Injection molding is a manufacturing process that produces consistent, high-quality parts from thermoplastic and thermosetting plastic materials. These types of plastics are melted and injected by a machine into a mold where they cool and harden to the mold’s shape. The products produced can vary in size, complexity, and application. These materials are designed to be used in everyday applications and can be easily sourced, processed, and molded into any shape or size imaginable. They include everything from bottle caps to large parts like car bumpers.
The sheer number of plastics available for injection molding also means that finding the best plastic for your particular project can be a challenge. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the most popular injection molding materials.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene is the most common plastic material. It is considered a good all-purpose plastic because it is strong and flexible. It can be clear or colored and has excellent resistance to many solvents, bases, and acids. However, it has poor resistance to oils, gasoline, and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene has good chemical resistance except for alkali solutions. It is rigid and brittle at room temperature. It can be clear or colored and is commonly used to make disposable cutlery, cups, and CD cases. Polystyrene foam is used in packaging applications like egg cartons and coffee cup insulators.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene has excellent resistance to water, alcohols, mild acids, and alkalis. It also has very good resistance to solvents such as acetone and gasoline. It is inexpensive, durable, easy to process, and produces high-quality parts.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a plastic polymer commonly used in injection molding. It’s lightweight, impact-resistant, and can be easily colored or textured. It is also heat and chemical resistant which makes it ideal for applications that require these properties.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is another widely used thermoplastic that offers excellent mechanical and electrical properties with high impact resistance, dimensional stability, and great transparent clarity. It is used in many industries including health care, and electronics.
Get the Best Mechanical Design Services
We at Connekt LLC can be your custom injection molding partner and guide you on which materials will work best for your application. Our services include 3D printing, plastic injection molding, electro-mechanical packaging design, FEA consulting, and other related engineering services to help make your product in Northern California a resounding success. Check out their portfolio here.
Contact them now.
