THERMOPLASTIC MATERIALS
The table below provides some brief details on different thermoplastic materials used in injection moulding. The list is by no means exhaustive and there are a number of blends of different materials, e.g. PC/ABS, designed to achieve the best performance properties of the two individual components. Within each group of plastics, different levels of performance are available. Additional strength may be gained through the addition of fillers, such as talc or glass, in many cases. Also additives to improve UV stability or flame retardancy or provide antimicrobial properties may also be used.
We are increasingly asked about bio-based plastic materials - those that are organic based as opposed to petroleum, namely bioplastics. It is important to distinguish two aspects of bioplastics: biodegradable and compostable and for this reason we have a dedicated page to understanding Bioplastics
Rutland Plastics is not a distributor or reseller of thermoplastic raw materials.
| Material | Abbr. | Properties | Typical Applications |
| Polypropylene | PP | Good chemical resistance | Packaging, containers |
| PP Homopolymer | HPPP | Semi rigid, durable | Small domestic appliances eg kettles |
| PP Copolymer | CPPP | Good gloss, texture possible, low cost | Large automotive parts, plates and cups for children and picnics |
| Polyethylene | PE | Good chemical resistance, flexible or semi rigid depending on grade. Weatherproof, good low temperature performance. Non toxic. Low cost | Low Density –Packaging, containers. High Density – crates, chemical drums, gas/water pipe and fittings, kitchenware |
| PE Low Density | LDPE/LLDPE | Good chemical resistance, flexible or semi rigid depending on grade. Weatherproof, good low temperature performance. Non toxic. Low cost | Low Density –Packaging, containers. High Density – crates, chemical drums, gas/water pipe and fittings, kitchenware |
| PE High Density | HDPE | Good chemical resistance, flexible or semi rigid depending on grade. Weatherproof, good low temperature performance. Non toxic. Low cost | Low Density –Packaging, containers. High Density – crates, chemical drums, gas/water pipe and fittings, kitchenware |
| Polystyrene | PS | Brittle, transparent. Poor UV stability. HIPS up to 7x impact strength of GPPS | GPPS – toys, packaging, cosmetic packaging HIPS – TV cabinets, refrigerator linings, toilet seats |
| General Purpose | GPPS | Brittle, transparent. Poor UV stability. HIPS up to 7x impact strength of GPPS | GPPS – toys, packaging, cosmetic packaging HIPS – TV cabinets, refrigerator linings, toilet seats |
| High Impact | HIPS | Brittle, transparent. Poor UV stability. HIPS up to 7x impact strength of GPPS | GPPS – toys, packaging, cosmetic packaging HIPS – TV cabinets, refrigerator linings, toilet seats |
| Acrylic | PMMA | Rigid, clear, glossy, good weather resistance | Lenses, signs, light diffusers, point of purchase displays |
| Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | ABS | Rigid, opaque, tough, good gloss, texture possible | Domestic appliances, car fascias, computer housings |
| Nylon (Polyamide) | PA | Rigid, tough, hardwearing | Gears, bearings, automotive under bonnet parts |
| Acetal | POM | Rigid, tough, springlike, good wear and electrical insulation | Aerosol valves, clock parts, computer printer components |
| Polycarbonate | PC | Rigid, transparent, excellent impact resistance, good weather resistance, good dimensional stability | Crash helmet visors, vandal proof glazing, riot shields, car headlamp lenses, safety helmets, babies’ bottles |
| Acrylate Styrene Acrylonitrile | ASA | Rigid, opaque, tough, good UV resistance | Housings, telephones, automotive door mirrors and radiator grilles |
| Styrene Acrylonitrile | SAN | Rigid, transparent, tough, resistant to stress cracking | Lenses, drinking tumblers, kitchen and picnic ware, hi-fi covers |
| Polyvinyl Chloride | PVC | Rigid or flexible grades, weatherprooof, non-flammable, good impact strength and electrical insulation | Drainpipes and guttering, cable insulation, flooring, roofing, hosepipes |
| Polyurethane | PUR | Flexible, clear, impermeable | Shoe soles and heels, seals, gaskets, rollers, wheels |
| Polyesters | PBT, PET | Rigid, clear, extremely tough, wide temperature range resistance | Drink bottles, business machine components, transformer parts |
| Polysulphone | PES,PSU | Excellent high temperature stability, rigid or flexible grades available. High cost | Microwave grills, chemotherapy devices, surgical equipment, fuel cells |
| Polyphenylene Sulphide | PPS | Rigid, opaque, non-burning, good chemical resistance at high temperature | Chemical pumps, medical and dental equipment, transformer parts, heating element bases |
| Polyvinylidene Fluoride | PVDF | Strong, tough material with excellent chemical and heat resistance | Valves, pumps, bearings in chemical process industry |
| Polyphenylene Oxide | PPO | Rigid, opaque, glossy, excellent dimensional stability | TV housings, automotive instrument enclosures |
| Ethylene Vinyl Acetate | EVA | Flexible (rubber-like), good low temperature flexibility, good chemical resistance | Handle grips, ice cube trays, hoses |
