Materials
The right plastic for your injection moulded part
We mould commodity and engineering resins, including glass-filled grades. Our engineers recommend a material in the DFM review, or we use the exact grade you specify, from established resin suppliers with data sheets and RoHS / REACH declarations available.
The material also shapes the mould: glass-filled and abrasive resins call for hardened H13 steel, clear parts need highly polished S136 or NAK80 cavities, and shrinkage is built into the cavity dimensions.
Plastics we mould and where they are used
| PP | Light, tough and chemical resistant; allows living hinges. Chairs, baskets, crates, bumpers, medical disposables |
|---|---|
| PE (HDPE / LDPE) | Impact and chemical resistant, from flexible to stiff. Containers, caps and household parts |
| ABS | Rigid with a good surface finish; easy to paint and plate. Electronic housings, appliance parts, toys |
| PC | Transparent, very impact and heat resistant. Lamp lenses, covers, electrical and medical parts |
| PC/ABS | PC toughness with ABS processability. Charger, phone and device housings |
| PA6 / PA66 (incl. glass-filled) | Strong, wear and heat resistant; glass-filled grades for structural parts. Brackets, clips, gears |
| POM | Stiff, low friction, dimensionally stable. Gears, bearings, snap fits and mechanisms |
| PMMA | Glass-clear, scratch and weather resistant. Lenses, light guides, display windows |
| PS / HIPS | Low cost and easy to mould. Disposables, packaging, simple housings |
| PBT | Good electrical properties and stability. Connectors, sockets, switch parts |
| TPE | Rubber-like and soft to the touch; overmoulded onto rigid parts. Grips, seals, buttons |
Plastic materials: FAQ
Which plastic should I choose for my part?
It depends on strength, stiffness, temperature, appearance, chemical exposure and cost. We recommend a material in the DFM review, or use the exact grade you specify.
Do glass-filled materials need a different mould?
Yes. Glass-filled and abrasive resins wear the mould faster, so we use hardened H13 steel for long runs with these materials.
Can you match a specific colour?
Yes. Parts can be moulded in natural or clear materials, standard colours or colours matched to a Pantone reference or sample, using masterbatch or pre-coloured compounds.
Can you confirm RoHS and REACH compliance?
We buy resins from established suppliers and can provide their data sheets and RoHS / REACH declarations for the grades used in your parts.