Plastic resources for injection molding span from generally utilized polymers to polymer blends and specialty plastics. There are numerous kinds of plastic resins accessible, and they each possess diverse end-use properties and handling needs.

Also, there are various grades of the same plastic material like resin types with fillers, including carbon fibers or glass fibers, and particular brand names.

These are the most general plastic materials used for injection molding:

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is the 2nd most utilized plastic globally. It offers great chemical resistance, has a high melting point, won’t damage when exposed to water or moisture, and keeps its structure after bending or torsion. Injected molded polypropylene is also recyclable.

Applications for polypropylene injection molding comprise storage containers, toys, sporting goods, appliances, energy tool bodies, and packaging.

Polystyrene 

Polystyrene plastics are relatively economical, resistant to bacterial growth and moisture, and lightweight. Also, these commodity plastics offer great chemical resistance to diluted bases and acids and have exceptional gamma radiation resistance, which is employed to sanitize medical devices.

 

Applications for polystyrene injection molding comprise optical, medical, electronic, and electrical applications. With its greater impact intensity, HIPS is generally utilized with equipment and appliances, while injection-molded GPPS is employed in cases, plastic toys, trays, and containers.

 

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

 

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene has a reasonably low melting point that makes it simple to mold. This opaque polymer helps the utilization of colorants and different surface and texture finishes. Its butadiene content offers excellent strength, even at low temperatures, and its styrene content imparts a glossy, pleasant finish to plastic injection molded portions.

 

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene injection molding is employed to create various kinds of plastic parts, such as:

  • protective headgear
  • industrial fittings
  • keyboard keys
  • electrical outlet wall plates
  • consumer goods
  • automotive parts like wheel covers
  • sports equipment

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

 

HDPE is an injection molding material that is a robust, solid plastic thermoplastic particularly in shampoo bottles, plastic bottles, toys, flowerpots, and recycling bins. The major benefit of employing high-density polyethylene is that it’s inexpensive while also having strong material with great strength.

Acrylic (PMMA)

Acrylic is a great, clear thermoplastic that offers a lightweight, shatter-resistant substitute for glass. Also, this injection-molded material delivers exceptional optical clarity so that a high percentage of light goes through. Acrylic resists weather and ultraviolet light and is also called PMMA, or by its full chemical name: poly (methyl methacrylate).

Wrapping Up

With the surging need for components made of plastic in different sectors, the demand for injection molded plastics will reach USD 409.2 billion in 2030.