Materials: Most Common Thermoplastics and Typical Properties

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrenes

Widely used, known as ABS — is among the most popular and versatile of the resins in the styrene family (which includes polystyrene). Its availability, strength, and limited shrinkage all help make it widely used as the default choice for most plastic products.

Polypropylene 

Polypropylene is a strong but bendable thermoplastic that, while not as clear or cheap as polycarbonate, is safe for reuseable containers and laboratory tools. It has particular resistance to fatigue which makes it ideal for living hinge applications. 

Polyethylene 

Also known as PE with variants LDPE, and HDPE, polyethylene another bendable material is one of the most common thermoplastics and is used in film-bags, poly-bags, tubing, bearings, toys and buckets among other things.

High impact polystyrene (HIPS) 

A very cheap and versatile thermoplastic, polystyrene’s rigidity and limited elasticity has caused it to be supplanted with ABS in most applications, but it remains a very good choice for some applications.

Vinyl | Flexible PVC 

A durable and flexible material, vinyl is widely used for everything from fencing to containers to upholstery. It is tough and resistant to tearing, but can be soft and have trouble holding a rigid shape.

Nylon 

Being strong and resistant to wear, nylon is used for mechanical parts such as bearings and other low- to medium-stress components.

Polycarbonate | Lexan 

Polycarbonate is rigid and is particularly useful in clear applications such as, lenses, and light covers. Some forms are used for single use food containers and water bottles, but the material is not considered food-safe for reused or washed containers.

TPE | Synthetic Rubber

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) also known as Sarlink, Monprene, and Santoprene are a viable injection molded substituted for natural rubbers. They offer a range of stiffness and resistance to abrasion which makes them practical for bushings, and seals among other uses.  Wide hardness range: 40 to 90 Shore A.

Acrylic 

Useful as a replacement for glass, acrylic is very versatile and, although somewhat brittle, can be modified for greater strength.

Copolyester 

Outstanding impact resistance, exceptional crystal clear clarity, good chemical resistance, dimensional stability/low warpage, High gloss, BPA Free, not manufactured with plasticizers, good gamma resistance, Fair UV.

We can offer a variety of other materials including custom pre-colored compounds, colorants, metals, and other component materials as required.