Plastic materials are widely used in various manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, rapid tooling, plastic injection molding, die casting, and 3D printing. Commonly used plastics for these processes include ABS, PC, Nylon, PP, PE, POM, PVC, TPU, PBT, and PMMA.
Each plastic material has its unique properties such as strength, flexibility, heat resistance, and chemical resistance, which make them suitable for different applications. For instance, ABS is commonly used for 3D printing due to its strength and flexibility, while PC is often used for CNC machining due to its high heat resistance. Plastic injection molding and die casting processes typically use materials with high strength and durability, such as Nylon and POM. Rapid tooling often uses materials like PP and PE, which are affordable and easy to manufacture. Overall, plastic materials play a crucial role in many manufacturing processes, providing versatility and customization options for a wide range of products.
Material
Flexural Modulus (GPA)
Impact Strength (J/m)
Yield Strength (MPa)
Density (g/cm³)
Distortion Temperature (°C)
Working Temperature (°C)
Color
Advantages
Applications
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
2.1-2.8
20-60
40-60
1.04-1.07
80-100
-40 to 80
Wide range of colors
Good strength and toughness, low cost, easy to process
Automotive parts, toys, electronic housings
Polycarbonate (PC)
2.4-2.6
650-900
60-75
1.20-1.22
125-140
-40 to 125
Transparent, various colors
High impact resistance, good optical clarity, high heat resistance
Safety glasses, automotive parts, electronic components
Nylon (PA)
1.0-6.0
20-80
50-90
1.01-1.15
70-250
-40 to 120
Natural, black
High strength and toughness, good chemical resistance, wear resistance
Gears, bearings, automotive parts
Polypropylene (PP)
1.0-2.5
5-60
30-50
0.90-0.91
60-110
-10 to 100
Natural, various colors
Low cost, lightweight, good chemical resistance
Packaging, containers, toys
Polyethylene (PE)
0.1-1.0
10-30
20-50
0.91-0.96
70-110
-10 to 80
Natural, various colors
Low cost, lightweight, good chemical resistance
Packaging, containers, toys
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG)
2.6-3.6
20-30
50-70
1.27-1.40
70-80
-40 to 70
Transparent, various colors
Good clarity, impact resistance, chemical resistance
Food packaging, medical equipment
Polyurethane (PU)
0.6-8.0
10-100
10-80
1.05-1.25
-40 to 80
-40 to 80
Natural, various colors
Good flexibility, high abrasion resistance, good chemical resistance
Wheels, seals, gaskets
Polystyrene (PS)
2.5-4.5
10-50
40-60
1.04-1.06
70-95
-10 to 70
Natural, various colors
Low cost, good dimensional stability, good electrical properties
Disposable cups, packaging, toys
Polyoxymethylene (POM)
2.6-3.3
25-50
55-75
1.41-1.43
120-140
-40 to 100
Natural, black
Good dimensional stability, low friction, good chemical resistance
Gears, bearings, valves
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
2.5-4.0
18-45
40-60
1.35-1.45
65-80
-15 to 55
White, Grey, Transparent
Low cost, easy to process, flame retardant, electrical insulation
Pipes, cables, profiles, films, sheets
Acetal (POM)
2.6-3.1
20-80
55-75
1.41-1.45
90-100
50 to 105
White, Black, Brown
High stiffness, toughness, wear resistance, low friction
Gears, bearings, valves, fasteners, electrical components
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
0.5-4.0
15-70
10-55
1.12-1.25
50-80
-40 to 80
Transparent, Opaque
High elasticity, abrasion resistance, oil resistance, weather resistance
Automotive parts, footwear, sports equipment, medical devices
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
0.8-2.0
20-40
20-35
0.93-0.97
75-85
-50 to 80
White, Black, Opaque
High impact resistance, chemical resistance, low moisture absorption
Bottles, pipes, containers, toys, automotive parts
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
0.2-0.4
20-60
8-15
0.91-0.93
60-70
-50 to 80
Transparent, Opaque
Good flexibility, easy to process, low cost
Packaging films, bags, tubing, wire insulation
Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO)
2.8-3.2
7-30
55-75
1.03-1.07
160-180
-40 to 120
Beige
High heat resistance, dimensional stability, flame retardant
Electrical components, automotive parts, appliances
Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
2.6-3.2
2-20
50-80
1.15-1.19
90-105
-40 to 80
Transparent, Colored
High transparency, UV resistance, weather resistance, scratch resistance
Signs, lighting, automotive parts, aquariums
Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)
2.0-4.0
10-40
50-100
1.31-1.37
200-220
-40 to 120
White, Black
High strength, stiffness, heat resistance, chemical resistance
Electrical components, automotive parts, appliances
Polyetherimide (PEI)
2.8-3.2
30-60
75-90
1.27-1.33
180-200
-50 to 170
Amber
High heat resistance, dimensional stability, flame retardant, sterilizable
Electrical components, aerospace parts, medical
