Today, there are hundreds of resins available on the market. These commodity and engineering resins all have their own advantages or disadvantages, which means certain resins will be better suited for specific projects than others. At Decatur Molding, we understand which resins are the most appropriate for which applications. Here are 5 resins that are typically used in injection molding services:
1. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene – ABS is a highly versatile material that used across a variety of industries. Since metal coating adheres to ABS well, you commonly see it in such products as door handles, showerheads, and desktop phones.
2. Polypropylene – While polypropylene is flammable and sensitive to UV radiation, it still offers good resistance to chemical solvents. It performs well in fluid management and processing applications, and it is used for household products as well.
3. Acetal – Acetal features excellent surface lubricity and resistance to creep and chemical solvents, so you see this resin often in molding services for mechanical, automotive, food and beverage, and household applications. While it does not perform well in high-heat situations, it is a go-to resin for such everyday items as toys, gears, and bearings.
4. High-Impact Polystyrene – Cost-effective, highly customizable HIPS is used routinely in such injection molding projects as merchandising displays, as it can be easily glued and decorated.
5. Low-Density Polyethylene – Moisture-resistant and tough, low-density polyethylene is used in a variety of items, from hardware and medical products to common household goods. While it does not bond well and should not be used in harsh-weather environments, it is one of the most flexible resins available.
