The ultimate guide to caps and plugs
Not every general protection product is suited for every application. Materials play a critical role. For instance, you wouldn’t use a flare fitting plug as a high-temperature masking solution. For starters, it’s made of Low Density Polyethylene, which can’t stand up to high temperatures, but provides excellent performance for a basic application, such as for storage and transportation.
To help you select the right caps and plugs for your application, we’ve put together this guide. We strongly recommend that you try before you buy – request free samples to ensure that the Essentra product selected matches your requirements.
What do you want to know?
Types of caps and plugs
Before you can understand the materials, you need to know the types of caps and plugs available. Caps and plugs are designed for every use in a variety of materials. You can even have them custom made. Decide your priorities and then you can choose the most suitable caps and plugs.
- Manufacturing – To keep production moving efficiently, always consider the time it takes to apply and remove caps and plugs without damaging threads or profiles; an easy pull plug or tear tab caps work well, for example. If you can adapt your protection to your production methods, you’ll work far more productively.
- Masking – Areas you especially need to protect include electrical contact points, threaded holes or studs and welding areas. Materials react differently to processes, so before you actually start masking, request a free sample of the masking product you’d like to use and test it. Keep in mind that caps and plugs aren’t your only option. Masking tape might be best for your needs.
- Storage and transportation – Components are especially vulnerable to damage and contamination during transportation and storage, which is why caps and plugs are often used to protect critical profiles in those situations. Tapered round plugs with flange, for example, are often used for storage and transportation, providing protection against dirt, debris, moisture and corrosion.
- End use – Caps and plugs are often used to finish off a product, such as furniture or panels. Decorative hex bolt caps or a round ferrule are good examples, while also providing protection.
Type | Purpose & Materials |
Tapered caps and plugs | Snug fit Tapered caps and plugs have just that: a tapered design, which covers several diameters. They provide a tight fit, protecting your application from contamination, damage and corrosion during storage and shipment. |
Push fit caps | Protection for profiles Protect internal and external profiles during assembly and transit. Push fit caps are ideal for this purpose. They’re available in different styles and materials suited to your application. |
Vinyl caps | Flexibility is key Vinyl caps provide a level of flexibility that allow for stretching without tearing or splitting. The result is a snug fit that’s just as easy to remove. |
Threaded cap and plug | Protect threads Threaded caps and plugs are most often used as protection on hydraulic hose fittings. They provide a quick fit to threaded components and can serve as metric threaded caps, BSP pipe plugs – they also fit UNF thread sizes. |
Quick fit and/or removal plugs | When every second counts Quick fit plugs have a short thread to allow for a fast fit. Their knurled head provides an easy grip to speed up the installation and removal process even more. |
Specialty caps and plugs
Type | Purpose & Materials |
Masking protection | Caps and plugs designed for masking provide protection from surface treatment in applications which require different levels of temperature and chemical resistance. These are available in different materials and offer varying temperature tolerances. The one you choose will depend on the masking application you’re using. |
Protection for pipes and flanges | From Flange Protector Retainer Plugs to Pipe Caps, you can keep pipes and flanges safe and sound, free from damage and contamination. These caps and plugs offer firm and secure protection in different styles. |
Protection for pipes and flanges | Hydraulics has its own safety demands and standards, which is why specialist caps and plugs are essential for protection. The range of solutions available is vast, from banjo union caps to quick release plugs. |
Plastics
Material |
Characteristics |
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) |
Flexible, economical, good chemical resistance |
High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) |
Excellent resistance to most chemicals, but poor resistance to oil and grease |
Nylon |
Tough material with good thermal and chemical resistance |
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) |
Good chemical and stress-crack resistance; works well for electrical applications |
Polypropylene (PP) |
Good chemical and heat resistance |
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
Flexible, withstands high temperatures |
Copolyester |
Blend of different polyesters; high clarity and transparency with excellent chemical resistance |
Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) |
Soft, resistant to UV rays. Some manufacturers class TPE as a rubber |
Rubber
Material
|
Characteristics |
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) |
Highly flexible; similar to silicone, but has lower temperature resistance |
Silicone |
Resistant to high and low temperatures |
Other materials
Material
|
Characteristics |
Vinyl |
Withstands high temperatures. Durable and abrasion and moisture resistant |
Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) |
High resistance to chemicals; combines the properties of rubber with the molding capabilities of thermoplastics |
Paper (Crepe) |
High degree of flexibility |
PVC |
A type of vinyl. Popular in the construction industry for its durability and cost |
When materials are similar
This often makes choosing a material for your caps and plugs difficult. Here are the differences in the materials that many find confusing.
