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shtml A list of thermoplastic materials used in injection molding

THERMOPLASTIC MATERIALS
The table below provides some brief details on different thermoplastic materials used in injection moulding. The list is by no means exhaustive and there are a number of blends of different materials, e.g. PC/ABS, designed to achieve the best performance properties of the two individual components. Within each group of plastics materials different levels of performance are available. Additional strength may be gained through the addition of fillers, such as talc or glass, in many cases. Also additives to improve UV stability or flame retardancy or provide antimicrobial properties may also be used.

Material Polypropylene PP Homopolymer PP Copolymer Polyethylene PE Low Density PE High Density Polystyrene General Purpose High Impact Acrylic Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Abbr. PP HPPP CPPP PE LDPE/LLDPE HDPE PS GPPS HIPS PMMA ABS

Properties Good chemical resistance Semi rigid, durable

Typical Applications Packaging, containers Small domestic appliances eg kettles Good gloss, texture possible, low Large automotive parts, plates cost and cups for children and picnics Good chemical resistance, flexible Low Density Packaging, or semi rigid depending on grade. containers. High Density Weatherproof, good low crates, chemical drums, temperature performance. Non gas/water pipe and fittings, toxic. Low cost kitchenware Brittle, transparent. Poor UV GPPS toys, packaging, stability. HIPS up to 7x impact cosmetic packaging strength of GPPS HIPS TV cabinets, refrigerator linings, toilet seats Rigid, clear, glossy, good weather Lenses, signs, light diffusers, resistance point of purchase displays Rigid, opaque, tough, good gloss, Domestic appliances, car texture possible fascias, computer housings

Nylon (Polyamide) Acetal Polycarbonate

PA POM PC

Rigid, tough, hardwearing

Gears, bearings, automotive under bonnet parts Rigid, tough, springlike, good wear Aerosol valves, clock parts, and electrical properties computer printer components Rigid, transparent, excellent impact Crash helmet visors, vandal resistance, good weather proof glazing, riot shields, car resistance, good dimensional headlamp lenses, safety stability helmets, babies bottles

Acrylate Styrene Acrylonitrile

Styrene Acrylonitrile Polyvinyl Chloride

ASA
SAN

Rigid, opaque, tough, good UV resistance

Housings, telephones, automotive door mirrors and radiator grilles

Polyurethane Polyesters Polysulphone Polyphenylene Sulphide

Rigid, transparent, tough, resistant Lenses, drinking tumblers, to stress cracking kitchen and picnic ware, hi-fi covers PVC Rigid or flexible grades, Drainpipes and guttering, cable weatherprooof, non-flammable, insulation, flooring, roofing, good impact strength and electrical hosepipes insulation PUR Flexible, clear, impermeable Shoe soles and heels, seals, gaskets, rollers, wheels PBT, PET Rigid, clear, extremely tough, wide Drink bottles, business temperature range resistance machine components, transformer parts PES,PSU,PEEK Excellent high temperature Microwave grills, chemotherapy stability, rigid or flexible grades devices, surgical equipment, available. High cost fuel cells PPS Rigid, opaque, non-burning, good Chemical pumps, medical and chemical resistance at high dental equipment, transformer temperature parts, heating element bases

Polyvinylidene Fluoride
Polyphenylene Oxide Ethylene Vinyl Acetate

PVDF
PPO EVA

Strong, tough material with Valves, pumps, bearings excellent chemical and heat in chemical process resistance industry
Rigid, opaque, glossy, excellent dimensional stability Flexible (rubber-like), good low temperature flexibility, good chemical resistance TV housings, automotive instrument enclosures Handle grips, ice cube trays, hoses