Plastic Materials Guide

Plastic materials are widely used in injection molding, CNC machining, automotive, electronics, medical devices, consumer products and industrial applications. Different plastics offer different combinations of strength, temperature resistance, chemical resistance, wear resistance and dimensional stability.

Choosing the right plastic depends on the material properties, operating environment, manufacturing process and product requirements.

Common Plastic Materials

PlasticKey PropertiesTypical ApplicationsOperating EnvironmentDryingInjection Molding Temp.
ABSGood strength, impact resistance, easy to processHousings, automotive, electronicsIndoor, moderate temperature70–85°C, 2–4 h220–260°C
PCExcellent impact resistance, high strength, transparentAutomotive, electronics, safety partsHigh impact, moderate-high temperature110–125°C, 3–6 h270–320°C
PC/ABSImpact resistance + good processabilityAutomotive, electronics, housingsModerate-high temperature80–100°C, 2–4 h240–280°C
PA6High strength, wear resistance, good toughnessGears, brackets, automotiveMechanical loading70–90°C, 4–8 h240–280°C
PA66Higher strength and temperature resistance than PA6Automotive, gears, mechanical partsHigh mechanical load70–90°C, 4–8 h260–300°C
POMLow friction, wear resistance, dimensional stabilityGears, bearings, precision partsMechanical/wear applicationsUsually not required190–220°C
PPLightweight, chemical resistance, fatigue resistanceAutomotive, containers, living hingesChemical, humid environmentsUsually not required190–240°C
PELightweight, chemical resistance, toughnessTanks, containers, pipesChemical/humid environmentsUsually not required190–230°C
PMMAExcellent transparency, UV resistance, surface finishLenses, covers, optical partsOutdoor/optical applications70–90°C, 3–5 h220–260°C
PBTStrength, dimensional stability, electrical propertiesConnectors, automotive, electronicsElectrical/automotive120–140°C, 3–6 h240–270°C
PPSHigh temperature, chemical resistance, dimensional stabilityAutomotive, electrical, industrialHigh temperature/chemical120–150°C, 3–6 h300–340°C
PEEKExcellent strength, temperature, chemical and wear resistanceAerospace, medical, semiconductorExtreme temperature/chemical120–150°C, 3–6 h340–400°C
PEIHigh temperature, strength, dimensional stabilityAerospace, medical, electricalHigh temperature120–150°C, 4–6 h340–400°C
PPSUExcellent toughness, heat and hydrolysis resistanceMedical, plumbingHot water/steam sterilization120–150°C360–400°C
PTFEExtremely low friction, excellent chemical resistanceSeals, bearings, chemical equipmentHigh temperature/chemicalUsually not requiredSpecialized processing
TPUFlexible, elastic, abrasion resistantSeals, grips, flexible partsWear/flexible applications80–110°C, 2–4 h190–230°C
TPEFlexible, soft, good elasticitySeals, grips, soft-touch partsFlexible applicationsGrade-dependentGrade-dependent

Note: The temperatures and drying conditions above are general starting ranges. Actual processing parameters should follow the specific resin manufacturer’s datasheet.

Plastic Selection Guide

RequirementRecommended Materials
General-purpose housingABS / PC-ABS
High impact resistancePC
Precision gearsPOM
High mechanical strengthPA66 / PEEK
Low frictionPOM / PTFE / PEEK
Chemical resistancePP / PE / PTFE / PEEK
High temperaturePPS / PEI / PEEK
Optical transparencyPC / PMMA
LightweightPP / PE
Electrical componentsPBT / PPS / PEI
Medical applicationsPEEK / PPSU / PEI
Flexible componentsTPU / TPE
Living hingesPP
Wear-resistant partsPOM / UHMWPE / PEEK

Common Plastic Failure Factors

The performance and service life of plastic parts can be affected by:

  • Heat: thermal degradation and loss of strength
  • Moisture: hydrolysis and dimensional changes
  • UV exposure: discoloration and embrittlement
  • Chemicals: stress cracking or material degradation
  • Creep: long-term deformation under load
  • Poor processing: internal stress, warpage and reduced mechanical properties
  • Incorrect material selection: premature cracking, wear or failure