LDPE vs. HDPE
They’re both made of polyethylene (PE), one having low and the other, high density, In fact, LDPE has a density in the range between 0.910 and 0.925 gm/cm3. HDPE, within the range of 0.941 to 0.965 gm/cm3.
As to characteristics, LPDE has a high ductile nature and mediocre tensile strength. HPDE has high tensile strength. Both LDPE and HDPE are flexible. LDPE stretches and conforms better to surfaces than HDPE, which is tougher and more rigid. Here’s a more in-depth look at LDPE vs. HDPE.
HDPE vs Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a thermoplast polymer. Like HDPE, it’s rugged and can resist chemical solvents and acids. However, they differ in density, with polypropylene between 0.895 and 0.92 g/cm², making it more flexible than HDPE. Another difference is that polypropylene has poor UV resistance.
EPDM vs Silicone
Both are rubbers. EPDM is popular in the automotive and construction industries. Your car’s door and window seals are most likely EPDM, for example. Silicone has a longer life than EPDM, but the main difference in these two materials comes down to their ability to withstand extreme temperatures. Silicone is the runaway winner. Here’s a closer look at EDPM vs. Silicone.
TPE vs TPR
Both materials belong to the family of thermoplastic elastomers. TPR has qualities that combine the properties of rubber with the molding capabilities of thermoplastics. Yet these two materials are so much alike in their characteristics. Both have high-flexural fatigue resistance, high-impact strength – even their temperature ranges are the same. The difference comes down to their base materials.
TPE is modified from Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene Block Copolymer (SEBS) and has a lower density than TPR. TPR is often modified from styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS). The result is that TPE is essentially a softer version of TPR. Here’s a more in-depth look at TPE vs TPR.
Not every material works for every cap and plug, of course. Here’s a glance at examples of what material works best in specific applications.
- Equipment Manufacturing
- Masking
- Vehicles
- Hoses and Hydraulics
- Pipe Protection
Equipment Manufacturing
Blanking plugs, for example, are often used to finish off panel holes on a piece of equipment, giving it a nice, clean finish and providing safety against sharp edges. They’re available in different materials, but which should you choose and why?
Nylon, PVC or copolyester?
Your choice will depend on the equipment being manufactured. If you’re dealing with irregular shapes, or wires and cables that will need to be accessed, you want a flexible material for your blanking plug which can easily be removed when needed. This is why the automotive industry uses flexible blanking plugs. If it’s a straightforward job, and the blanking holes are merely there for appearance, then nylon will fulfil your need. It’s a hard, long-lasting material. If you want a clear plug, opt for copolyester.
Choose nylon or copolyester for rigidity and durability
These push in plugs for panels come in silicone or TPR for flexibility, covering multiple diameters
Masking
For masking to be successful, your material selection is critical. It’s got to behave as required during wet painting, powder coating, e-coating, anodizing, plating, blasting and drying. Your material has to stand up to the operating temperature that your application requires. Before you actually start masking, request free samples of the masking product you’d like to use and test it.
Masking tape can also give you a very economical, easy-to-use solution. For instance, if you’re masking sheet metal, tape is easy to apply and remove.
Which material for your masking application?
Masking solutions to consider, depending on the process you’re using:
Process | Feature | Powder coating | E-coating | Anodizing | Plating | Wet Painting | Blasting | Max Temp |
Silicone | Premium; reusable |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
+250°C +482°F |
Polyimide Tape | Premium; excellent solvent |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
+260°C +500°F |
|
Silicone Tape | Self bonding; perfect for irregular shapes |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
+204°C +399°F |
|
Glass Cloth Tape | Durable; for blasting or thick coatings |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
+180°C +356°F |
||
EPDM | Costs around 30% less than silicone |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
+150°C +302°F |
High-Temp Vinyl | Low cost; not reusable |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
+170°C +338°F |
|
TPR | Lightweight |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
+95°C +203°F |
Paper | Low cost; recyclable |
✔ |
✔ |
+120°C +248°F |
||||
Polyester | No shrinkage |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
+150°C +302°F |
|
High-Temp Crepe | Special high-temp formula |
✔ |
+204°C +399°F |
We do not assume any liability for the materials, specifications or information provided. For complete temperature and other physical properties of our products’ material, please refer to the actual product material technical data sheet, available upon request.
