As leading plastic injection moulding suppliers, we know first-hand what types of materials can enhance a consumer business’s systems. Injection moulding is one of the most advanced manufacturing techniques available today. In addition, there are several best plastic injection moulding types that hold optimum durability and aesthetics for the consumer industry.
In today’s article, we will depict the best types of plastic injection moulding plastics on the market. By understanding the properties of each material, you’ll be able to determine which best suits your project. Here at Stephens Plastics, we pride ourselves in only utilising the finest plastics, ultimately setting ourselves and our clients apart from their competitors.
What Consumer Goods Can Be Plastic Injected?
Before we further look into the injection moulding plastic types, it’s helpful to know what applications companies can manufacture using this cutting-edge technology. Plastic injection moulding can develop plastic components from personal hygiene and cosmetic goods to travel accessories.
Most commonly, outdoor chairs, electric toothbrushes, mouth guards, tool handles, plumbing parts, product dispensers, drinks glasses and other retail goods are plastic injected. How much can be plastic injected? Furthermore, plastic injection moulding can be batch-produced, meaning businesses can keep on top of their trading demands.
Types Of Plastics For Consumer Goods
Nylon
The first of our types of injection moulding plastics is Nylon 6. This material offers hardwearing properties, low friction is easy to mould, and is electrically insulated. The fibres found within Nylon 6 plastics have high tensile strength, elasticity and a visibly pleasing sheen. Besides being a good insulator towards heat and shock, its endurance makes Nylon 6 suitable for moving parts and components.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
Secondly for our injection moulding plastic types is ABS. This opaque thermoplastic has a glass transition temperature of 105 degrees, which means it becomes a liquid during this low-temperature threshold. It can be reheated and moulded numerous times without deterioration and is easily recyclable, inexpensive and offers a lightweight structure.
Polyesters
Polyester is also highly sought after for plastic injection consumer goods. Its high degree of stiffness and resistance to impact makes it stable and durable. Additionally, this material holds resistance to high temperatures and chemical and weather conditions. While its’ aesthetics are known to be translucent, polyesters are available in a variety of colours, making for the ideal material for projects that require vibrancy.
Polystyrene High & Low-Density Polyethylene Polypropylene
Lastly, we have polystyrene high and low-density polyethylene polypropylene for our recommended injection moulding plastic types. LDPE is a transparent, semi-rigid polymer that is resistant to alcohols, dilute alkalis and acids, as well as being low cost amongst its other benefits. On the other hand, HDPE has excellent resistance to chemicals and higher tensile strength.
FAQs
What are the main types of plastic used in injection moulding for consumer goods?
There are several types of plastic that are ideal for consumer goods, including Nylon, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polyesters, and both high and low-density Polyethylene (HDPE and LDPE). Each of these materials offers unique properties that can enhance the durability, appearance, and functionality of consumer products.
Why is Nylon 6 commonly used in plastic injection moulding?
Nylon 6 is widely used due to its hardwearing properties, low friction, and excellent electrical insulation. It is also known for its high tensile strength, elasticity, and aesthetically pleasing sheen. These qualities make Nylon 6 ideal for manufacturing moving parts and components that require durability and resistance to heat and shock.
What makes ABS a popular choice for injection moulding?
ABS is a popular choice because it is a recyclable, lightweight, and inexpensive thermoplastic with a glass transition temperature of 105 degrees. It can be reheated and moulded multiple times without deteriorating, making it ideal for producing durable and cost-effective consumer goods.
How does Polyester perform in plastic injection moulding?
Polyester is highly sought after for its stiffness, impact resistance, and durability. It also has resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, and weather conditions. Available in various colors, polyester is perfect for projects requiring vibrant and aesthetically pleasing results.
What are the benefits of using HDPE and LDPE in injection moulding?
HDPE is known for its excellent chemical resistance and higher tensile strength, making it suitable for products that need to withstand tough conditions. LDPE, on the other hand, is a semi-rigid, transparent polymer that is resistant to alcohols, dilute alkalis, and acids. It is also cost-effective, making it a great choice for a wide range of consumer products.
Plastic Injection Consumer Goods From Stephens Plastics
Our injection moulding company at Stephens Plastic Mouldings is highly knowledgeable in what materials are best suited for different applications. Using the injection moulding plastic types above guarantees flawless results in your consumer goods, in both appearance and strength.
However, it can be challenging to determine which material will suit a specific project. If you’d like advice on which plastics should be used to advance your business’s operations, contact our expert team today on 0121 281 0606. Furthermore, if you found this blog useful you may wish to read a previous one: The Difference Between Thermoplastics & Thermosets