Choosing the Right Injection Material for Your Injection Molded Parts
WhichInjection Material to be used in your injection molded part is a big decision when you design to go ahead with plastic injection molding process.
Perspectives to Choose Injection Molding Material
This single decision will determine the functionality, durability and color of the piece you will create. For mold design, we will set the mold shrinkage base on the injected material’s property and material shrinkage. The mold cavity size will be different when in different shrinkage, this will reflect on the size of injection molded part. Making the right material decision, you must not only consider the material’s property, but also look at the application of your Injection Molded Part will be exposed to.
Will it be used outdoor or hard condition? Will it be used under pressure or high temperature? Will there be liquid or air running through the work pieces? You should take all these factors into your considerations.
Common Everyday Products & Their Plastic Materials
|
Plastic Type |
Abbreviation |
Common Everyday Products |
Key Properties |
|
Polypropylene |
PP |
Food containers, bottle caps, straws, toys, automotive parts, storage bins |
Lightweight, chemical resistant, heat resistant |
|
Polyethylene (High Density) |
HDPE |
Milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, cutting boards, pipes |
Strong, stiff, chemical resistant |
|
Polyethylene (Low Density) |
LDPE |
Plastic bags, squeeze bottles, cling wrap, cable insulation |
Flexible, tough, moisture resistant |
|
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene |
ABS |
LEGO bricks, phone cases, keyboard keys, power tool housings, automotive trim |
Impact resistant, rigid, good surface finish |
|
Polycarbonate |
PC |
Eyeglass lenses, water bottles, bulletproof glass, phone screens, LED covers |
Transparent, high impact strength, heat resistant |
|
Polyethylene Terephthalate |
PET |
Water bottles, soda bottles, food packaging, synthetic fibers |
Clear, lightweight, recyclable |
|
Polyvinyl Chloride |
PVC |
Water pipes, window frames, cable insulation, credit cards, medical tubing |
Durable, flame retardant, chemical resistant |
|
Polystyrene |
PS |
Disposable cups, CD cases, packaging foam, plastic cutlery |
Rigid, lightweight, low cost |
|
Nylon (Polyamide) |
PA / Nylon |
Gears, zippers, toothbrush bristles, sports equipment, electrical connectors |
High strength, wear resistant, heat resistant |
|
Acrylic (Polymethyl Methacrylate) |
PMMA |
Aquariums, signage, light covers, cosmetic containers, car taillights |
Transparent, UV resistant, scratch resistant |
|
Thermoplastic Elastomer |
TPE / TPR |
Phone cases, toothbrush grips, shoe soles, seals, baby products |
Soft touch, flexible, rubber-like feel |
|
Polyoxymethylene |
POM / Acetal |
Zippers, buckles, gears, locks, spray pump mechanisms |
High stiffness, low friction, dimensional stability |
|
Polycarbonate + ABS |
PC/ABS |
Laptop housings, automotive interiors, power adapters |
Combines strength + heat resistance |
|
Polyphenylene Sulfide |
PPS |
Electrical connectors, oven components, automotive sensors |
Extreme heat resistance, chemical resistant |
|
Polyetheretherketone |
PEEK |
Medical implants, aerospace parts, semiconductor components |
Ultra-high performance, extreme temperature resistance |
Contact TEAM Rapid for The Right Materials Selection
At TEAM Rapid, we specialize in Plastic Injection Molding and familiar with the property of injection materials. Our engineering team can base on your requirements to suggest the right molding material and rapid manufacturing method. If necessary, we can provide the detailed material data sheet for your reference.
Are you working on your current or next injection molding project? We provide one-stop service range from rapid prototype to low to medium volume injection molding. Contact us at sales@teamrapidtooling.com today to request an injection molding quote, and see how your ideas can blossom into reality.
Contact