Rigid Plastics
LDPE (Low Density Polyethene)
Good for – Flexible, water resistant with high impact and chemical resistance.
Limitations – Low Tensile strength and can warp after molding.
Grades we use regularly
• TPC Cosmothene G812
HDPE (High Density Polyethene)
Good for – Stiffer then LDPE, UV resistant and resistant to many solvents.
Limitations – Poor weather resistance, sensitive to stress cracking and difficult to bond.
Grades we use regularly
• DOW DMDA 8920
Polypropylene (PP)
Good for – Resistant to acids, chemicals and corrosion. Can withstand freezing temperatures and is a good choice for living hinges. Has a high tensile strength as is highly impermeable to water.
Limitations – PP can be affected by UV degradation and is difficult to bond, so decoration isn’t advised. Is flammable at high temperatures.
Grades we use regularly
• Formosa Yungsox 3015
• Lyondell Basell Moplen EP500V
• Polimaxx 1100NK
PC/ABS (Polycarbonate & ABS Blend)
Good for – Offers the toughness and heat-resistance of PC, but the ductility and processability of ABS. Is more cost effective than PC. PC/ABS retains is dimensionally stability over time, is colorable and printable.
Limitations – Has low fatigue endurance and low chemical and oxidation resistance. Can be susceptible to UV without a stabilizing additive.
Grades we use regularly
• Bayer Bayblend FR3010
• Bayer Bayblend 2953 (Plate Grade)WQu
• Sabic Cycoloy 2950-111
Nylon (PA6 and PA66)
Good for – High stiffness, strength, wear resistance and good friction properties. Good for bearing applications.
Limitations – Both PA6 and PA66 absorb moisture, which can affect strength and tensile modulus. When used, glass fiber can bloom to the surface during molding and cause striations and whitening of the part.
Grades we use regularly
• Dupont Zytel 101L
• Ravago Hylon N1033HL
• BASF Ultramid A3WG6
Polycarbonate (PC)
Good for – One of the strongest and most durable materials and is naturally transparent. PC has great heat resistance and thermoplasticity, which means you’re able to melt, cool and reheat without materials degradation.
Limitations – PC easily scratches, despite it’s high durability and PC is considered toxic when it comes in contact with food (BPA release). PC is also a relatively higher cost material.
Grades we use regularly
• Covestro Makrolon 2407
• Covestro Makrolon 2805
• Sabic PC1003R
Acetal (Delrin)
Good for – One of the strongest and stiffest thermoplastics available. It machines well and is a good choice for complex geometrys and tight tolerances. Acetal has a natural lubricity, making it good choice for bearing applciations and it is resitant to abrasion.
Limitations – Acetal is difficult to bond and the cost is higher than most thermoplastics.
Grades we use regularly
• Dupont Delrin 500P
• Dupont Delrin 527UV
ASA
Good for – Similar to ABS, but ASA has some natural UV and chemical resistance. Parts molded with ASA can achieve a glossy finish and good temperature and weather resistance.
Limitations – ASA has a lower tensile strength and ductility than other materials. ASA has poor resistance to concentrated mineral acids, aromatic solvents and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Grades we use regularly
• Ineos Luran S 757G
• Chi Mei Kibilac PW-978B
ABS
Good for – Good all-around material, blending performance and appearance. It’s hard for a thermoplastic and reasonably tough. It’s easily bonded and has a good gloss surface finish.
Limitations – ABS has poor solvent and fatigue resistance and poor UV resistance, unless protected. It has poor bearing properties.
Grades we use regularly
• Polylac PA-727 (Plate grade)
• Polylac PA-757
Limitations – ABS has poor solvent and fatigue resistance and poor UV resistance, unless protected. It has poor bearing properties.
Grades we use regularly
• Polylac PA-727 (Plate grade)
• Polylac PA-757
Flexible Plastics
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)
Good for – High elasticity and moldability. TPE’s are non-toxic an safe. TPE’s can be co-molded with PP, PE, PC, PS and ABS.
Limitations – TPE’s have relatively low heat resistance and stregth, weatherability, oil & wear resistance are incomparable to rubber.
Grades we use regularly
• Avient Dynaflex G7990-9001-02
TPU (Thermoplatsic Polyurethane)
Good for – Excellent mechanical strength as well as resistance to wear, oil and flex. It has excellent temperature resistance. TPU can nearly always be a replacement for PVC.
Limitations – TPU’s have a poor resisance to heat, hot water and compression and are prone to yellow discoloration.
Grades we use regularly
• Lubrizol Estane 58142
• Covestro Desmopan 9370AU
TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate)
Good for – Similar to other rubbers, but can be injection molded. TPV’s have excellent fatigue and UV resistance, good tear strength, abrasion and temperature resistance.
Limitations – TPV tooling is more costly than EPDM compression molds and can be prone to flow marks. TPV’s have poor resitance to aqueous solutions and hot oils.
Grades we use regularly
• Celanese Santoprene 101-64
• Celanese Santoprene 101-80
EPDM (Type of Rubber)
Good for – EPDM is a flexible material that has excellent resistance to water, UV, and oxidation. EPDM also has excellent temperature and weathering resistance. The cost for sompression tooling for EPDM is also low.
Limitations – EPDM has poor oil, gas and solvent resistance. EPDM is also very difficut to bond. Some adhesive are formulated for EPDM, but surface preparation is critical.
Grades we use regularly
• Dow EPDM 670
Adhesives
3M 4941 VHB Family
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