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Plastic injection molding technology, as the core technology of the modern manufacturing industry, has been widely used in many industries such as automobiles, electronics, packaging, medical and construction. Plastic injection molding is a processing method that completes theinjection molding processin a plastic mold and solidifies it into the final product. This manufacturing method involves injecting molten plastic into a mold, cooling and solidifying it to obtain the desired plastic product. The plastic injection molding process is a very complex physical and chemical change process. Plastic injection molding technology can be widely used to produce products of various shapes and sizes, mainly due to its rich diversity and high flexibility in material selection.
Different plastic products have their own unique performance advantages and disadvantages, so it is necessary to choose the appropriate plastic for processing and manufacturing. Today, theLS teamplans to lead an in-depth study of several materials commonly used in the plastic injection molding process, and describe in detail their properties, respective strengths and weaknesses, and also list some of the practical application scenarios of these materials. Typical example.
What is Plastic Injection Molding?
Plastic injection molding, also known asinjection moldingor injection moulding, is a widely used plastic processing technology. It injects molten plastic material into a precisely designed mold cavity at high pressure, and after the plastic cools and solidifies, the products in the mold are taken out to obtain plastic products that are exactly the same shape as the mold cavity. This process can not only achieve large-scale, high-efficiency production, but also produce plastic products with complex shapes, precise dimensions, smooth appearance and stable quality. Therefore, it is widely used inautomobiles, electronics, consumer goods, medical equipmentand other industries.
What Materials Are Used in plastic injection molding？
Common types of plastic injection molding materials and their characteristics and advantages:
1.Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a very common CNC machining plastic with impressive strength and impact resistance. It is the easiest plastic to CNC machine and is available in various grades on the thermoplastic market.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Strong mechanical properties | Low heat resistance |
| Excellent machinability/customization | Not suitable for food contact |
| Budget-friendly | Not UV stable |
Uses
- Hard hats
- Helmets
- Vacuum Cleaners
- Printers
- Musical Instruments
- Kitchen Utensils
2.Nylon (Polyamide)
Nylon or polyamide (PA) is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer with excellent thermal and mechanical properties. The nylon 66 grade is the commonly used polyamide for plastic CNC machining services.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Good chemical resistance | Prone to absorb moisture |
| Excellent wear resistance | Poor dimensional stability |
| Lightweight polymer | Limited heat resistance |
Uses
- Clothes
- Fishing lines
- Fishnets
- Conveyors
- Seatbelts
- Parachutes
- Camping gear
3.Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is another easy-to-machine thermoplastic polymer suitable for plastic CNC machining. It is lightweight, and machined parts can withstand harsh environmental factors like sunlight.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Flame and chemical resistance | Produces harmful chlorine gas during recycling |
| Very durable | Limited heat resistance |
| Budget-friendly | |
| Electrical insulator |
Uses
- Building materials
- industrial products
- daily necessities
- pipeline
- wire and cable
- packaging film
4.Acetal Or Polyoxymethylene (POM)
Acetals are sometimes referred to as Delrin plastics or polyoxymethylene (POM). You can use them for plastic CNC machining applications that require fine machinability properties and low surface friction.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Can withstand harsh environmental conditions | Low compatibility with adhesives |
| Impact resistance | Flammable |
| Good aesthetics | Poor acid resistance |
Uses
- Seat belt parts
- Electronic Cigarettes
- Insulin pens
- Water meter
- Guitar picks
5.Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene (PE) is a common plastic CNC machining material known for its versatility. PE could exist as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Easily available and affordable | Not UV stable |
| Safe for industrial food packaging | Difficult to bond |
| High flexibility |
Uses
- Food packaging
- Bottles
- Pipes
- Trays
- Grocery bags
- Trash bags
- Insulations
- Toys
6.Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is also known by its common name Polypropene. It belongs to the thermoplastic polymer category. Its properties are a slight improvement to polythene.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| It is not expensive | Low heat resistance |
| Excellent moisture resistance | Not UV stable |
| Durable and lightweight |
Uses
- Machine parts
- Flexible packaging
- Rigid packaging
- Tote bags
- Bottle caps
- Medical equipment
7.Polyurethane (PU)
Polyurethane (PU) is a polymer material formed by polyols and polyisocyanate by polycondensation reaction.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Physical performance is stable | Poor permeability |
| Strong durability | Not resistant to scratch |
| Good air permeability | Not environmental protection |
| Good sound insulation and heat insulation performance | Easy to age |
