The plastic parts in your devices are functional and durable. Different types of plastic contain properties catered to a specific purpose. Manufacturers will choose the best materials to mold their plastic parts with during production to retain the high-quality results.

Mass production considers how these materials behave on the production line and as a final product. These four types of plastic for plastic molding will help you better understand why these materials are common in the manufacturing industry.

Why Different Plastics Matter

It’s important to have functional plastic that fits a product’s needs when using injection molding practices. Therefore, manufactures must consider how the plastic resists external forces, whether it insulates well, and determine the best material to use for their final product to be reliable.

They must also ensure sustainability to combat long-term environmental damage. Eco-friendly plastic stays out of landfills and reduces the industry’s carbon footprint. Manufacturers must consider all their options as they develop new ways to produce quality products for optimal results.

Types of Plastic for Molding

Plastics perform differently in injection molding and as a final product. Here are the main types of plastic the industry frequently uses.

Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene is a cost-effective and versatile plastic used in plastic molding. It’s a popular choice for its easy molding but does not withstand high heat temperatures.

Polyethylene comes in two different density types: high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Each offer unique properties for durable products.

HDPE is strong and has a rigid shape, making it ideal for products such as milk jugs and detergent bottles. LDPE is more suitable for items needing flexible packing, such as plastic bags and tubing. Depending on what the product calls for, manufacturers will determine which density type works best during production.

Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene is a strong contender among other plastics for its strength. These plastics resist chemicals well, making it useful for storing automotive parts or as food containers. Because polypropylene is a durable material, it can withstand repeated cycles of bending without breaking, making it perfect for creating hinges. Bottles with flip-tops, for instance, contain polypropylene.

Although it has its advantages, molding with polypropylene requires specialized equipment for proper production. It is more difficult to mold due to its high melting point. Manufacturers consider these specific properties and take advantage of the qualities of polypropylene when necessary.

Polystyrene (PS)

Polystyrene is a visually appealing plastic that works well for external use. Manufacturers use its solid and expanded form as polystyrene (EPS) foam. They both serve similar purposes.

For example, practical, everyday items, such as packaging and disposable cutlery, contain polystyrene. It’s a high demand product for many retailers for its affordability and versatility. EPS foam highlights polystyrene’s insulating properties. Although it insulates well, it cracks easily due to its brittle nature, making it less ideal for high-impact applications.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as PVC, offers countless benefits. Outdoor materials and products utilize polyvinyl chloride to combat environmental damage, as it has a high resistance to environmental degradation.

PVC can either be rigid (RPVC) or flexible (FPVC) and provide different uses. Rigid PVC provides structure and security as plastic pipe protectors or window frames. Flexible PVC works better for inflatable products or electrical cable insulation.

Although they resist environmental damage, they are less eco-friendly to use. PVC could release harmful chemicals during production and disposal without proper treatment. This and other factors are important for manufacturers to consider when designing their products.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

ABS is a robust plastic that’s effective in production but high in cost. It offers a rigid texture optimal for strength and resistance. While non-biodegradable, it provides more sustainability and recyclable options compared to other plastics.

ABS typically houses electronics and provides structural support for automotive parts. Manufacturers could use ABS sparingly when producing high-end parts.

Sustainable Options

While manufacturers use these four types of plastic for plastic molding, some move toward more sustainable options that reduce environmental impact. These sustainable plastics benefit products similarly to their non-biodegradable counterparts without causing long-term damage. Find out how these plastics break down easier for eco-friendly practices.

Biodegradable Plastics

Biodegradable plastics are ideal for an eco-friendly product. They break down in recycling and reduce long-term pollution. Polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are common examples as they replace plastic used in packaging and disposable items.

These materials are still undergoing research and testing to see how they function for long-term use. Should they prove successful, they have the potential to provide the strength and durability that other plastics offer while reducing the industry’s environmental footprint. Manufacturers can test these new biodegradable plastics and utilize them in production when appropriate.

Recycled Plastics

Manufacturing plants can repurpose non-biodegradable plastics, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, to create recycled plastics. By doing so, they reduce waste and overcrowded landfills.

Recycled plastics are cost-effective for long-term use despite having different properties compared to their original states. This eco-friendly approach challenges the need for virgin materials and practices sustainability. Incorporating these plastics into the manufacturing process allows the industry to create products of the same high quality they originally had.

Bio-based Plastics

Manufacturers derive bio-based plastics from renewable and natural resources. While they don’t offer all the advantages of other plastics, they are a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. This alternative reduces the reliance on fossil fuels that contribute to many environmental issues.

Their main components come from resources such as cornstarch and sugar cane. Examples of bio-based plastics include bio-based polyethylene (Bio-PE) and bio-based polypropylene (Bio-PP). They perform similarly to their traditional counterparts.

Choosing the Right Plastic for Your Project

Manufacturers must take into consideration their design requirements and which plastic type has the flexibility, strength, and heat resistance to help them build their products to last. They ensure that their molding company uses plastic that fits their budget, ecological mindset, and desired usage.

With different types to choose from, manufacturers have endless possibilities for their final product. Technological advancements will continue to offer more options to utilize for optimal results. Injection molding takes advantage of the benefits these plastics hold and creates high-quality, durable products for consumers.