Available in PVC
Available in EPDM & TPR
High temperature rubber cap in silicone & EPDM; Also, PVC
Available in polyimide
Available in silicone & EPDM
Vehicles
The concern here is with precision. Key vehicle parts to protect are:
- Diesel/petrol pumps
- Engines
- Specialist vehicle fittings
- Powertrains
- Brake systems
What materials will help you protect fuel lines with integrity? The aim should be to prevent contamination while protecting threads from damage during shipment and masking. We offer a range of protective caps, plugs and other solutions to meet your needs.
A threaded sealing plug offers good protection. You’ll find them available in nylon. Nylon’s high tensile strength is great when using a pneumatic torque gun to apply in large quantities.
LDPE is usually used to protect products during transit and storage. It’s relatively rigid and offers a secure fit for maximum protection, with good impact resistance. Its protection parts are sometimes threaded so that it can be screwed onto threaded studs and removed without too much fuss. An example of an unthreaded LPDE solution is a grease nipple cap, which protects grease nipples from dirt ingress when not engaged with its mating part.
Vinyl offers a snug fit, even for small dimensions or irregular shapes. Despite its softness, vinyl resists tearing, cracking, splitting and shredding and is easy to remove. Vinyl caps provide an airtight seal while also insulating and cushioning. If your first priority is shock resistance, vinyl offers excellent protection during transport and handling.
Bolt caps made of LDPE for assembly, storage and transportation
Pull tab feature designed for fast, easy removal; Available in LPDE and TPR
Available in vinyl; protects against damage and dirt and moisture ingress during storage and transportation
LDPE material protects electrical systems during storage and transit
Threaded Protection Caps - BSP/Gas Threads
Protects threaded components from dust, moisture and damage; LPDE
Hoses and Hydraulics
You’ll need specialist protection to ensure the safe operation of any fluid hydraulic component. A cap or a plug will protect the coupling whilst minimizing the impact of fluid spills and maintaining hose integrity. Common materials for caps and plugs for this application include:
- LDPE
- HDPE
- TPE
- PVC
LDPE material is both cost effective and efficient. For these applications, caps are flexible and easy to fit and do an excellent job of sealing hydraulic applications from damage during transit, heat, dirt, moisture and corrosion. HDPE is more rigid and resists solvents, which can be an important factor in hydraulics. TPE’s broad temperature range means it can withstand the outdoors well. Its ability to be soft enables it to shape to fit and retain its position.
Made of TPE for excellent flexural fatigue resistance
LDPE protects against contamination and PP provides good chemical resistance
LDPE protects O-ring face seal connectors
HDPE caps are resistant to solvents and reduce potential shearing
Available in flexible PVC and LDPE to protect driveshaft and surrounding bearings
Pipe Protection
Materials aren’t quite as varied when it comes to industrial pipe protection, but you still have some decisions to make: LPDE, PE and vinyl.
You have to check these materials off against the three areas that matter most to your pipes, and prioritize them in order of importance to you:
- Durability against impact
- Ease of use
- Quality of your materials
LDPE is a low-cost, weatherproof material, and resists chemicals. Durable yet lightweight, these caps are easy to remove and 100% recyclable. Vinyl is attractive as pipe protection due to its flexibility. It stretches over threads to provide a tight seal that keeps out contaminants. PE is a good choice too. If you’re looking for sucker rod cap ends, consider sucker rod caps. Made of PE, it’s cost effective while protecting sucker rods from damage during storage and transportation.
Flexible PE allows for easier fitting
- LDPE protects internal walls from corrosion and damage
Vinyl protects pipe bevels and internal walls
LDPE flexible ribs of different diameters provide friction fit
Push-fit cap stretches for a snug fit for rods, tubes and threaded or unthreaded pipes
Materials and properties
Below is a list of materials, and their properties, commonly associated with caps and plugs. Note, these are not the properties of the caps and plugs themselves, but of the material. Materials can be formulated to enhance or take on specific qualities. Still, it’s a good starting point for understanding certain materials.
