solutions

About Us

Engineering Excellence in High-Performance Plastics Since 1960

Six decades of technical expertise, trusted relationships, and innovative solutions for manufacturers in aerospace, semiconductor, energy, medical, and food processing industries.

60+

Years in Business

U.S. Locations

1000+

Material Grades

ISO

9001:2015 Certified

Our Story

Built on Technical Expertise and Customer Relationships

From Local Distributor to National Leader

Founded in 1960, Port Plastics began as a regional supplier of industrial plastic materials to local manufacturers. Through our commitment to technical service and material expertise, we've grown into one of the nation's leading distributors of high-performance engineering plastics.

As industries demanded plastics that could withstand higher temperatures, resist aggressive chemicals, and meet stringent regulatory requirements, Port Plastics invested in technical training, expanded our product portfolio, and developed specialized fabrication capabilities.

"We've never been just a materials supplier. Our role is technical partner—helping engineers select the right material, understanding the application requirements, and ensuring specifications are met with complete documentation."

Strategic Expansion Across Key Manufacturing Regions

Today, Port Plastics operates 11 strategically located facilities across the United States, positioning inventory and technical expertise close to the industries we serve. Our Houston location serves the energy capital. San Jose supports Silicon Valley semiconductor manufacturers. Phoenix supplies aerospace and defense contractors. Each facility maintains local inventory while accessing our national network of materials and fabrication capabilities.

This geographic footprint enables same-day or next-day delivery throughout the continental United States, reducing downtime for manufacturers who depend on critical materials for production. Our distributed model combines local responsiveness with national buying power and technical resources.

Our Mission

Enabling Manufacturing Innovation Through Materials Expertise

Port Plastics exists to solve material challenges for manufacturers working at the leading edge of their industries. We provide the technical knowledge, material access, and fabrication capabilities that enable our customers to design better products, improve manufacturing efficiency, and meet rigorous performance specifications.

Technical Expertise

Our team includes materials engineers and industry specialists who understand application requirements, material properties, and manufacturing processes.

Quality Assurance

ISO 9001:2015 certification, complete material traceability, and conformance documentation ensure you receive materials that meet specifications.

Speed & Reliability

Same-day cutting and next-day delivery from strategically located facilities minimize production downtime when you need materials urgently.

Customization

In-house CNC machining, fabrication, and value-added services transform raw materials into precision components ready for your assembly line.

About Port Plastics: Your Trusted Partner in Industrial Plastic Solutions

With Port Plastics, we guarantee you will work with a well-qualified, experienced team with the know-how and resources to deliver solutions, technical support, and cost-effective material choices. You can rest assured that Port Plastics can fulfill your needs based on the following facts:

Port Plastics’ customer service team undergoes routine training in-house and with our top suppliers to keep you current on new materials and application ideas.
Their years of experience help you find effective materials options and avoid costly over-engineering.
They work with you to understand and deliver what you need in products, services, and the important area of documentation for your quality system.
Our solid working relationships with suppliers give you access to their technical support on advanced materials, complex applications, and fabrication techniques.

Get Expert Material Selection Assistance Today

Whether you're specifying materials for a critical application, need same-day delivery of in-stock products, or require custom-fabricated components, Port Plastics delivers the materials expertise and responsive service your project demands.

Request a Quote

Submit your material requirements or drawings for fast, accurate pricing with technical recommendations.

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Speak with a Specialist

Call your nearest Port Plastics location to discuss your application with experienced materials engineers.

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Explore our comprehensive material catalog, check real-time inventory, and learn about technical specifications.

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