Ford Escape 2010 - Plastics Identification; Rigid Plastic Parts; Flexible Plastic Parts

SECTION 501-35: Body Repairs
2010 Escape, Mariner, Escape Hybrid, Mariner Hybrid Workshop Manual
GENERAL PROCEDURES
Procedure revision date: 07/27/2009
Plastics Identification
WARNING: Always refer to Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) when handling chemicals and wear
protective equipment as directed. Examples may include but are not limited to respirators and chemically
resistant gloves. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
WARNING: Always wear protective equipment including eye protection with side shields, and a dust
mask when sanding or grinding. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
NOTE: Identification of the various plastic types is necessary to select the appropriate repair methods to make high
quality plastic repairs. Plastics can generally be broken down into 2 categories, thermoplastics and thermosetting
plastics. Thermoplastics can be remolded by heating. This makes plastic welding a possible repair alternative.
1. NOTE: In some instances, a code or material designation is stamped indicating the plastic type.
Thermoplastics are solvent reactive. Types of thermoplastics include Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO), Polyvinyl
Chloride (PVC) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). Polyolefins have an oily or waxy appearance.
Examples include some bumper covers, stone shields, fender aprons and fan shrouds. Polyolefins require
an adhesion promoter prior to carrying out any refinish procedure.
• To determine if the part is a polyolefin, grind the damaged area in an out-of-sight area. Grinding a
polyolefin will melt and smear the plastic and leave a ragged edge. If the part is non-polyolefin, the
area will grind or sand smoothly, producing a powdery dust.
Rigid Plastic Parts
Code
Family Name
Common Trade Name
Typical Application
ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
ABS, Cycolac, Lustran, Kralistic
A-Pillars, Consoles, Grilles
SMC
Sheet Molded Composite
SMC
Body Panels
Flexible Plastic Parts
Code
Family Name
Common Trade Name
Typical Application
RRIM
Reinforced Reaction
Injection-Mold Material
PUR
RRIM
Fascias, Body Panels, Body Trims
TPO
Thermoplastic Polyolefin
Polytrope, Renflex,
Santropren Telcar, Vistaflex,
ETA, Apex, TPO
Bumpers, End Caps, Rubber
Strips, Sight Shields, Claddings,
Interior B-Post
2. Polyolefin plastic can also be identified by placing a small sliver in a container of water, if the sample floats,
it is a polyolefin plastic. A non-polyolefin will sink when placed in a container of water.
3. Generally, thermosetting plastics are rigid or semi-rigid. Sheet-Molded Composite (SMC) is reinforced with
glass and other fibers and are strong and rigid. SMC is used for large panels such as hoods, liftgates,
fenders and quarter panels.
• A burn test can be a reliable method to determine if a plastic is a thermosetting plastic. Extreme care
must be exercised when using this method.
 NOTICE: The component must be isolated away from the vehicle and all combustible
materials to perform this test.