What type of plastic to use for your project?

The most commonly used method to manufacture Injection moulded parts is thermoplastic injection moulding. Thermoplastics are polymers that can be heated and turned molten. This takes place in the barrel of the moulding machine. Once cooled they retain the shape dictated by the mould into which they were injected whilst in a liquefied state.

So what plastics are most commonly used in Injection moulding?

Acetal

This is a low friction engineering plastic, it is very strong and stiff with good wear properties. It is easy to machine and makes an excellent choice for complex applications that have tight tolerances. If tight tolerance is not properly executed, parts and products will underperform or possibly even fail. Acetal is also resistant to many solvents and fuels and provides good wear and abrasion properties. It is among the strongest and stiffest of all thermoplastics. We use this material in components for the medical industry and food processing machines.

Acrylonitrile Butadeine Styrene (ABS)

ABS is an opaque thermoplastic and amorphous polymer, referred to as a Terpolymer as its composition is made up of three distinct monomers – Acrylonitrile, Butadiene and Styrene. Together they create a polymer and product that is flexible, light and easily mouldable.

It has good heat and impact resistance and is very tough. It is found in a wide variety of everyday items such as drain pipe systems, kitchen items and you may even have appreciated its toughness the last time you stepped on a Lego brick! We use ABS to manufacture components for the automotive and glazing industry.

Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)

It also known as poly (ethylene-vinyl acetate) (PEVA) and is the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate. The weight percent vinyl acetate usually varies from 10 to 40%, with the remainder being ethylene.

EVA is an elastomeric polymer that produces materials which are “rubber-like” in softness and flexibility. The material has good clarity and gloss, low-temperature toughness, stress-crack resistance, hot-melt adhesive waterproof properties, and resistance to UV radiation. EVA is competitive with rubber and vinyl polymer products. We use this material in the manufacture of our Game Guard Gumshields.

Polyamide – Nylon (PA)

Nylon material is used in a very wide range of applications because of its electrical properties, toughness and hard-wearing nature. Nylon has a high level of stability and is a strong material resistant to abrasion, chemicals and impact. It is commonly used in the automotive and medical sectors. We manufacture rail chairs for miniature railways and components for our wedge jotter range using this type of plastic.

Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarb is a naturally transparent, amorphous thermoplastic. It is used primarily when good transparency and impact resistance are required. Unlike many other thermoplastic polymers this material can sustain large plastic deformations without breaking or cracking. It is commonly used in the manufacture of DVD disks and medical devices. This particular material we use in components for food processing machines and in parts for laser tag protective vests.

Polypropylene (PP)

A widely used material It is a cost-effective polymer liked for its good all-round use and flexibility. Its main characteristics are its high melting point, impact strength and good resistance to stress and cracking. It also has excellent resistance to water, acids and detergents.

It is also food safe as it doesn’t “leach” chemicals and can be commonly found in a wide variety of household goods. Our use for this type of plastic is in the manufacture of railway sleepers for model railways and gum shields.

We can offer an extensive range of materials, Click here to see an extended list. If you have a project that you wish to discuss with one of our experts please call 01453 833388 and we’ll be happy to help.