With so many plastic resins available, you may feel overwhelmed when selecting the right resin for your custom injection molding project. Lucky for you, here at LeVic Plastics, where we produce custom plastic injection molds in Kansas City and Missouri, we understand the benefits and purposes of each different plastic resin. Continue reading to learn about five commonly used plastic resins for injection molding.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
ABS is a very popular resin for custom plastic injection molds. This resin offers extreme strength, toughness, and impact-resistant and heat-resistant properties. All of its qualities make it ideal for a variety of industries, especially the automotive industry. Because ABS combines acrylonitrile and styrene polymers, it makes it a perfect fit for applications that need sturdy material.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is also very moldable, adheres to itself and other similar plastics, offers glossy effects, and can be processed using any standard thermoplastic processing methods.
You can find ABS in products such as:
- Telephone handsets
- Musical instruments
- Toys
- Luggage
- Medical devices
- Automobile trim
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (also known as the steel of plastics) could be considered the most used and produced plastic resin across the globe. With chemical resistance, fatigue resistance, elasticity, and tough properties, PP is well-suited for various applications. The downside of PP is that it is a flammable material and is vulnerable to UV radiation.
The food and beverage industries particularly prefer PP since it does not leak harsh chemicals and is safe around food products. Other applications that PP is well-suited for include packaging, household appliances, automotive, medical components, electrical and equipment manufacturing, among many others.
Low- and High-Density Polyethylene
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is an extremely flexible plastic resin available for custom plastic injection molds. It is primarily used for its superior strength, resistance to chemicals and moisture, and being a cost-effective product. It is also important to note that LDPE is not suitable for high-temperature environments.
Applications of LDPE include:
- Agricultural products
- Furniture
- Compost bins
- Household goods
- Electrical wirings
On the other hand, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has a much higher impact, moisture, and heat resistance than LDPE. This resin is a food-grade plastic and is preferred when it comes to food packaging such as plastic bags, containers, refrigerator shelves, etc.
High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)
Just like the many other resins used in custom injection molding, high impact polystyrene (HIPS) is exceptionally impact-resistant. However, it also provides good dimensional stability, excellent machinability, and customizable surfaces. This is why applications that require printing and glues use HIPS.
Applications HIPS is used in:
- Promotional signs
- Retail packaging
- Display materials
- Graphic arts applications
- Bicycle trailers
- Garden equipment
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a very hard and robust plastic resin, commonly used to produce bulletproof glass. This plastic is transparent and is used when transparency and strength need to come together. Common uses of polycarbonate include eyeglasses, lenses, mobile phones, car parts, and DVDs.
Contact LeVic Plastics
For custom injection molding in Kansas City, contact the team at LeVic Plastics. We have the ability to mold many types of inserts and match any color you need! Get a quote by filling out our online form or give us a call at 800-231-1232.
