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Top 10 Commonly Used in Injection Molding Plastics Comparison Table
The following is a detailed comparison table of the top 10 commonly used injection molding plastics, covering key information such as material properties, application areas, advantages and disadvantages, and costs for your reference.
Top 10 Commonly Used Injection Molding Plastics |
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| Plastic Name | Abbreviation | Characteristics | Advantages | Disadvantages | Typical Applications | Cost | Molding Temp (℃) | Density (g/cm³) |
| ABS | ABS | High strength, impact resistance, chemical resistance, easy processing | Good surface finish, electroplatable, easy to color | Poor UV resistance, flammable | Appliance housings, toys, automotive parts (dashboards) | Medium | 200-250 | 1.04-1.06 |
| Polypropylene | PP | Lightweight, chemical resistant, highly flexible | Food-grade safety, fatigue resistance, microwaveable | Brittle at low temps, prone to aging | Food packaging, medical devices, household items (cups, caps) | Low | 200-300 | 0.89-0.91 |
| Polyethylene | PE | HDPE (high density) and LDPE (low density), low-temp resistant, good insulation | Impact resistant, moisture resistant, low cost | Low strength, poor heat resistance (<60℃) | Plastic bags, pipes, wire insulation | Low | 180-280 | 0.91-0.96 |
| Polystyrene | PS | Transparent (GPPS), rigid; HIPS is an impact-modified version | Easy processing, dimensional stability, low cost | Brittle, poor solvent resistance | Disposable tableware, CD cases, packaging | Low | 180-240 | 1.04-1.07 |
| Polycarbonate | PC | High transparency, impact resistant (near glass), heat resistant | High strength, heat resistant (120℃), flame retardant | Prone to stress cracking, notch sensitive | Bulletproof glass, lenses, electronics housings | High | 280-320 | 1.20-1.22 |
| Nylon | PA | PA6, PA66, etc., wear-resistant, self-lubricating, hygroscopic | High mechanical strength, oil resistant, heat resistant (150℃) | Dimensional changes when absorbing water | Gears, bearings, sports equipment | Medium-high | 260-300 | 1.12-1.15 |
| POM | POM | High rigidity, low friction coefficient, fatigue resistant | Excellent wear resistance, dimensional stability | Poor acid resistance, flammable | Precision parts (clock gears, zippers) | Medium | 190-230 | 1.41-1.42 |
| PET | PET | High transparency (comparable to PC), chemical resistant | Food grade, recyclable, high strength | Requires drying before molding, prone to hydrolysis | Beverage bottles, fibers, electronic components | Medium | 260-290 | 1.33-1.38 |
| TPE/TPR | TPE | Thermoplastic elastomer, combines rubber elasticity with plastic moldability | No vulcanization needed, reprocessable | Poor heat resistance (<80℃) | Phone cases, seals, sports equipment grips | High | 160-220 | 0.90-1.30 |
| PMMA | PMMA | Known as acrylic, 92% light transmission (better than glass) | Weather resistant, high hardness | Easily scratched, brittle | Advertising signs, car tail lights, optical lenses | Medium-high | 220-250 | 1.17-1.20 |
Key Notes of Injection Molding Plastics:
Environmental Impact:
- PET and PP are most recyclable; ABS/PS require special handling
- PC contains BPA (restricted for food contact)
Modified Versions:
- Glass-fiber reinforced (e.g., GF-PA) significantly increases strength
- Flame-retardant versions (e.g., FR-PC) for electronics
Processing Tips:
- PA requires pre-drying (moisture absorption >1%)
- POM releases formaldehyde during processing (ventilation needed)
Cost Ranking (low to high):
- PE/PP < PS < ABS < POM < PET < PA < PC/PMMA < TPE
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