When you need plastic pieces of almost any shape or size, injection molding is the best way to obtain them. Injection molding works by adding molten plastic to a mold, then cooling the plastic down. When the cooled plastic is pushed out of the mold, a solid part is produced.

Interestingly, there are multiple types of plastic you can use with injection molding, and each comes with its own unique properties. Read on to discover four common materials used in injection molding.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene, or PP, is a plastic used in a wide range of common products. In fact, you’ve probably already interacted with parts made of polypropylene today. Car components, toys, sporting goods, appliances, and packaging all make great use of PP. With excellent chemical resistance, shape retention, and a high melting point, there are many ways to use polypropylene, regardless of your industry.

Acrylic

Acrylic is another material that has proven useful in many different industries. Windows and lighting equipment contain acrylic as a more affordable alternative to glass. Thanks to scratch resistance and high tensile strength, acrylic is a reliable material when you need transparent products.

Nylon

Nylon, technically known as polyamide (PA), is used to make much more than pantyhose. While it may not be resistant to acids and bases, nylon has high resistance to heat and abrasion. In addition, nylon offers unique noise-dampening qualities that many other plastics do not. Because nylon has a naturally low coefficient of friction, many applications involve high friction and wear.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate, like acrylic, is a naturally transparent plastic. When you need light transmission, polycarbonate is one of the best choices available for polymer injection molding. In order to get the best results with optimal clarity, make sure the mold you’re using is well-polished.

Now that you know these four common materials used in injection molding, it’s up to you and your team to determine which material will work best for your applications. If you would like assistance with the decision-making process, feel free to reach out to the team here at Polymer Molding for guidance. We’re always happy to help.