Materials

There are many types of materials that may be used in the injection molding process. Most
polymers may be used, including all thermoplastics, some thermosets, and some elastomers. When these
materials are used in the injection molding process, their raw form is usually small pellets or a fine powder.
Also, colorants may be added in the process to control the color of the final part. The selection of a
material for creating injection molded parts is not solely based upon the desired characteristics of the
final part. While each material has different properties that will affect the strength and function of the
final part, these properties also dictate the parameters used in processing these materials. Each material
requires a different set of processing parameters in the injection molding process, including the injection
temperature, injection pressure, mold temperature, ejection temperature, and cycle time. A comparison
of some commonly used materials is shown below (Follow the links to search the material library).
 Material name Abbreviation Trade names Description Applications
Strong, rigid, excellent fatigue resistance,
Bearings, cams, gears, handles, plumbing
Celcon, Delrin, excellent creep resistance, chemical
Acetal POM components, rollers, rotors, slide guides,
Hostaform, Lucel resistance, moisture resistance, naturally
valves
opaque white, low/medium cost
Diakon, Oroglas, Rigid, brittle, scratch resistant, transparent, Display stands, knobs, lenses, light housings,
Acrylic PMMA
Lucite, Plexiglas optical clarity, low/medium cost panels, reflectors, signs, shelves, trays
Strong, flexible, low mold shrinkage (tight
Acrylonitrile Cycolac, Magnum, tolerances), chemical resistance, Automotive (consoles, panels, trim, vents),
ABS
Butadiene Styrene Novodur, Terluran electroplating capability, naturally opaque, boxes, gauges, housings, inhalers, toys
low/medium cost
Dexel, Cellidor,
Cellulose Acetate CA Tough, transparent, high cost Handles, eyeglass frames
Setilithe
High strength, fatigue resistance, chemical
Akulon, Ultramid,
Polyamide 6 (Nylon) PA6 resistance, low creep, low friction, almost Bearings, bushings, gears, rollers, wheels
Grilon
opaque/white, medium/high cost
High strength, fatigue resistance, chemical
Polyamide 6/6
PA6/6 Kopa, Zytel, Radilon resistance, low creep, low friction, almost Handles, levers, small housings, zip ties
(Nylon)
opaque/white, medium/high cost
High strength, fatigue resistance, chemical
Polyamide 11+12
PA11+12 Rilsan, Grilamid resistance, low creep, low friction, almost Air filters, eyeglass frames, safety masks
(Nylon)
opaque to clear, very high cost
Very tough, temperature resistance, Automotive (panels, lenses, consoles), bottles,
Calibre, Lexan,
Polycarbonate PC dimensional stability, transparent, high containers, housings, light covers, reflectors,
Makrolon
cost safety helmets and shields
Automotive (filters, handles, pumps),
Polyester - Celanex, Crastin, Rigid, heat resistance, chemical resistance, bearings, cams, electrical components
PBT, PET
Thermoplastic Lupox, Rynite, Valox medium/high cost (connectors, sensors), gears, housings, rollers,
switches, valves
Tough, very high chemical resistance, clear,
Polyether Sulphone PES Victrex, Udel Valves
very high cost
Strong, thermal stability, chemical
Aircraft components, electrical connectors,
Polyetheretherketone PEEKEEK resistance, abrasion resistance, low
pump impellers, seals
moisture absorption
Heat resistance, flame resistance, Electrical components (connectors, boards,
Polyetherimide PEI Ultem
transparent (amber color) switches), covers, shields, surgical tools
Lightweight, tough and flexible, excellent
Polyethylene - Low Alkathene, Escorene,
LDPE chemical resistance, natural waxy Kitchenware, housings, covers, and containers
Density Novex
appearance, low cost
Tough and stiff, excellent chemical
Polyethylene - High Eraclene, Hostalen,
HDPE resistance, natural waxy appearance, low Chair seats, housings, covers, and containers
Density Stamylan
cost
Tough, heat resistance, flame resistance,
Noryl, Thermocomp, dimensional stability, low water Automotive (housings, panels), electrical
Polyphenylene Oxide PPO
Vamporan absorption, electroplating capability, high components, housings, plumbing components
cost
Polyphenylene Very high strength, heat resistance, brown, Bearings, covers, fuel system components,
PPS Ryton, Fortron
Sulphide very high cost guides, switches, and shields
Lightweight, heat resistance, high chemical
Novolen, Appryl, Automotive (bumpers, covers, trim), bottles,
Polypropylene PP resistance, scratch resistance, natural waxy
Escorene caps, crates, handles, housings
appearance, tough and stiff, low cost.
Polystyrene - General Lacqrene, Styron,
GPPS Brittle, transparent, low cost Cosmetics packaging, pens
purpose Solarene
Impact strength, rigidity, toughness,
Polystyrene - High Polystyrol, Kostil,
HIPS dimensional stability, naturally translucent, Electronic housings, food containers, toys
impact Polystar
low cost
Polyvinyl Chloride - Tough, flexible, flame resistance, Electrical insulation, housewares, medical
PVC Welvic, Varlan
Plasticised transparent or opaque, low cost tubing, shoe soles, toys
Polyvinyl Chloride - Tough, flexible, flame resistance,
UPVC Polycol, Trosiplast Outdoor applications (drains, fittings, gutters)
Rigid transparent or opaque, low cost
Stiff, brittle, chemical resistance, heat
Luran, Arpylene,
Styrene Acrylonitrile SAN resistance, hydrolytically stable, Housewares, knobs, syringes
Starex
transparent, low cost
Thermoplastic Hytrel, Santoprene, Bushings, electrical components, seals,
TPE/R Tough, flexible, high cost
Elastomer/Rubber Sarlink washers