There are many types of materials that may be used in the injection molding china process. Most polymers may be used, including all thermoplastics, some thermosets, and some elastomers. When these materials are used in the injection molding process, their raw form is usually small pellets or a fine powder. Also, colorants may be added in the process to control the color of the final part. The selection of a material for creating injection molded parts is not solely based upon the desired characteristics of the final part. While each material has different properties that will affect the strength and function of the final part, these properties also dictate the parameters used in processing these materials. Each material requires a different set of processing parameters in the injection molding process, including the injection temperature, injection pressure, mold temperature, ejection temperature, and cycle time. A comparison of some commonly used materials is shown below (Follow the links to search the material library).

Material nameAbbreviationTrade namesDescriptionApplications
AcetalPOMCelcon, Delrin, Hostaform, LucelStrong, rigid, excellent fatigue resistance, excellent creep resistance, chemical resistance, moisture resistance, naturally opaque white, low/medium costBearings, cams, gears, handles, plumbing components, rollers, rotors, slide guides, valves
AcrylicPMMADiakon, Oroglas, Lucite, PlexiglasRigid, brittle, scratch resistant, transparent, optical clarity, low/medium costDisplay stands, knobs, lenses, light housings, panels, reflectors, signs, shelves, trays
Acrylonitrile Butadiene StyreneABSCycolac, Magnum, Novodur, TerluranStrong, flexible, low mold shrinkage (tight tolerances), chemical resistance, electroplating capability, naturally opaque, low/medium costAutomotive (consoles, panels, trim, vents), boxes, gauges, housings, inhalors, toys
Cellulose AcetateCADexel, Cellidor, SetilitheTough, transparent, high costHandles, eyeglass frames
Polyamide 6 (Nylon)PA6Akulon, Ultramid, GrilonHigh strength, fatigue resistance, chemical resistance, low creep, low friction, almost opaque/white, medium/high costBearings, bushings, gears, rollers, wheels
Polyamide 6/6 (Nylon)PA6/6Kopa, Zytel, RadilonHigh strength, fatigue resistance, chemical resistance, low creep, low friction, almost opaque/white, medium/high costHandles, levers, small housings, zip ties
Polyamide 11+12 (Nylon)PA11+12Rilsan, GrilamidHigh strength, fatigue resistance, chemical resistance, low creep, low friction, almost opaque to clear, very high costAir filters, eyeglass frames, safety masks
PolycarbonatePCCalibre, Lexan, MakrolonVery tough, temperature resistance, dimensional stability, transparent, high costAutomotive (panels, lenses, consoles), bottles, containers, housings, light covers, reflectors, safety helmets and shields
Polyester – ThermoplasticPBT, PETCelanex, Crastin, Lupox, Rynite, ValoxRigid, heat resistance, chemical resistance, medium/high costAutomotive (filters, handles, pumps), bearings, cams, electrical components (connectors, sensors), gears, housings, rollers, switches, valves
Polyether SulphonePESVictrex, UdelTough, very high chemical resistance, clear, very high costValves
PolyetheretherketonePEEKEEKStrong, thermal stability, chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, low moisture absorptionAircraft components, electrical connectors, pump impellers, seals
PolyetherimidePEIUltemHeat resistance, flame resistance, transparent (amber color)Electrical components (connectors, boards, switches), covers, sheilds, surgical tools
Polyethylene – Low DensityLDPEAlkathene, Escorene, NovexLightweight, tough and flexible, excellent chemical resistance, natural waxy appearance, low costKitchenware, housings, covers, and containers
Polyethylene – High DensityHDPEEraclene, Hostalen, StamylanTough and stiff, excellent chemical resistance, natural waxy appearance, low costChair seats, housings, covers, and containers
Polyphenylene OxidePPONoryl, Thermocomp, VamporanTough, heat resistance, flame resistance, dimensional stability, low water absorption, electroplating capability, high costAutomotive (housings, panels), electrical components, housings, plumbing components
Polyphenylene SulphidePPSRyton, FortronVery high strength, heat resistance, brown, very high costBearings, covers, fuel system components, guides, switches, and shields
PolypropylenePPNovolen, Appryl, EscoreneLightweight, heat resistance, high chemical resistance, scratch resistance, natural waxy appearance, tough and stiff, low cost.Automotive (bumpers, covers, trim), bottles, caps, crates, handles, housings
Polystyrene – General purposeGPPSLacqrene, Styron, SolareneBrittle, transparent, low costCosmetics packaging, pens
Polystyrene – High impactHIPSPolystyrol, Kostil, PolystarImpact strength, rigidity, toughness, dimensional stability, naturally translucent, low costElectronic housings, food containers, toys
Polyvinyl Chloride – PlasticisedPVCWelvic, VarlanTough, flexible, flame resistance, transparent or opaque, low costElectrical insulation, housewares, medical tubing, shoe soles, toys
Polyvinyl Chloride – RigidUPVCPolycol, TrosiplastTough, flexible, flame resistance, transparent or opaque, low costOutdoor applications (drains, fittings, gutters)
Styrene AcrylonitrileSANLuran, Arpylene, StarexStiff, brittle, chemical resistance, heat resistance, hydrolytically stable, transparent, low costHousewares, knobs, syringes
Thermoplastic Elastomer/RubberTPE/RHytrel, Santoprene, SarlinkTough, flexible, high costBushings, electrical components, seals, washers