Plastic Injection-Molding Raw Material Types: Properties, Applications & Cost Insights
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Plastic Injection-Molding Raw Material Types: Properties, Applications, Processing Tips & Price Guide
1. Plastic Injection-Molding Raw Material Types: Properties & Main Applications
|
Category |
Representative Materials | Key Properties | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commodity Plastics | PP (Polypropylene) | Lightweight, tough, excellent chemical resistance; withstands steam sterilization | Kitchen containers, living hinges, appliance housings |
| PE (HDPE / LDPE) | Very high impact & chemical resistance, low density | Detergent bottles, toys, film bags | |
| PS / HIPS | High rigidity, dimensional stability; HIPS adds impact strength | Disposable cups & plates, appliance panels | |
| PVC | Self-extinguishing, weather-resistant; rigid or flexible grades (requires stabilizers) | Building pipes, window frames, wire jackets | |
| Engineering Plastics | ABS | Tough, electroplating/painting friendly | 3C device housings, automotive interior parts |
| PC (Polycarbonate) | High transparency, impact & heat resistance; glass-fiber grades available | Helmet visors, medical housings | |
| PA 6/66 (Nylon) | High strength & wear resistance; absorbs moisture → allow for dimensional compensation | Gears, slides, tool handles | |
| POM (Acetal) | Low friction, self-lubricating, very stable dimensions | Precision gears, fasteners, valves | |
| PMMA (Acrylic) | 92 % light transmittance, excellent weatherability | Car lamp covers, LED lenses, display cases | |
| PET | High rigidity, chemical resistance, low shrinkage | Connectors, thin-wall packaging, fiber-optic ferrules | |
| High-Performance Plastics | PEEK | Continuous use 250 °C, chemical proof, implantable | Aerospace & semiconductor parts, surgical tools |
| PPS | Heat-resistant > 200 °C, inherent flame retardancy, chemically inert | Under-hood automotive parts, coil bobbins | |
| PEI (Ultem®) | Superior dimensional stability at high temp, radiation resistant | Sterilization trays, aircraft interiors | |
| Elastomers | TPE / TPU | Rubber-like elasticity plus thermoplastic processing | Over-molded phone cases, anti-slip grips, shoe soles |
| Thermosets | PF, EP, UPE | After cure: high heat resistance, no remelting | Circuit breakers, reflector bowls, coil formers |
2. Processing Notes for Different Plastic Injection-Molding Raw Material Types
-
Drying & Moisture Control:
- PA, PET, PC, TPU must be dried to < 0.02 wt% to avoid hydrolysis, splay, brittleness.
- POM: dry < 105 °C to prevent degradation and formaldehyde odor. -
Melt & Mold Temperatures:
- PP: Melt 190–230 °C; Mold 20–60 °C.
- PEEK: Melt 360–400 °C; Mold 160–200 °C. -
Injection / Hold Pressure:
- GF compounds: 120–180 MPa, 20–40% longer hold.
- Thin-wall optics: high speed + moderate hold. -
Shrinkage & Warpage:
- Crystalline resins shrink 1.5–2.5%.
- Final PA needs 0.2–0.4% dimensional allowance.
3. Price Ranges for Major Plastic Injection-Molding Raw Material Types (Q2 2025, USD/kg)
|
Tier |
Indicative Price |
Key Cost Drivers |
|---|---|---|
|
Commodity (PP, HDPE) |
1.2 – 1.6 |
Crude-oil trend, capacity utilization |
|
Engineering (ABS, PC) |
2.5 – 4.0 |
Additives, brand premium |
|
High Engineering (POM, GF-PA66) |
4 – 7 |
Glass fiber load, FR grade |
|
High Performance (PEEK, PPS) |
25 – 45 |
Patents, polymerization route |
|
Elastomers (TPE, TPU) |
3 – 6 |
Hardness, clarity |
|
Thermosets (PF, EP) |
2 – 3 |
Hex-Cr free FR formulations |
4. Injection-Molding Machine Differences & Required Adjustments
-
Commodity: Standard 3-zone screw (L/D ≈ 20)
-
Glass-fiber compounds: Bimetal barrel, chrome screw
-
High-temp: 450 °C barrel, full hot runner, stronger heaters
-
Optical parts: Mirror-finish screw, Y-runner, PC/PMMA purge
-
Thermosets: Plunger unit, mold ≥ 150 °C with vents
Summary
Understanding plastic injection-molding raw material types, their costs and processing windows lets you strike the best balance among quality, cycle time and total cost. Need deeper rheology simulation or machine-retrofit advice? Just let us know.
About SSB
SSB provides fully integrated plastic injection-molding services—from mold development and raw-material selection to automation—and tailors every step to your project. Backed by years of global sales experience and rigorous quality control (ISO and multiple safety certifications), SSB excels at turning ideas into high-quality, mass-produced products using the most suitable plastic injection-molding raw material types and processes.