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
The most popular choice for caps and plugs for using as protection during transport, and not just because of its low cost relative to other materials. LDPE is rigid, but compared to Nylon or HDPE, it’s soft. It also has high impact strength and a reputation as a cross between elastomers and thermoplastics. LDPE can withstand the cold, specifically temperatures down to 32ºF before it becomes brittle. When placed in high temperatures, it quickly becomes soft.
Generally, LDPE offers:
Tensile Strength |
0.20 - 0.40 N/mm² |
Notched Impact Strength |
no break Kj/m² |
Thermal Coefficient of Expansion |
100- 220 x 10-6 |
Max Cont Use Temp |
65˚C / 149˚F |
Density |
0.917 - 0.930 g/cm3 |
Resistance to chemicals:
Dilute Acid |
Excellent |
Dilute Alkalis |
Excellent |
Oils and Greases |
Moderate (variable) |
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons |
Poor |
Aromatic Hydrocarbons |
Poor |
Halogenated Hydrocarbons |
Poor |
Alcohols |
Excellent |
LDPE caps also protect round components on hydraulic applications
Center tab enables tight grip for easy application and removal
High density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is a stiff, strong, high-density material and similar to LDPE in opacity and impact resistance. With good chemical resistance and low permeability to gases and moisture, it’s a good – although not the most common – choice for protecting NPT thread ports from dirt and other contaminants.
Generally, HDPE material has:
Tensile Strength |
0.20 - 0.40 N/mm² |
Notched Impact Strength |
no break Kj/m² |
Thermal Coefficient of Expansion |
100- 220 x 10-6 |
Max Cont Use Temp |
65˚C / 149˚F |
Density |
0.944 - 0.965 g/cm3 |
Resistance to chemicals:
Dilute Acid |
Excellent |
Dilute Alkalis |
Excellent |
Oils and Greases |
Moderate (variable) |
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons |
Poor |
Aromatic Hydrocarbons |
Poor |
Halogenated Hydrocarbons |
Poor |
Alcohols |
Excellent |
Threaded Protection Plugs - NPT Threads
Easy-to-grip head design; also available in nylon
Threaded Sealing Caps - UNF Threads
Protection while limiting fluid leakage
Threaded O-ring Plug - Metric Threads
Water-tight seal to protect against leakage; also available in nylon
Nylon
Nylon is a tough material with good thermal and chemical resistance. It’s incredibly strong and can be used in place of low-strength metals. It’s a popular material, used to make everything from fasteners to cable ties. Nylon 6.6, a variant, is stronger and absorbs less moisture than Nylon. It’s the ideal material when high level of torque is required.
Generally, nylon material has:
Tensile Strength |
90 - 185 N/mm² |
Notched Impact Strength |
5.0 - 13 Kj/m² |
Thermal Coefficient of Expansion |
90 - 20/70 x 10-6 |
Max Cont Use Temp |
130˚C / 266˚F |
Density |
1.13 - 1.35/1.41 g/cm3 |
Resistance to chemicals:
Dilute Acid |
Poor |
Dilute Alkalis |
Moderate |
Oils and Greases |
Excellent |
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons |
Excellent |
Aromatic Hydrocarbons |
Excellent |
Halogenated Hydrocarbons |
Good (Variable) |
Threaded Protection Plugs - Wide Flange
Absorbs paint and keeps flaking at a minimum avoiding contamination upon removal
Designed to cover holes in metal sheets – easy to fit and remove
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
Flexible even in low temperatures, EVA has good chemical and stress-crack resistance and its properties work well for electrical applications. Good cushioning performance add an extra touch of protection, which is why it’s often used for handles. It’s especially an ideal material for plugging hydraulic hoses. Look for ones with ribs – these plugs provide a comfortable, snug fit without stretching the hose.
EVA is also excellent at protecting applications from dust ingress and damage.
Generally, EVA material offers:
Tensile Strength |
0.05 - 0.2 N/mm² |
Notched Impact Strength |
No break Kj/m² |
Thermal Coefficient of Expansion |
160 - 200 x 10-6 |
Max Cont Use Temp |
55˚C - 65 ˚C / 131˚F - 149 ˚F |
Density |
0.926 - 0.950 g/cm3 |
Resistance to chemicals:
Dilute Acid |
Excellent |
Dilute Alkalis |
Excellent |
Oils and Greases |
Good |
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons |
Excellent |
Aromatic Hydrocarbons |
Poor |
Halogenated Hydrocarbons |
Poor |
Alcohols |
Excellent |
Good tensile strength, toughness and increased flexibility
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene caps are known for good impact strength, cost effectiveness, and pliability. The material is considered tough, though it can act with elasticity. It doesn’t suffer stress-cracking problems. It has excellent fatigue resistance, retaining its shape after a lot of torsion, (which is one reason why it’s a great material for hinges). Polypropylene also offers excellent electrical resistance, so it’s often used in electronics. Not suited for freezing temperatures, where it can become brittle.
