Material Selection for Custom Plastic Components
Choosing the right material for your custom plastic part is crucial as it directly affects the performance and functionality of the final product. We offer a range of thermoset and thermoplastic materials including:
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Polypropylene
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
ABS
Polyoxymethylene
Nylon 6 and Nylon 66
PBT
Polycarbonate
Material details are as follows:
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a widely used thermoplastic known for its good strength-to-weight ratio, high tensile strength, high impact resistance, and high melting point. It is commonly used in wood composites, 3D printing consumables, and everyday items such as milk jugs, cutting boards, and plastic pipes.
Polypropylene (PP) is a chemically resistant, food-grade thermoplastic. These two properties make it ideal for packaging, where PP is most widely used. It also withstands high temperatures, has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, and is fairly low cost compared to other plastics. Other common uses for PP include components such as bumpers in the automotive industry, syringes and catheters in the medical industry, and consumer products such as disposable cutlery and hangers.
PVC
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is known for its chemical resistance, affordability, and electrical insulation properties. It is commonly used in plumbing and building conduits, as well as cables, wire ducting, and insulation in the electrical industry. Other properties of PVC include its thermal stability, flame retardancy, and durability.
ABS
ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) is a widely used thermoplastic known for its excellent impact resistance, strength, and durability. Due to its ability to withstand mechanical stress and provide a smooth surface, it is often used in automotive parts, electronic product housings, and consumer products such as toys and kitchen appliances.
Acetal
Acetal, also known as POM (polyoxymethylene), is a thermoplastic that is praised for its low friction, high stiffness, and excellent dimensional stability. It is often used in engineering applications such as gears, bearings, and bushings, where precision and wear resistance are critical.
Nylon 6 and Nylon 66
Nylon 6 and Nylon 66 are thermoplastics known for their excellent tensile strength, heat resistance, and abrasion resistance. They are used in a wide range of applications, including automotive parts, textiles, and industrial components, where their resilience and flexibility are particularly prominent.
PBT
PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) is a thermoplastic material known for its excellent electrical insulation properties and resistance to heat, chemicals, and moisture. It is commonly used in the production of electrical connectors, automotive parts, and precision parts that require dimensional stability.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic that has excellent impact resistance and optical clarity. Its versatility makes it suitable for a variety of applications, including: eyeglass lenses, medical devices, electronic housings, and automotive parts, where clarity and durability are critical.
