Joinery and Hatches

What is a Plastic Joinery & Hatch?

Joinery traditionally refers to the craft or trade of woodworking, creating joints to construct furniture, cabinetry and other structures. The improvements and benefits of plastics have led to plastic joinery being utilised and increasing in popularity.

Benefits of Plastic Joinery & Hatches

Resistance to moisture and insects – Plastic materials, such as Nuvex and Uniboard/Foamlite are inherently resistant to moisture, insects, and rot. This makes them suitable for applications in humid or damp environments where wood might be susceptible to decay.
Durability & Longevity – High-quality plastic materials are durable and have a longer lifespan, especially when exposed to harsh weather conditions or outdoor elements. Plastics are less prone to degradation from UV exposure compared to some woods.
Low Maintenance – Plastic materials often require no maintenance. They are resistant to rot, and decay caused by UV light. Cleaning is typically straightforward, and painting is not required.

Dotmar has qualified engineers that can provide direct support with plastics for joinery and hatches.

Commercial Kitchens - plastic joinery is ideal for harsh commercial applications

wet n wild male amenities vanities sept 2011 (1)

Wet Area Furniture & Joinery - the resistance to rot, mould and swelling makes plastics advantageous for wet areas.

Outdoor Conditions - with UV and weather resistance, plastics are durable and easy to clean.

Lockers - the demanding requirement for lockers can be combatted with tough plastics.

Hatches and Manhole Covers - plastics are resistance to saltwater and the elements, together with being visually aesthetic.

Outdoor Kitchens - the durability and longevity of plastics, together with the ease of cleaning provides benefits over traditional materials.

MATERIAL SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS

Material selection is a critical consideration when choosing a plastic for joinery, as it directly impacts the performance, durability, and maintenance requirements of these components. Here are some key material selection considerations for plastic joineries and hatches:

Thermal Expansion

All materials expand and contract with a change in temperature. Some plastics tend to have high thermal expansion rates, which need to be considered when designing, fixings and installation

UV and Weatherability

For applications in outdoor environments, it is critical to have material that are UV resistant.

Temperature

The surrounding temperature for both short- and long-term exposure is important, as materials can withstand higher temperatures for short term periods compared to long term or constant exposure.

Contact us

Dotmar Engineering Plastics stands poised to address your unique challenges. Harness our expertise for bespoke engineering plastic solutions tailored to your specifications.