Generally, Polypropylene material offers:
Tensile Strength |
0.95 - 1.30 N/mm² |
Notched Impact Strength |
3.0 – 30.0 Kj/m² |
Thermal Coefficient of Expansion |
100 - 150 x 10-6 |
Max Cont Use Temp |
65˚C / 149˚F |
Density |
0.905g/cm3 |
Resistance to chemicals:
Dilute Acid |
Very good |
Dilute Alkalis |
Very good |
Oils and Greases |
Moderate (variable) |
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons |
Poor |
Aromatic Hydrocarbons |
Poor |
Halogenated Hydrocarbons |
Poor |
Alcohols |
Very good |
Threaded Protection Plugs - UNF Threads
Excellent protection from dirt, moisture and corrosion
Threaded O-ring Plugs - UNF Threads
Compressing flange lip and O-ring for a watertight seal
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is a very durable and long-lasting material. It’s also flexible, and as a cap or plug, this means they’re easy to fit and provide an excellent seal. PVC won’t crack or shred, as hard plastics can do, leaving residue on the area they’re meant to protect from contamination.
PVC can withstand high temperatures, making it a good material. Its chemical resistance makes it especially suitable for plating. It’s also an insulative material, which makes it a good choice for enclosures with electrical applications.
Generally, PVC material offers:
Tensile Strength |
2.60 N/mm² |
Notched Impact Strength |
2.0 – 45.0 Kj/m² |
Thermal Coefficient of Expansion |
80 x 10-6 |
Max Cont Use Temp |
65˚C / 149˚F |
Density |
1.38g/cm3 |
Resistance to chemicals:
Dilute Acid |
Very good |
Dilute Alkalis |
Very good |
Oils and Greases |
Good (variable) |
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons |
Very good |
Aromatic Hydrocarbons |
Poor |
Halogenated Hydrocarbons |
Moderate (variable) |
Alcohols |
Good (varaible) |
Flexible End Cap
Provides tight fit for metric, BSP and UNF threads
Designed for use as both a cap and a plug
Polyolefin
HDPE, LDPE and PP are polyolefins. See those specific materials for guidance.
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)
A thermoplastic elastomer, TPE is considered more of a rubber by some manufacturers because of its characteristics. Dense, flexible and soft, TPE offers excellent weather and ozone resistance. With good tear and abrasion resistance, TPE also has excellent flexural fatigue resistance and high impact strength.
Generally, TPE material offers:
Tensile Strength |
0.5 - 2.4 N/mm² |
Notched Impact Strength |
No break Kj/m² |
Thermal Coefficient of Expansion |
130 x 10-6 |
Max Cont Use Temp |
95˚C / 203˚F |
Density |
0.91 - 1.3 g/cm3 |
Resistance to chemicals:
Dilute Acid |
Excellent |
Dilute Alkalis |
Excellent |
Oils and Greases |
Excellent |
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons |
Excellent |
Aromatic Hydrocarbons |
Poor |
Halogenated Hydrocarbons |
Poor |
Alcohols |
Excellent |
Keeps hose or tube ends from sliding over fittings; also available in LDPE
Rubber
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
Used mainly as a masking product, EPDM is versatile enough to also act as a protection solution. It’s generally a less expensive alternative to silicone. It has excellent weather resistance, which is why it’s popular as a roofing material in construction. The automotive, oil and gas industries like caps and plugs made from EPDM for its resistance to acids and alkalis. EPDM’s flexibility makes it an ideal masking solution for sealing round and irregular shapes.
