Commonly used plastics in the injection moulding industry
A wide variety of plastics are used in the injection moulding industry. Choosing the right material is essential for a product’s functionality, durability and cost. In this article, we provide an overview of commonly used thermoplastics and their key properties.
What are thermoplastics?
Thermoplastics are plastics that soften when heated and harden again when cooled. This makes them highly suitable for injection moulding and reuse.
PP, ABS and PE plastics
PP, ABS and PE are the most commonly used plastics in the injection moulding industry and form the basis of many products manufactured by Didak Injection. These materials combine good mechanical properties with excellent processability.
PP (polypropylene) is lightweight, durable and chemically resistant. It is highly suitable for logistics applications such as crates and bins that are subject to intensive use and must be easily recyclable.
ABS is strong, impact-resistant and dimensionally stable. Thanks to its smooth surface finish, this material is often used for technical components and housings where strength and appearance are important.
PE (Polyethylene) is flexible, impact-resistant and moisture-resistant. This makes it a reliable choice for transport and storage solutions that need to withstand harsh conditions.
Overview of plastics and properties
| Material | What is it? | Key benefits |
|---|---|---|
| PE (Polyethylene) | Commonly used thermoplastic | Lightweight, flexible, chemically resistant, moisture-resistant |
| PP (Polypropylene) | Versatile thermoplastic | Very light, chemically resistant, highly recyclable |
| ABS | Strong engineering plastic | Impact-resistant, dimensionally stable, good finish |
| ASA | Weather-resistant alternative to ABS | UV-resistant, colourfast, suitable for outdoor use |
| POM | Engineering precision plastic | Wear-resistant, low friction, high strength |
| SAN | Transparent thermoplastic | Clear, rigid, chemically resistant |
| PA (Nylon) | Strong engineering plastic | Wear-resistant, heat-resistant, high strength |
| PC (Polycarbonate) | Very strong transparent plastic | Extremely impact-resistant, heat-resistant |
| PS (Polystyrene) | Hard thermoplastic | Rigid, lightweight, cost-effective |
| TPE | Elastic thermoplastic | Flexible, rubber-like, recyclable |
The importance of choosing the right material
Choosing the right plastic is a crucial step in the design process. Each material has unique properties in terms of strength, flexibility, temperature resistance and appearance. Choosing the wrong material can lead to higher production costs, reduced service life or functional problems. By taking the specific requirements of the application into account at an early stage – such as mechanical stress, environmental influences and aesthetics – an optimal result can be achieved.
The injection moulding industry uses many different thermoplastics. Materials such as PP, ABS and PE are most commonly used due to their versatility and cost-efficiency, whilst engineering plastics such as POM, PA and PC are chosen for applications with higher requirements. Careful material selection ensures optimal performance and a longer product lifespan.
Would you like to know how Didak Injection uses plastics for customer-specific applications, or are you curious about the possibilities? We’d be happy to discuss this with you. Please get in touch
