The 8 Most Common Plastic Injection Molding Materials

Many industries use the plastic injection molding process due to its versatility. However, it’s not just popular because of its quick production but also because of the number of available materials. When manufacturers need to create parts or products with specific material properties, there are many injection molding materials to consider.

Here, we highlight some of the main ones:

1. PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate/acrylic)

PMMA is a transparent thermoplastic, used as an alternative to glass.

Molded PMMA can be used in jewelry, electronic casings, windows, lenses, etc. However, there are many other options for transparent molded parts.

2. PA66 (nylon 66)

It’s one of the most popular injection molding plastics in the polyamide/nylon family. It provides resistance to chemicals and heat, mechanical strength, and rigidity.

Molded nylon 66 can be used for zip ties, automotive components, conveyor belts, pipes.

Polyamides may also be mixed with PA-GF (glass) for better thermal stability.

3. POM (acetal polyoxymethylene)

POM is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic with incredible dimensional stability and high stiffness.

Common POM injection molded parts comprise automotive parts, gear wheels, fasteners, and handles.

4. PS (polystyrene)

It’s a hydrocarbon polymer that is highly inexpensive, brittle, and hard.

Some typical applications of PS as an injection material comprise microplates, test tubes, CD cases, and disposable cutlery.

PS may also be combined with PS-PPE (polyphenyl ethers), offering great dimensional stability and heat resistance.

5. PP (polypropylene)

It’s a rugged thermoplastic polymer with a high level of chemical resistance. After polyethylene, it’s the second most common commodity plastic.

Injection molding may be used to produce PP products such as food-safe containers, living hinges, fittings, piping, and plastic furniture.

6. PC-ABS (ABS polycarbonate)

By combining PC and ABS, it’s possible to gain the formability of ABS and the mechanical properties of PC.

PC-ABS molded parts consist of automotive parts such as structural components, keypads, TV frames, and glove boxes.

7. PC (polycarbonate)

PC is a tough and strong engineering-grade thermoplastic. Plus, it’s easy to mold.

Many manufacturers use PC pellets to create molded parts for medical applications, aerospace, and computing. PC is also used for making many smartphone covers and cases.

For low moisture absorption and excellent impact resistance, it’s possible to mix PC with PC-GF (glass).

8. ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)

It’s a popular thermoplastic injection material with superb impact resistance, elasticity, and toughness.

Molded ABS parts comprise toys, medical devices, music instruments, plastic canoes, enclosures, and shock absorbers.

Since it can be extruded or molded, ABS is used in 3D printing.

PTMS offers custom plastic injection molding using 100% brand new materials

With years of experience in plastic injection molding, PTMS has offered customers top-of-the-line custom plastic injection molding for almost two decades.

Get in touch with us now to get an injection molding quote!