Uses
- 3D printer filament
- Automotive instrument panels
- Power tools
- Sports equipment
- Caster wheel
- Footwear
- Inflatable rafts
- Fire hoses
8.Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC)
Using CPVC plastics for CNC machining services is similar to conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) applications. However, CPVC makes up for the low thermal properties of PVC.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Same as PVCs | More expensive than ordinary PVCs |
| Higher temperature resistance | Slight environmental chlorine concerns |
Uses
- Cold water delivery system,
- Hot water pipes
- Plumbing
- Winds
9.Polysulfone (PSU)
Polysulfone (PSU) is a semi-transparent, high-performance thermoplastic polymer with high mechanical strength in machined parts design. In addition, PSU plastics on CNC machines can withstand high temperatures and are suitable for biomedical applications.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Good chemical and heat resistance | PSU plastics can be expensive |
| Dimensional stability | Sensitive to UV radiation |
| Electrical insulators | Poorer machinability than close alternatives |
Uses
- Waste water recovery systems
- Hemodialysis systems
- Gas separation
- Food and beverage equipment
10.Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS)
The PPS plastic is an alternative engineering thermoplastic with thermally stable properties up to about 425°F. It is a perfect fit for precision CNC machining plastics projects that require dimensional stability.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Excellent chemical resistance | Not UV stable |
| Good heat resistance | Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) is not cheap |
| Low moisture absorption |
Uses
- Coal boiler filter fabric
- Film capacitors
- Gaskets
- Specialty membranes
- Packing
11.Polycarbonate (PC)
Customers interested in custom machined parts design that is transparent and durable should consider polycarbonate (PC) plastic parts in their next computer numerical controlled machining projects.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Easy-to-machine plastics | Highly susceptible to scratches |
| Great for transparent applications like windows | Low chemical resistance |
| Excellent strength-to-weight ratio |
Uses
- Safety glass
- Bulletproof glass
- Room divider
- Electronics
- Construction
12.Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
PEEK is a very popular CNC machining thermoplastic. It is colorless in pure form. Its melting point is 343 °C, which makes it good for high-temperature applications. Operating temperatures of many PEEK subtypes easily go up to 250 °C.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Resistant to thermal degradation | Expensive |
| Good operating temperature | Degrades in UV light |
| Chemical resistant | Does not biodegrade |
| Good mechanical properties |
Uses
- Water pumps
- Aerospace parts
- Medical implants
- Bearings
13.Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is in the subclass of polyester plastic materials. It is the major constituent of packaging in the food and beverage industries. It is a hygienic, water-resistant, and lightweight material. It is also one of the easy-to-machine plastics used in plastic CNC machining projects.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Transparent material | Limited heat resistance |
| Highly recyclable | Not ideal for extreme weather |
| PET plastic is not expensive | |
| Good chemical resistance |
Uses
- Water bottles
- Jars
- Rope
- Automotive parts
- Protective packaging
14.Carbon Fiber (CF)
Carbon fiber is basically Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP). It has thin strands of carbon fiber added to a base plastic for improved properties. It is classified as a composite material.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Extremely strong plastic | Expensive |
| Lightweight | Conducts heat |
| High rigidity | Poor electrical insulation |
| High strength-to-weight ratio |
Uses
- Aerospace
- Machine tool spindles
- Robotic arms
- Power transmission shafts
15.Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
PTFE is a synthetic polymer derivative of tetrafluoroethylene. Its trademark name is Teflon®, and it is best for non-stick CNC applications in medical equipment or artificial body parts.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Non-stick | Costly |
| Heat resistance | Difficult to mass produce |
| Cold resistance | Deforms under pressure |
| Comes in a coating form | It cannot be welded |
Uses
- Non-stick cookware
- Abrasion-resistant coating on automobiles
- Coating surgical equipment
16.Polysiloxane (Silicone)
Polysiloxane is a colorless, rubber-like substance also called Silicone. It is used for many plastic CNC machining applications in electronics, household, electrical, automobile, and aviation manufacturing industries.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Non-toxic and biocompatible | Silicone is not cheap |
| High flexibility and elasticity | Some silicone grades have low tensile strength |
| Can withstand temperatures between 150°F and 550°F | |
| UV stable |
Uses
- Lubricants
- Sealants
- Adhesives
- Thermal insulation
- Electrical insulation
17.Poly Paraphenylene Terephthalamide (Kevlar)
Poly Paraphenylene Terephthalamide usually goes by its common names kevlar and twaron. It is one of the most popular aromatic polyamides globally. It is a synthetic fiber developed by DuPont. Its physical properties are comparable to or even better than metals and alloys.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Lightweight | It is expensive |
