Plastic injection mold makers use many materials in the manufacturing process. They choose thermoplastic polymers based on their function and resistance to specific environmental exposure. Injection mold design services work closely with various industries, using appropriate materials for successful results. The most common ones are ABS, HDPE, LDPE, Nylon, PC, and PP.
Properties of Injection Molding Materials
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)— This is a tough and sturdy material capable of resisting substantial impacts and scratches. ABS is melted at a low temperature, making it easy to mold. Because it’s a good insulator, ABS is ideal for phone adaptors, keyboard keys, and other electronic parts.
- Low-Density & High-Density Polyethylene (LDPE & HDPE)—As a soft and flexible material, LDPE is low-cost and ideal for fabricating lightweight components such as bottles and plastic bags. On the other hand, HDPE is resilient and stiff with higher strength. It’s an affordable material, which is excellent for manufacturing plastic bottles and recycling bins.
- Polyamide (Nylon)—In tool design, nylon is popular due to its strength and waterproof capabilities. Its unique nature can produce components that resist high-moisture environments, such as pipe fittings and bearings. Nylon is also commonly used in automotive applications.
- Polycarbonate (PC)—This material is solid, lightweight, and transparent. It is commonly used in engineering due to its optical properties. You can find PC in safety hamlets, bulletproof glass, and machinery guards.
- Polypropylene (PP)— As a suitable thermoplastic polymer, PP is flexible, elastic, and rigid. It’s highly resistant to chemicals and moisture, making it an excellent choice for food storage in the packing industry. You can also find it molded into equipment housing and machinery components.
