Injection Molding Materials
Injection molding materials are thermoplastic and thermoset materials used in the injection molding process to create objects.
Injection Molding Plastics
Materials
Machining Properties
ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a tough and rigid thermoplastic that offers good impact resistance and dimensional stability. It is commonly used for electronics, automotive parts, toys, and household appliances.
PC
Polycarbonate (PC) is a transparent thermoplastic material with high impact resistance and good heat resistance. It is used for automotive parts, safety helmets, optical lenses, and electronic components.
PP
Polypropylene (PP) is another commonly used thermoplastic material with good chemical resistance, high impact strength, and low density. It is used for packaging, automotive parts, appliances, and various consumer products.
PS
Polystyrene (PS) is a versatile material that can be easily molded and has good clarity and stiffness. It is used for packaging, disposable utensils, consumer electronics, and insulation.
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PE
Polyethylene (PE) is a versatile thermoplastic material known for its excellent chemical resistance and low cost. It is used for a wide range of applications, including packaging, containers, and automotive components.
POM
Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as Acetal. POM is a strong and rigid thermoplastic material with low friction and excellent dimensional stability. It is used for gears, bearings, and precision mechanical parts.
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PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a durable and cost-effective material known for its chemical resistance and flame-retardant properties. It is used for pipes, fittings, electrical insulation, and various construction applications.
PEEK
Peek is a kind of special engineering plastic with high-temperature resistance, self-lubrication, easy processing, and high mechanical strength, and other excellent properties.
PMMA/Acrylic
PMMA (Acrylic) is a highly transparent material with excellent resistance to ultraviolet radiation, weather resistance, and outstanding strength, stiffness, and optical clarity. They are often used to make transparent parts, such as LED lenses, and optical lenses.
PU
PU(Polyurethane) is an extremely elastic, tear-resistant elastic material. It has excellent wear resistance, air permeability, and aging resistance.
EPDM
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer((EPDM) is a synthetic rubber elastomer known for its excellent weather resistance, durability, and flexibility.
Nylon
Polyamide (PA), also known as Nylon: PA is a strong and durable thermoplastic material with good mechanical properties and chemical resistance. It is used for automotive parts, electrical connectors, and industrial components.
HDPE
High-Density Polyethylene(HDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer made from ethylene monomers. HDPE is known for its high strength-to-density ratio, excellent chemical resistance, and good impact resistance.
TPE
TPE(Thermoplastic Elastomer), also known as artificial rubber or synthetic rubber. It is a kind of elastomer that has the elasticity of rubber at normal temperature.
TPU
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a flexible and durable material that offers good chemical resistance and elasticity. It is used for footwear, sporting goods, medical devices, and phone cases.
TPR
Thermoplastic Rubber(TPR) is a type of synthetic material that combines the properties of rubber and plastic. TPR is a class of polymers that exhibits both thermoplastic and elastomeric characteristics.
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Modified Plastics
Modified plastics possess outstanding comprehensive properties that include high rigidity, low creep, remarkable mechanical strength, excellent heat resistance, and superior electrical insulation. They are capable of withstanding harsh chemical and physical environments for extended periods and are capable of partially substituting metals.
Selecting the Right Injection Molding Material
It is important to consider the following factors to ensure selecting the ideal material for your application:
- Part End-Use/Application
What is the finished product going to be used for, and what sort of environmental conditions does it need to be able to withstand? - Appearance
What sort of finish or color do you want or need the final product to have? - Regulations and Standards
Will the finished product be used in an industry where compliance with particular regulations is required? - Thermoset vs. Thermoplastic
Do you want a material that is easily recycled or set in a permanent form?
Widespread Use of Plastics in Prototyping
In addition to the plastic injection molding process used for mass production, plastics are usually also used in pre-production prototype processing. Plastic prototypes can help designers and engineers quickly validate their ideas and iterate on designs. Common plastic materials used for plastic prototype manufacturing include ABS, PP, PC, PMMA, Nylon, etc. Each material has its specific advantages and limitations, so design needs and the application environment need to be considered when choosing a plastic material.
Common uses and benefits of plastic in prototyping:
- Rapid Prototyping: Many 3D printing techniques can use various types of plastics to create prototypes. These technologies can quickly create complex 3D models that help designers and engineers validate their design concepts.
- Low Cost: Plastics are generally inexpensive compared to some other raw materials. This makes them ideal for prototyping with multiple iterations at an early stage.
- Plasticity: Plastics can be customized in shape through thermal processing or 3D printing. This malleability makes plastics ideal for creating prototypes of all shapes and sizes.
- Wide selection of materials: There are many different types of plastics to choose from, each with different physical properties and characteristics. For example, ABS plastic is suitable for mechanical parts, while clear PMMA plastic is suitable for visual prototypes.
- Lightweight: Plastics are generally lighter than metals, which is great for prototyping products that need to be lightweight.
- Electrically insulating: Many plastics have electrically insulating properties, making them suitable for prototyping plastic accessories for electronics.
- Chemical stability: Some plastics have high chemical stability and can be used for prototype testing to simulate specific environmental conditions.
- Dyeability: Plastics can be colored for prototyping by adding color or using different colored plastic filaments or pellets.
Case Studies of Injection Molding Materials Applications
By reading our injection molding case studies, you can learn about the practical applications of different plastic materials in various products and industries, gaining insight and inspiration to bring new ideas and innovative solutions to your own manufacturing projects. Read more cases…
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