Generally, EPDM material offers:
Resistance to weather and UV rays |
Excellent |
Water resistance |
Excellent |
Chemical resistance |
Excellent |
Tear resistance |
Moderate |
Resistance to gas permeability |
Excellent |
Resistance to ageing due to steam |
Excellent |
Compatibility with ketones |
Excellent |
Compatibility with alcohols* |
Excellent |
*EPDM has poor compatibility with the alcohol Hexyl
Resistance to chemicals:
Temperature Range |
-40°C to 150°C / -40°F to 302°F |
Tensile Strength Elongation |
500-2500 P.S.I 600% Maximum |
Durometer Resilience / Rebound |
30-90 Shore Good |
Masking Straight Cap
Masks threaded or non-threaded components during finishing processes; also available in silicone
Masking Cone Cap and Plug
Can be used as a cap or plug in masking processes
Silicone
Silicone is excellent at resisting high temperatures, making it the ideal material for masking. An excellent example: silicone tapered plugs. However, silicone’s abrasion resistance is poor, though it can stand up to repeated production runs and conditions without wearing, breaking or degrading. And while it is ill-suited as a vibration insulator, it’s an excellent choice as an electrical insulator. Silicone’s flexibility allows for easy installation in the masking process, while providing an airtight seal.
Generally, Silicone material offers:
Resistance to weather and UV rays |
Poor |
Water resistance |
Excellent |
Chemical resistance |
Very good (Variable) |
Tear resistance |
Poor |
Resistance to gas permeability |
Poor |
Resistance to ageing due to steam |
Poor at temperatures over 150°C / 302°F |
Compatibility with ketones |
Poor to fair |
Compatibility with alcohols* |
Poor |
When not to use Silicone
For protective purposes. Only use for masking
Resistance to chemicals:
Temperature Range |
-55°C to 250°C /-67F° to 482°F |
Tensile Strength Elongation |
Maximum 11 N/mm² 100%–1100% Maximum |
Durometer Resilience / Rebound |
10-90 Shore A Good |
USB & RJ Plug - USB-B Connector Type
Protects unused connector ports on electrical components
Masks long studs and pins where caps are too short
Masks threaded and plain through-holes; flexible to allow slight variation in different sizes
Thermoplastic rubber (TPR)
Lightweight with good tear strength, TPR has qualities that combine the properties of rubber with the moulding capabilities of thermoplastics. It holds its shape and comes in varying levels of flexibility and has excellent electrical properties. Good tear strength, reusable and recyclable, TPR is an ideal solution for masking protection.
Generally, TPR material offers:
Resistance to weather and UV rays |
Excellent |
Water resistance |
Excellent |
Chemical resistance |
Excellent |
Tear resistance |
Good |
Resistance to gas permeability |
Excellent |
Resistance to chemicals:
Temperature Range |
-40°C to 95°C /-40°F to 203°F |
Tensile Strength Elongation |
500% - 620% |
Durometer Resilience / Rebound |
20 Shore OO to 85 Shore D |
Protects connectors while providing clean finish; also available in LPDE, vinyl and PVC
Easy removal, even in difficult positions; also available in LDPE
Flexible End Cap - Acid Resistant
Hanging tab to work with round wire hooks and other support wire hooks
Paper
Caps and plugs made of crepe paper are a low-cost alternative to silicone. Used for masking in painting and powder-coating applications, it can stand up to high temperatures. Made from a blend of virgin pulp and post-consumer recycled paper, it’s a good option when you need environmentally friendly solutions.
Generally, crepe paper has:
Temperature Range |
204°C /399°F |
Good flexibility, easily stretching to cover a surface for masking
Does not promote condensation; 100% recyclable
Material vs chemicals
It’s critical to choose a general-protection material capable of standing up to chemicals. Chemicals can include anything from water to acid, so no matter what your application’s environment, you need to carefully consider the material you use. To learn more about chemical resistance in caps and plugs materials, check out Caps and Plugs: How do HDPE and PP compare?
Materials vs shock vibrations
During transport, caps and plugs are vulnerable to damage due to bumps and falls. This is why choosing a material with shock absorption is critical.
What exactly is shore hardness?
The shore hardness of materials is important for your application. Get it wrong, and your application could fail. Check out everything you need to know in What’s shore hardness and why should you care?
Why Essentra Caps and Plugs?
Turn to the experts for help in protecting your application at any – or all – stages of your product’s journey, including manufacturing, masking, transportation, storage and end use.
Download free CADs and try before you buy
Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also request free samples to make sure you’ve chosen exactly what you need. If you’re not quite sure which solution will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.
Whatever your requirements, you can depend on fast despatch. Request your free samples or download free CADs now.
Questions?
Email us at sales@essentracomponents.com or speak to one of our experts for further information on the ideal solution for your application 800-847-0486.