In plastic injection production, the quality of the products heavily depends on the type of plastic material used and the design of the injection molds. Choosing the right plastic material is crucial for the product’s durability, function, looks, and cost-saving.
At Seren Plastik, we help our customers pick the right plastic material for their injection molding projects.
There are over 40,000 different types of plastic materials. Plastic materials can be divided into two categories:
- Thermoplastics
- Thermoset Plastics.
Thermoplastics Thermoplastics are recyclable and reusable plastics. Thanks to these properties, this plastic material can be molded multiple times in plastic injection molds. Some main thermoplastic materials include PP, PE, ABS, PS, PC, PA, and PET.
Thermoplastics:
1. Polypropylene (PP)
- Main Uses: Polypropylene is popular due to its lightness, heat resistance, and chemical durability. It’s commonly used in food containers, car parts, carpet fibers, textiles, and garden furniture.
- Physical Strength: Has high resistance to pulling and heat. Very durable against chemicals.
- Visual Features: Can be see-through but often has a non-clear look. It can be shiny.
2. Polyethylene (PE)
- Main Uses: Used in packaging, water pipes, electrical wires, and toys.
- Physical Strength: Strong against chemicals, moisture, and water. It’s an excellent insulator.
- Visual Features: Typically non-clear and can be shiny. Available in different colors.
3. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
- Main Uses: Chosen for car parts, toys, electronic items, and pipe fittings.
- Physical Strength: ABS is a tough plastic that can handle impacts. It’s heat-resistant.
- Visual Features: Typically non-clear. It can have a shiny surface.
4. Polystyrene (PS)
- Main Uses: Used in food packaging, electronic items, toys, and insulation materials.
- Physical Strength: Known for being affordable with decent hardness and clarity. Less resistant to impacts.
- Visual Features: Can be very clear and is often shiny.
5. Polycarbonate (PC)
- Main Uses: Great for eyeglass lenses, sunglasses, CDs/DVDs, car parts, and some electronics.
- Physical Strength: Known for high impact resistance. Resistant to UV rays.
- Visual Features: Clear and can be shiny. High optical quality.
6. Polyamide (PA or Nylon)
- Main Uses: Known as nylon, it’s used in textiles, ropes, car parts, and some machines.
- Physical Strength: Strong resistance to pulling and wearing. Resistant to oil and chemicals.
- Visual Features: Mostly non-clear. Can be made in different colors.
7. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
- Main Uses: Common in drink bottles, textile fibers (like fleece), and food packaging.
- Physical Strength: High resistance to pulling. Strong against chemicals and moisture.
- Visual Features: Clear, shiny, and usually resistant to wrinkles.
