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Basic Thermoplastic Resin Material

Thermoplastic polymers, or resins, are the base materials used in the injection molding process. These plastics belong to different families, each with unique properties and grades. Because each family has its own advantages, it is important to choose one that fits your application. Start by considering the environment and exposure your product will encounter.
 
Because this process is difficult, and there are so many options, it is hard to decide which plastic to use. The table below will help you start on the right path for researching the right material for your part. This table is not definitive, as there are many formulations for the same base. If you need help getting started, or if you want to discuss whether material is right for you, give us a call. We can make suggestions and set a meeting with a preferred material supplier.
Main Properties of Thermoplastic Polymers:
  • Heat-resistance
  • Chemical resistance
  • UV Resistance
  • Moisture resistance
  • Flame Retardant
  • Toughness
  • Hardness
  • Flexibility
  • Stability
  • Elasticity
  • Strength
  • Weight
  • Mass Density (Spec. Gravity)
  • Clarity

Plastic Molding Resin Guide

How to use this guide:

Used this guide to compare materials as a starting point for doing research. (DISCLAIMER) The information provided herein is general in nature and is based upon averages, nominal ranges, estimates, non-specified grades of materials in their natural form, and readily available public information. Users must perform their own studies and testing of materials. ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE, ARE EXCLUDED AND DISCLAIMED. Plastics Plus Technology, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability of any kind for this guide or for the information contained.
Material Full Name Features Applications Mass Density (g/cm) Shrinkage (in/in) Clarity Tonnage per Sq.In Cost
ABS Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Flame retardant; impact resistant Automotive; medical; electrical; appliances; toys 1.02-1.05 0.005 Translucent 2.5-3.5 $
ASA Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate Toughness; chemical, heat, and weather/UV resistant Automotive; outdoor applications; electrical 1.07 0.004-0.007 Opaque 2.5-3.5 $$
EVA Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Softness; flexibility; clarity; gloss Sporting goods; medical; foam; rubber replacement 0.92-0.97 0.007-0.020 Transparent 2.0-3.0 $
HDPE High-Density Polyethylene Rigidity; moisture resistant; food contact Packaging; food; industrial 0.935-0.96 0.025-0.035 Opaque 2.5-3.5 $
HIPS High-Impact Polystyrene Impact-resistant; flame retardant; food contact Food; packaging 1.04 0.003-0.007 Transparent 2.0-2.5 $
LDPE Low-Density Polyethylene Chemical resistance; flexibility; toughness; gloss Packaging; food; industrial 0.91-0.925 0.015-0.026 Transparent or opague 2.0-3.0 $
LLDPE Linear Low-Density Polyethylene High tensile strength; high impact resistance; flexibility Bags; packaging; toys; covers; lids; containers 0.918-0.94 0 0.015-0.035 Translucent 2.0-3.0 $
PA6 Polyamide 6 (Nylon 6) Heat and chemical resistance; impact modified Automotive; electrical; industrial; consumer; engineering 1.13 0.009-0.012 Opaque 3.0-4.0 $$
PA66 Polyamide 66 (Nylon 66) Heat and chemical resistance; impact modified Automotive; electrical; industrial; consumer; engineering 1.14 0.015-0.020 Opaque 3.0-4.0 $$
PA66 30% Glass-filled 30% Glass Filled Polyamide (Nylon 66) High rigidity, hardness, and strength; high stability Automotive; electrical; industrial; consumer; engineering 1.22-1.49 0.003-0.008 Opaque 4.0-5.0 $$
PBT Polybutylene Terephthalate (Polyester) [Valox] Chemical and heat resistant; mechanical strength Electrical; automotive; showerheads; irons 1.31 0.012-0.023 Opaque 3.0-4.0 $$
PC Polycarbonate [Lexan] High impact strength; clarity; flame retardant Electrical; lighting; automotive; appliances; medical 1.2 0.005-0.007 Transparent 4.0-5.0 $$
PC + ABS Polycarbonate + ABS [Cycoloy] Toughness; dimensional stability; low moisture absorption Appliances; automotive; electrical; consumer; medical 1.08-1.22 0.005-0.007 Opaque 3.0-4.0 $$
PEEK Polyether Ether Ketone Mechanical and chemical resistance Bearings; piston parts; aerospace; automotive; medical; chemical processing 1.30-1.50 0.010-0.020 Opaque 5 $$$
PEI Polyetherimide [Ultem] High tensile strength; flame retardant; chemical resistant Electrical; aerospace; medical; lighting; appliances 1.27 0.006 Translucent 4.0-6.0 $$$
PET Polyethylene Terephthalate (Dacron) Lightweight; moisture barrier; strength; impact resistant Bottles; food packaging 1.44-1.73 0.002 Transparent 4.0-5.0 $$
PMMA Polymethyl Methacrylate (Acrylic) High clarity; weather, heat, and chemical resistant Glass substitute; automotive; lighting; medical; lenses; optics 1.19 0.002-0.006 Transparent 3.0-4.0 $
POM Polyoxymethylene (Acetal) [Celcon; Delrin] Lubricated; wear and chemical resistant; stiffness Automotive; industrial; mechanical; electrical 1.41-1.42 0.018-0.035 Opaque 3.0-4.0 $$
PP Polypropylene Copolymer Impact-resistant; lightness; food contact Automotive; industrial; mechanical; electrical 0.9 0.010-0.025 Opaque 2.5-3.5 $
PP Polypropylene Homopolymer Impact-resistant; lightness; food contact Automotive; household; electrical; packaging 0.902 0.010-0.025 Translucent 2.5-3.5 $
PPE Polyphenylene Ether Electrical properties; flame retardant; chemical resistance; low moisture  absorption Electrical; appliances; construction; automotive 1.13 0.006 Translucent 3.0-4.0 $$
PPS Polyphenylene Sulfide Chemical and fire resistance; thermal and dimensional stability Automotive; electrical; industrial; appliances 1.40-2.00 0.003-0.010 Opaque 3.5-4.5 $$
PS Polystyrene (GPPS) Impact-resistant; flame retardant; food contact Packaging; electrical; toys; appliances 1.05 0.003-0.007 Transparent 2.0-2.5 $
PVC Polyvinyl Chloride Flame retardant; high impact resistance Industrial; electronic 1.22 0.002 Opaque 2.0-3.0 $
SAN Styrene Acrylonitrile Chemical and heat resistance; clarity Electrical; appliances; automotive 1.06 0.002-0.005 Transparent 2.5-3.5 $$
TPE Thermoplastic Elastomer Elasticity; chemical and weather-resistant Rubber substitute; automotive; seals; overmolding 0.87-1.20 0.017-0.047 Translucent 2.5-3.5 $$
TPU Thermoplastic Polyurethane Range of hardness grades; abrasion and chemical resistant Footwear; sporting goods; wheels; seals 1.01-1.23 0.012-0.017 Transparent 2.5-3.5 $$
TPV Thermoplastic Vulcanizate [Santoprene] Strength; flexibility; lightweight Automotive; appliances; electrical; construction; healthcare; industrial 0.92-0.97 0.010-0.050 Transparent 2.5-3.5 $$
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Plastics Plus Technology is a woman-owned, USA contract manufacturer based in sunny Southern California. Our custom injection molding and value-added services can provide you with a one-stop job shop for all your injection molding needs.

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