Quick Turn Molding Plastics and Elastomers

Rigid Polymers

• ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
  High-strength general-purpose engineering plastic that used for many commercial products.
• PC-ABS (polycarbonate-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
  The best of both PC and ABS. Higher-strength engineering thermoplastic with slightly more flexibility than standard polycarbonate.
• ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate)
  A material very similar to ABS with higher resistance to fading and better suited for outdoor use.
• HDPE (high-density polyethylene)
  Excellent strength-to-weight ratio and chemical resistance. It is often used for fuel tanks, connector insulators, and food containers. HDPE is also used in outdoor equipment like playgrounds.
• HIPS (high-impact polystyrene)
  An easy to form material with high impact strength and stiffness. HIPS is suitable for lower heat applications and often used for POP displays, and signage.
• LCP (liquid crystal polymer)
  LCP has mechanics even at elevated temperatures as well as low dielectric constants. This material provides exceptional features for micromolding and thin walled components. LCP is popular for electrical connectors and interconnects as well as medical devices.
• LDPE (low-density polyethylene)
  A flexible and tough material with lower density versus HDPE. LDPE does not react to acids, bases, or alcohols. Useful for trays, snap lids, and general-purpose containers.
• PA 6/6 (polyamide 6/6, nylon 6/6)
  Offers increased mechanical strength, rigidity, good stability under heat, and/or chemical resistance.
• PBT (polybutylene terephthalate, Valox)
  A common electronic insulator with a polyester base. Highly used in automotive as a longer-wear alternative to nylon.
• PBT-PET (polybutylene terephthalate-polyethylene terephthalate)
  A compounded blend of PBT and PET.
• PC (polycarbonate)
  A clear or colored, lightweight, glass-like plastic that is heavily used across multiple industries. PC is impact resistant, holds great feature detail, and can be used for safety equipment, lenses, electronic devices, and much more.
• PC-PBT (polycarbonate-polybutylene terephthalate, Xenoy)
  A tough and rigid material resistant to lubricants, solvents, and cleaning agents. Very common in electronic enclosures.
• PET (polyethylene terephthalate, Rynite)
  Also abbreviated PETE, this is a clear, strong, and lightweight PE resin heavily used in food packaging, soda bottles, jars, and more. The material is food-safe. PET is recyclable with a resin code of 1.
• PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol, Eastar)
  Also known as PET-G, this is a variant of PET with the addition of glycol to offer different properties. PETG has greater resistance to impacts and heat, and has higher strength and durability compared to its PET counterpart.
• PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate, acrylic)
  A clear glass-like plastic. Good wear and tear properties. Great for outdoor use.
• POM (acetal polyoxymethylene, Delrin)
  Good moisture resistance, high wear-resistance, and low friction.
• PP (polypropylene)
  Polypropylene has excellent electrical properties and little or no moisture absorption. It carries light loads for a long period in varying temperatures. It can be molded into parts requiring chemical or corrosion resistance.
• PPA (polyphthalamide, Zytel HTN)
  A subset of nylons (polyamide) that typically exhibit a higher melting point and lower moisture absorption. PPA is typically used in automotive and industrial applications because it can withstand harsh chemicals. PPA is good for fuel and fluid manifolds and headlight housings.
• PS-PPE (polystyrene-polyphenyl ethers, Noryl)
  Exhibiting high heat and flame resistance, PPE-PS has high stiffness and tensile strength even at elevated temperatures.
• PS (polystyrene)
  A clear, hard, and brittle material widely used for food packaging, clamshell containers, and even disposable cutlery.

Soft and Elastomeric Polymers

• PEBA (polyether block amide)
  A soft, flexible, plastic or elastomer used for medical devices such as catheters. PEBA foams are used for padding, shoe insoles, and sports equipment. PEBA is resistant to moisture and UV exposure.
• Soft PVC (polyvinyl chloride, Geon HC)
  A rubber-like, general use elastomer, that is common in outdoor products, protective films, and mats. Shore A rubber-like PVC requires plasticizers to improve its flexibility from its typical rigid state. PVC is flame retardant due to its self-extinguishing properties.
• TPE (thermoplastic elastomer)
  A broad class of elastomers that behave like a thermoset with high flex and elasticity but process like a thermoplastic through molding. TPE is an umbrella term for many unique elastomer classes.
• TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane (Shore A))
  A tough, highly abrasion-resistant elastomer that bridges the gap between rubbers and plastics. TPUs can be formulated to be rigid or elastomeric. TPU exhibits a high flex before break and is ideal for flexible tires, skateboard wheels, and weatherproof gaskets.
• TPV (thermoplastics elastomer, vulcanized rubber (Santoprene))
  An excellent elastomer with high versatility due to temperature resistance, compression, and elasticity.