Materials & Uses
There are many different materials and uses for plastic injection moulding of which the table below shows some of the most common, the properties and typical aaplications.
| Material | Abbr. | Properties | Typical Applications |
| PP Homopolymer | HPPP | Semi rigid, durable and chemical resistant, low cost fatigue resistant. | Small domestic appliances eg kettles, Tupperware, Plastic chairs, waterpipes and fittings. |
| PP Copolymer | CPPP | Good gloss, durable and chemical resistant, low cost. Fatigue resistant. | Large automotive parts, Caps and closures, disposable plates and cups. Ideal for living hinges |
| Polyethylene | PE | Good chemical resistance, flexible or semi rigid depending on grade. Weatherproof, good low temperature performance. Non toxic. Low cost. | Low Density –Food packaging and containers, low pressure pipes High Density – crates, chemical drums, gas/water pipe and fittings, kitchenware |
| PE Low Density | LDPE/LLDPE | ||
| PE High Density | HDPE | ||
| Polystyrene | PS | Dimensional stability and low mould shrinkage. Many grades available including transparent and tough. Low Cost. | Toys, food and cosmetic packaging refrigerator linings, cd cases, stationary, Lighting diffusers. |
| High Impact | HIPS | ||
| Acrylic | PMMA | Rigid, clear, glossy, good weather resistance | Lenses, signs, light diffusers and fittings, mobile phone lenses |
| Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | ABS | Rigid, opaque, tough, good gloss, texture possible | Domestic appliances, car fascias, computer housings, Fan Impellers, Power tools |
| Nylon (Polyamide) | PA | Rigid, tough, hardwearing. | Gears, bearings, automotive under bonnet parts and cable ties. |
| Acetyl | POM | Rigid, tough, spring like, good wear and electrical properties.Food and medical approval | Aerosol valves, clock parts, filters, computer & printer components, low wear gears and bearings. |
| Polycarbonate | PC | Rigid, transparent, excellent impact resistance, good weather resistance, good dimensional stability | Crash helmet visors, vandal proof glazing, riot shields, car headlamp lenses, safety helmets, babies’ bottles. Household and commercial Lighting diffusers |
| Acrylate Styrene Acrylonitrile | ASA | Rigid, opaque, tough, good UV resistance | Housings, telephones, automotive door mirrors and radiator grilles, glazing components. |
| Styrene Acrylonitrile | SAN | Rigid, transparent, tough, resistant to stress cracking | Lenses, drinking tumblers, kitchen and bathroom goods. |
| Polyvinyl Chloride | PVC | Rigid or flexible grades, weatherproof, non-flammable, good impact strength and electrical insulation | Drainpipes and guttering, cable insulation, flooring, roofing, hosepipes, building products. |
| Polyurethane | PUR | Flexible, clear, impermeable | Shoe soles and heels, seals, gaskets, rollers, wheels, grips. |
| Polyesters | PBT, PET | Rigid, clear, extremely tough, wide temperature range resistance and electrical insulation | Drink bottles, electrical components, showerheads, irons and high temperature lighting |
| Polysulphide | PES,PSU,PEEK | Excellent high temperature stability, rigid or flexible grades available. High cost | Microwave grills, chemotherapy devices, fuel cells, metal replacement, medical implants and equipment |
| Polyphenylene Sulphide | PPS | Rigid, opaque, non-burning, good chemical resistance at high temperature | Chemical pumps, medical and dental equipment, transformer parts (HVAC), heating element bases. |
| Polyvinylidene Fluoride | PVDF | Strong, tough material with excellent chemical and heat resistance | Valves, pumps, bearings in chemical process industry |
| Polyphenylene Oxide | PPO | Rigid, opaque, glossy, excellent dimensional stability | TV housings, automotive instrument enclosures |
| Ethylene Vinyl Acetate | EVA | Flexible (rubber-like), good low temperature flexibility, good chemical resistance | Handle grips, ice cube trays, hoses. |
| Thermoplastic Polyuurethane | TPU | Good resistance to oil, abrasion and cold temperatures. Excellent flexible qualities | Diaphragms, automotive exterior trims, medical tubing, Sports goggles. |
| Thermoplastic Elastomer | TPE | Anti Slip Soft touch good bonding to other polymers (overmoulding) good chemical and electrical resistance. | Grips on power tools and remote controls, seals and medical instruments |
| Polyester ether ketone | PEEK | Excellent Chemical and Mechanical properties. High Melt point | Medical implants, Bearings, Pistons and pumps, ideal for metal replacement. |
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