Thermoset and thermoplastic are often described as one, although there are a lot of similarities between them, they are also different in many ways. So it got some people thinking, What is the Difference between thermoset and thermoplastic?
Thermoset vs thermoplastic: Thermosetting plastics and thermoplastics are both polymers, but they behave differently when exposed to heat. Thermoplastics can melt under heat after curing while thermoset plastics retain their form and stay solid under heat once cured.
Thermoset injection molding uses a resin that sets after it has been injected into the mold, while thermoplastic injection molding uses a resin that remains liquid until it is heated. This makes thermoplastic injection molding a more versatile option, as products can be changed or updated without having to remake the entire part. Thermosetting plastics are more durable than thermoplastics, but both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Which one is right for your business? Keep reading to find out!
Thermoset vs thermoplastic-The difference in plastic injection molding
Thermoset vs thermoplastic plastic
Now that we know the difference between Thermoset and Thermoplastic, it’s time to move on with plastic injection molding. As you can expect, there are differences in plastic injection molding of thermoset vs thermoplastic. Let’s take a closer look!
Thermosets in plastic injection molding
Thermoset plastics are made from polymers. These polymers are in a liquid form or in a soft solid form, and when they are under heat they react with each other to form a stronger material or solidify when heated. One of its main features is that they are heat resistant. Thermosets are more resistant to higher temperatures, so they are capable of maintaining their solidified state.
Thermoset injection molding is a process in which heated material is injected into a mold that is cool, in a reverse process with thermoplastic molding. Afterward, the material is cooled so that it maintains its final shape as the part is being assembled. The polymers from thermosets possess a cross-link that makes them strong, heat and chemical resistant, and stable. Thermosets injection molding is in demand for automotive, electronics, and home appliance industries as they are suitable for high-heat temperature applications and can produce a high-volume of thermosets quickly.
Its application:
- In automotive manufacturing, composite materials such as carbon fiber are used by high-end vehicle manufacturers for enhanced finishes and lightweight materials made by thermoset molding.
- As thermosets have corrosion-resistant properties, they are extensively used in chemical processing plants that have low and high pH levels.
- It has a variety of applications in appliances, such as motor housings, instrument panels, handles, doorknobs, external vents, and side trims.
- Thermoset molding is used to make microwave antennae, circuit breakers, and lighting equipment. Thermoplastics are ideal for oil refineries and drilling components due to their fundamental properties
Advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Thermosets do not soften when heated, so they can be used in high-temperature applications.
- They have good dimensional stability and can be molded into a complex shape.
- Strong and durable. They resist impact, abrasion, and chemicals.
- Can resist high temperature.
- They are tough, lightweight, and flexible
- Cost-effective
Disadvantages:
- Thermosets cannot be remelted, remolded, and reused.
- It cannot be recycled.
- Difficult to have a surface finish.
Thermoplastics in plastic injection molding
Thermoplastics are the opposite of Thermosets. Thermoplastics are made from polymers that liquefy when heated and harden again once cooled. These polymers can be processed repeatedly, they are also lightweight, and can be reshaped without damaging the materials. They are usually in a solid pellet-shaped before being heated. The injection molding process of thermoplastics is melting the plastic pellets, pouring the melted pellets into the mold, then rapidly cooling them into their final shape.
Its application:
There are many applications for thermoplastics injection molding, including:
- Consumer Goods
- Machine Parts
- Medical Equipment
- Packaging and Storage Materials
Advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Eco-friendly
- Can be recycled
- High-impact resistance
- Lightweight materials
- Good surface finish
- Resistant to deformation
- Chemical resistant.
Disadvantages:
- Low melting point
- Can be brittle
- Degrades over time
- More expensive than Thermosets.
In conclusion, there are advantages and disadvantages for both Thermosets vs Thermoplastics injection molding. It is important to know the difference between the two before choosing the right one for your project. Thermosets are better in high-temperature applications and can resist chemicals, while Thermoplastics are more lightweight and eco-friendly.
FAQS
Which of the two is better to use: thermoset vs thermoplastic?
It depends on the project. Both of them are beneficial and disadvantageous at the same time when it’s used, so it is better to know what’s more comfortable for you to use, and what is your specific goal for your product.
Thermosets vs thermoplastics: what are the materials used?
Materials for Thermosets:
- Phenolics
- Silicone
- Melamine
- Polyurethane
- Epoxy
Materials for Thermoplastics:
- Acrylic
- Nylon
- Polyvinyl
- Teflon
- Polystyrene
- Polypropylene
- Polyethylene
Which is commonly used between the two: thermoset vs thermoplastic?
Out of the two plastic injection molding, the most commonly used is Thermoplastic injection molding. Considering the low melting point of thermoplastics, they are an excellent material to use when it comes to recycling applications. In contrast to Thermosets they are not commonly used unless it is going to be used in electronic applications.
Is thermoset injection molding more difficult than thermoplastic injection molding?
Thermoset vs thermoplastic plastic
Yes, Thermoset is more difficult to manufacture than Thermoplastic. The reason behind that is because the Thermoset’s polymer needed the cross-links to be created in order for the Thermoset to have strong durability, and be heat-resistant (to know more about cross-link, read the Thermosets in Plastic injection molding).
Why should I use thermoset injection molding of Go4mould?
Go4mould’s Thermoset injection molding materials are able to withstand extremely high temperatures and are often more firm, dimensionally stable, and heat-resistant than other types of injection molding materials. In addition to this, our injection molding has the qualities of being thermal insulators and electrical insulators. There is less corrosion risk associated with these materials.
Why should I use thermoplastic injection molding of Go4mould?
With a high degree of accuracy and surface polish, Go4mould’s thermoplastic injection molding can make anything from plastic bottles to sports equipment. The high production rate of thermoplastic injection molding, which makes the process quicker than other plastic manufacturing techniques, is a significant benefit. In other words, Our thermoplastic injection molding is a very effective and reasonably priced method of producing plastic.
