5 Popular Types of Plastics Used in Injection Molding
Plastics used in injection molding can come in a variety of forms. There are various types of plastics, such as acrylic, PMMA, polycarbonate, nylon, and polyethylene. These plastics are all very common for use in injection molding. However, there are also a few lesser-known types of plastics used in the industry. In this blog post, we will discuss five popular types of plastics used in plastic injection molding.
The following are the five common types of plastics used in injection molding process.
1. Acrylic PMMA
Acrylic PMMA is a clear thermoplastic resin that is used for many different purposes. It is available in a variety of grades for various applications.
Thermoplastic materials can be molded, bonded, or extruded into a wide range of shapes. This makes them ideal for prototyping and manufacturing. Many industrial and medical applications rely on this material.
In addition to being flexible, PMMA also offers excellent optical clarity. This is especially helpful in the manufacturing of optical lenses.
PMMA is highly chemically resistant, making it suitable for many medical uses. It is also shatter-resistant, which is important for some applications. For example, it is often used to make rigid intraocular lenses for cataract surgery.
Another advantage of acrylic is its low toxicity. While other plastics absorb odors and stains, PMMA does not.
2. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a chemically resistant resin used in injection molding. It provides high strength and impact resistance. The material is durable, easy to mold, and relatively inexpensive.
There are different grades of ABS available. They contain different combinations of additives. Some of the additives include UV stabilizers, lubricants, and heat stabilizers. These grades can be reformed and recycled.
Thermoplastic polymers such as ABS are commonly used in household appliances, vacuum cleaners, musical instruments, printers, and a variety of other consumer products. They are also used in mission-critical applications, such as medical device enclosures.
Many ABS materials have good electrical properties. Electrical properties of these plastics are fairly constant over a wide range of frequencies. However, their electrical properties do not vary very much with atmospheric humidity.
3. Nylon (Polyamide; PA)
Nylon polyamide (PA) is one of the most popular types of plastics used in injection molding. It is a very tough material that is easy to mold. Besides being used in the manufacture of parts for mechanical applications, it is also used in a wide range of consumer products.
Polyamides have excellent chemical and abrasion resistance, as well as thermal resistance. They are a good substitute for steel. However, they can be attacked by strong alkalis, acids, and alcohols.
Nylon can be used in the manufacture of thick and thin-walled parts. It is also commonly used in automotive applications. Some nylon parts are filled with glass fibers to increase mechanical strength.
In the 1930s, Wallace Carothers discovered nylon at DuPont. The first polyamide moldings were produced in 1941.
4. Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is a transparent thermoplastic that is commonly used for building clear tubing and eyewear. It is also used to make automobile parts and industrial fittings. Injection molding is the best way to produce polycarbonate parts.
PC is a tough, durable material. Its impact strength is better than other plastics and it has a low melting point. However, this means it is not a good choice for outdoor applications. Also, it does not naturally have the scratch resistance found in glass.
The injection molding process is ideal for creating large polycarbonate parts. Because it is a process with tight tolerances, it can create parts with consistent and precise dimensional control. This is important for a variety of applications.
For a high-quality part, it is crucial to set the mold temperature properly. Higher temperatures tend to speed up the plastic’s flow rate.
5. Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene is an engineering plastic that is found in a variety of consumer products and industrial applications. It is also used in many automotive and medical devices. Compared to other types of plastic, polyethylene has a wider range of applications.
A variety of grades are available for use in injection molding. These grades are numbered. Those with higher numbers indicate a higher density. They also tend to be more crystalline.
Some of the most common PE plastics include LDPE and ABS. LDPE is generally less crystalline but has good impact strength. LDPE can be used for a variety of applications, including food packaging. The tensile strength of LDPE is slightly lower than that of HDPE.
Another popular type of PE is polypropylene. Polypropylene is a lightweight plastic with excellent hot water resistance. While it is able to withstand high temperatures, it does not do well in cold applications.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, you can get your plastic injection molding done with any of the materials you like discussed in this post. While it is possible to use other materials, the five discussed here are the most beneficial. If you want good plastic injection molding work done, contact PTMS TODAY!