| Good tensile strength | Difficult machinability |
| Abrasion resistance | Absorbs moisture |
| Dimensional stability |
Uses
- Racing tires
- Bicycle tires
- Bulletproof vests
- Armor
18.Polyethersulfone (PES)
PES plastic is available in blocks, sheets, and rods. It is also sometimes referred as PESU. These plastics have great physical properties and temperature handling. The color of PES is reddish brown with good transparency.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Good dimensional stability | Rough surface |
| Good temperature handling | Hydrophobic |
| Can withstand high temperatures for extended periods | Membrane fouling |
| High mechanical strength | |
| Rigidity | |
| Hydrolysis resistant |
Uses
- Dialyzer membranes
- Surgical theater luminary
- Infusion equipment
- Sterilization boxes
19.Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)
TPE is also sometimes termed as Thermoplastic Rubber. It is a mix of different polymers, often plastic and rubber. TPE is different from conventional elastomers, which is thermosetting in nature. However, the thermoplastic properties of TPE allow the application of many different manufacturing methods.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Good elongation | Below-average heat resistance |
| Returns to original shape after elongation | Significant degradation in physical properties with temperature rise |
| Long service life | |
| Higher physical range than alternative plastics |
Uses
- Cables and wires
- Toys
- Automotive parts
- Shoes
- Sports equipment
- Consumer goods
How to choose the right material for your injection molding project?
Selecting the right materials for aninjection molding projectis a complex process that requires consideration of multiple factors to ensure that the final product meets requirements in terms of performance, cost, processability and environmental friendliness.
- Project requirements:Evaluate the functional and aesthetic needs of the product. This includes consideration of the product’s intended use, durability and environmental factors to which it will be exposed.
- Budget constraints:Material costs can vary significantly, so budget constraints must be taken into consideration when selecting. Not only raw material costs must be considered, but also associated processing and maintenance costs.
- Material Properties:Each material has unique properties such as tensile strength, flexibility, heat resistance, and chemical resistance. For example, ABS: has good mechanical properties and processing properties, and is suitable for electronic housings, automotive parts, etc. PC: It has excellent impact resistance and heat resistance, and is often used in eyeglass lenses, protective equipment, etc. PP: With good chemical resistance and low cost, it is suitable for food containers, automobile interiors, etc.
- Manufacturability:Some materials are easier to form than others. Ease of processing, flow rate and cooling time are important factors affecting production efficiency.
- Regulatory Compliance:Depending on the product's application, there may be specific industry standards or regulations that need to be adhered to. Materials such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and polycarbonate (PC) are often used because they comply with various safety and quality standards .
Why choose LS’s injection molding services?
At LS, we specialize ininjection molding servicesfor various industries including automotive, electronics, and medical. We offer a variety of materials (including ABS, PC, PP, and more), color options, and finishes to meet your specific needs. Our experienced team will work closely with you to determine the best solution for your unique needs, ensuring your parts are produced quickly, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.
We understand that no two projects are the same, which is why we offer a range of services to meet your specific needs. Whether you need help with design, prototyping, or volume production, we have the expertise and resources to help you get the job done. LS's injection molding services offer fast turnaround times, high-quality parts, and a range of materials and finishes to meet your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your production goals.
Summary
There are many types of materials used inplastic injection molding,and each material has its own unique physical and chemical properties and application scenarios. Choosing the right materials is critical to ensuring the quality, performance and cost-effectiveness of your products. With the advancement of science and technology and the enhancement of environmental awareness, plastic injection molding materials will develop in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable direction in the future, contributing to the green development of the manufacturing industry.
Disclaimer
The content on this page is for reference only.LSdoes not make any express or implied representation or warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or validity of the information. No performance parameters, geometric tolerances, specific design features, material quality and type or workmanship should be inferred as to what a third party supplier or manufacturer will deliver through the Longsheng Network. It is the responsibility of the buyerseeking a quote for partsto determine the specific requirements for those parts.Pleasecontact usfor moreinformation.
LS Team
This article was written by multiple LS contributors. LS is a leading resource in the manufacturing sector, withCNC machining,sheet metal fabrication,3D printing,injection molding,metal stamping, and more.
