Go4Mould is an ultimate injection molding company that provides various injection materials for your project. With more than 16 years of on-field experience in China, we know our customers’ needs, which is why we have an international reputation as the most trusted injection molding service provider.
Our expert team guides customers through the injection molding process and helps them select the right material for their project. Go4Mould’s professional engineers design and create the perfect mold for your business.
Figure 1: 8 Best injection moulding materials
This blog post will tell you about the 8 best injection moulding materials for your injection molds.
Injection molding – Briefing
Injection molding is one of the most popular manufacturing processes used today. It produces parts with complex geometries and features such as threads, undercuts, and hollow cavities.
Injection molding can be performed with various materials, including metals, elastomers, and thermoplastics. However, thermoplastic is the most feasible and budget-friendly injection moulding material to perform injection molding, and many companies, including Go4Mould, prefer using plastic for its beneficial properties.
8 best injection moulding materials
Injection molding materials are vital to the injection molding process. The injection process highly depends on what type of plastic material you choose. Below is a list of the 8 best injection molding materials.
Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene is a lightweight, durable plastic with a low melting point. This injection moulding material is used in various applications, including food packaging, containers, and toys. PE is also popular in the medical field, where it does not allow shrinkage and is used for making prosthetic devices and tubing.
Polyoxymethylene (POM)
Polyoxymethylene (POM) is a semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic injection moulding material used in precision parts requiring high stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability.
POM is characterized by its high strength and rigidity. It also has excellent abrasion and wear resistance and a low coefficient of friction against metals, glass, and most other plastics. Thus, POM is frequently used as an alternative to metal bearings and bushings.
Acrylic (PMMA)
Acrylic is a clear plastic often used in injection molding. Its good clarity and weather resistance make it ideal for applications where transparency is essential. Acrylic can be dyed or painted to create a variety of colors.
Polypropylene (PP) is another low-cost injection moulding material with high strength and good stability. It can be molded into parts with intricate designs, making it ideal for medical and consumer products. PP is also FDA-approved for food contact, making it a good choice for food and beverage containers.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is rigid, durable, and one of the best plastics for injection molding. It’s used in everything from bullet-proof glass to medical devices. Polycarbonate is also lightweight, which makes it easy to transport and handle during injection molding. Its high melting point makes it ideal for high-temperature applications.
Nylon is an injection molding material widely used in engineering plastics. It has excellent mechanical and thermal properties and can be processed by injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing. Nylon is strong and durable, making it ideal for making mold parts in the automotive industry. It is also resistant to heat and chemicals.
TPEs are a versatile class of injection molding material. They offer some unique benefits that make them ideal for injection molding. TPEs are thermoplastic elastomers, which means they have both the properties of plastics and rubbers. This makes them highly versatile.
ABS plastic is a terpolymer made from the monomers acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. It is tough and rigid and has a high melting point, making it ideal for injection molding. ABS is commonly used in toys, automotive parts, and consumer electronics. It is available in various colors and can be painted or dyed to create different looks.
Injection material choosing considerations
When choosing the right material for your injection-molded parts, many factors must be considered. The most important considerations include the properties of the final part and the production process.
Some other essential injection moulding material properties to consider are:
- Choose raw material with low tensile strength, i.e., easy to break or mold like plastic.
- With a molding tool, check the elongation properties of the injection material that how much it can stretch before breaking. It is essential for parts that need to flex or bend.
- The material’s resistance to indentation or scratches also matters a lot.
- Your material should have shock-absorbing properties.
- Dimensional stability is also the main element to consider. The material can maintain its shape and size under different conditions.
- Last but not least, thermal resistance is also a factor in the injection molding process. It helps the material maintain its properties at high temperatures.
Injection molding service provider in China
Go4Mould is a leading plastic molding service provider in China. Our team of experienced and skilled professionals uses the latest technology and equipment to provide high-quality molding services to our clients. We offer a wide range of services, including mold design, manufacturing, molding, and assembly. We also offer after-sales services to our clients and are committed to providing the best possible services. Contact us anytime to resolve your queries.
Frequently asked questions: 8 best injection moulding materials
1. What plastic is used in injection molding?
The most common plastic used in injection molding is PVC. PVC is also solid and durable, making it ideal for injection molding. Other common plastics used in injection molding include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene.
2. Can HDPE be injection molded?
Yes, HDPE can be injection molded. Its high melting point allows it to be melted and injected into a mold to create the desired shape. Thus, HDPE is a good choice for injection molding. You can make plastic bottles, containers, and other objects.
