Plastic poker chips are popular among casinos, home games, and gaming enthusiasts. These chips are affordable, lightweight, and durable compared to other types of poker chips.
But have you ever wondered what plastic poker chips are made of? In this article, we will explore the materials used to make plastic poker chips.
The primary material used in making plastic poker chips is ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic. ABS is a thermoplastic polymer that combines three different monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. This combination results in a strong and rigid polymer that can withstand impact and pressure.
ABS plastic has several properties that make it an ideal material for making poker chips. First, it is lightweight, which makes it easy to handle and transport.
Second, it is durable and can withstand wear and tear over time. Third, it can be easily molded into different shapes and sizes without losing its structural integrity.
To make plastic poker chips using ABS plastic, the manufacturing process starts with melting the ABS pellets in a machine called an extruder. The melted plastic is then injected into molds that have the desired shape of the poker chip. The molds are cooled down using water or air to solidify the plastic into a hard resin.
Once the resin has solidified into a chip shape, it undergoes several finishing processes to give it its final look and feel. These include printing designs on the surface of the chip using silk-screening or hot stamping techniques. The edges of the chip are then sanded down to give them a smoother texture.
Plastic poker chips can come in various colors depending on the type of dye used during manufacturing. Some manufacturers use clay or ceramic particles mixed with ABS plastic to create a more realistic feel and sound similar to traditional clay or ceramic poker chips.
In summary, plastic poker chips are primarily made from ABS plastic due to its lightweight, durable, and moldable properties. The manufacturing process involves melting the ABS pellets, injecting them into molds, and solidifying them into a hard resin. The chips are then finished with designs and textures before being packaged and shipped out for use in casinos, home games or for gaming enthusiasts.
