Plastic Injection Molding Materials
SR Plastics provides a plastic injection molding process that uses a wide range of thermoplastic materials to produce high-quality, durable, and cost-effective plastic parts. Selecting the right injection molding material is essential for product performance, appearance, and long-term reliability. Below are some of the most commonly used plastic injection molding materials and their key benefits. The best plastic injection molding material depends on factors such as strength, temperature resistance, chemical exposure, appearance, and cost. Working with an experienced injection molding manufacturer ensures proper material selection, optimized mold design, and consistent production quality.
Common Plastic Injection Molded Materials
| Material | Highlights | Common Applications | Mass Density (g/cm3) | Shrinkage (in/in) | Clarity | Tonnage per square inch (Estimated) | 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 | $ |
| 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 | Toys; product casings | 1.04 | 0.003-0.007 | Translucent | 2.0-2.5 | $ |
| LDPE Low Density Polyethylene |
Chemical resistant; flexibility; toughness; gloss | Food; packaging | 0.91-0.925 | 0.015-0.026 | Translucent or Opaque | 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 | 0.015-0.035 | Translucent | 2.0-3.0 | $ |
| PA6 Polyamide 6 (Nylon 6) |
Heat and chemical resistant; impact modified | Automotive; electrical; industrial; consumer; engineering | 1.13 | 0.009-0.012 | Opaque | 3.0-4.0 | $$ |
| PA66 Polyamide 66 (Nylon 66) |
Heat and chemical resistant; impact modified | Automotive; electrical; industrial; consumer; engineering | 1.14 | 0.015-0.020 | Opaque | 3.0-4.0 | $$ |
| PA66 GF Glass Filled Polyamide (Nylon 66) |
High rigidity, hardness and strength; high stability | Automotive; engineering; gears; cams; bearings; electrical; metal substitute | 1.22-1.49 | 0.003-0.008 | Opaque | 4.0-5.0 | $$ |
| PC Polycarbonate |
High impact strength; clarity; flame retardant | Electrical; lighting; automotive; appliances; medical | 1.2 | 0.005-0.007 | Transparent | 4.0-5.0 | $$ |
| 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 | $$$ |
| PET Polyethylene Terephthalate |
Lightweight; moisture barrier; strength; impact resistant | Bottles; food packaging | 1.44-1.73 | 0.002 | Transparent | 4.0-5.0 | $$ |
| 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 | $$ |
| PP (Copolymer) Polypropylene Copolymer |
Impact resistant; lightness; food contact | Automotive; household; electrical; packaging | 0.9 | 0.010-0.025 | Opaque | 2.5-3.5 | $ |
| PP (Homopolymer) Polypropylene Homopolymer |
Impact resistant; lightness; food contact | Automotive; household; electrical; packaging | 0.902 | 0.010-0.025 | Translucent | 2.5-3.5 | $ |
| PPE Polyphenylene Ether |
Electrical properties; flame retardant; chemical resistant; low moisture absorption | Automotive; electrical; industrial; appliances | 1.13 | 0.006 | Translucent | Translucent 3.0-4.0 | $$ |
| 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 | $ |
| PVDF Polyvinylidene Flouride |
Chemical Resistance, Mechanical Durability, High temperature | Chemical Plant Contruction, Protective Coatings, Medical Devices | 1.75 - 1.78 | .03 - .04 | Translucent | 4.0-8.0 | $$$ |
| TPE Thermoplastic Elastomer |
Elasticity; chemical and weather resistant | Rubber substitute; automotive; seals; overmolding | 0.87-1.20 | 0.017-0.047 | Translucent | 2.5-3.5 | $$ |
| 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 | 3.0-4.0 | $$ |
| TPV Thermoplastic Vulcanizate [Santoprene] |
Strength; flexibility; lightweight | Automotive; appliances; electrical; construction; healthcare; industrial | 0.92-0.97 | 0.010-0.050 | Transparent | 2.5-3.5 | $$ |
| DISCLAIMERS: 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. Accordingly, this guide should be used only as a handy comparison of materials and as a starting point for conducting research, and 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. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, SR Machining Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability of any kind for this guide or for the information contained herein. | |||||||
While many types of plastics have been mentioned, contact us with your specific material requirements and applications.
