Plastic Materials Guide for Injection Molding

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS Injection Molding plastics provide a balanced combination of mechanical toughness, wide temperature range, good dimensional stability, chemical resistance, electrical insulating properties, and ease of fabrication. ABS plastic is available in a wide range of grades including medium and high-impact, heat-resistant, plateable fire-retardant, and both low and high gloss varieties. Applications: Computer housings, small appliances, automotive interior trim and medical components

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
5000-7500 psi	270,000-380,000 psi	3.0-7.5 ft-lb/in notched izod	140°-200° F	Poor to Fair

Advantages

• Good impact resistance with toughness and rigidity
• Metal coatings have excellent adhesion to ABS
• Excellent processability and appearance

Disadvantages

• Poor solvent resistance
• Low dielectric strength (not a good insulator)
• Low continuous service temperature (melts easily)

Brand Names: Cycolac, Lustran, Hival

ABS + PC (ABS + Polycarbonate Alloy)

PC + ABS Injection Molding plastics offer improved strengths over ABS at a lower cost than Polycarbonate. Exceptional low temperature Impact Strength. The Injection Molding Plastic material can be modified by the addition of glass fiber, mineral fillers and flame retardant. Applications: Automotive exterior and interior components, medical hardware, electrical housings, computers, monitors, business equipment housings and enclosures

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
6400-9150 psi	300,000-400,000 psi	8-12 ft-lb/in notched izod	140°-210° F	Poor to Fair

Advantages

• Good impact resistance with toughness and rigidity
• Metal coatings have excellent adhesion to ABS
• Very good indoor UV light colour stability
• Excellent processability and appearance

Disadvantages

• Poor solvent resistance
• Low dielectric strength (not a good insulator)
• Low continuous service temp. (melts easily)

Brand Names: Cycolac, Lustran, Hival.

Acetal (POM) (Polyoxymethylene)

Acetal Injection Molding Plastic are semi-crystalline. They offer excellent inherent lubricity, fatigue resistance, and chemical resistance. Acetals suffer from outgassing problems at elevated temperatures, and are brittle at low temperatures. Glass filled, and added lubrication grades are available, flame retardant grades are not. Applications: Mechanical Automotive, Business Machine and Household Appliance, Components i.e. Slides, Gears, Cams, Bushings, Door Handles and Seat Belt Parts.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
6000-22,000 psi	120,000-170,000 psi	.8-2 ft-lb/in notched izod	180°-300° F	Excellent

Advantages

• High tensile strength with rigidity and toughness
• Good impact and solvent resistance
• Glossy molded surface
• Low static and dynamic coefficients of friction (slippery)
• Many grades have FDA and NSF approvals on food and water contact
• Replace die--cast metal components

Disadvantages

• Difficult to bond bond
• Poor resistance to acid and bases
• Subject to UV degradation

Brand Names: Celcon, Delrin

Acrylic (PMMA) (Polymethyl methacrylate)

Acrylic PMMA is a tough, highly transparent Injection Molding Plastic material with excellent resistance to ultraviolet radiation and weathering. It can be colored, molded, cut, drilled, and formed. Acrylic is an economical alternative to polycarbonate (PC) when extreme strength is not necessary. It is often preferred because of its moderate properties, easy handling and processing, and low cost, but behaves in a brittle manner when loaded, especially under an impact force. Applications: Automotive Transparent Items such as Head/Tail Lenses and Trim, Household Light Fixtures and Decorative Items, Safety Equipment and Shields.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
2800-10,9000 psi	221,000-534,000 psi	.22-1.1 ft-lb/in notched izod	183°-217° F	Excellent

Advantages

• Excellent optical clarity
• Excellent weatherability and resistance to sunlight
• Rigid with good impact resistance
• Good light transmission

Disadvantages

• Poor solvent resistance
• Subject to stress cracking
• Slightly absorbs moistures
• Continuous service temp. (melts easily)

Brand Names: LG PMMA, Plexiglas, PermaStat, Acrylite

LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer)

LCPs are cool, relatively new Injection Molding Plastic materials with interesting properties. They have tensile strength and modulus close to aluminum. Because of the highly oriented, rod like nature, of the polymer molecules, LCPs present some interesting design challenges. This is because the molecules will only form in straight lines. Additionally, the high orientation only occurs within about .040 of the surface of the part. Molecular orientation below this skin is random. As a result all of the strength of the material is in the skin. Good design data is not available for these materials, so prototyping is a must. prototypes must be molded, because of the molecular orientation mentioned above. Applications: Electrical and Mechanical parts, Food containers, and any other applications requiring chemical inertness and high strength.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
12,000-32,000 psi	1,300,000-4,600,000 psi	1.1-11 ft-lb/in notched izod	430°-500° F	Good to Excellent

Advantages

• Strong resistance to chemical attack
• Excellent thermal and dimensional stability
• Absorb little moisture
• Flame retardant

Disadvantages

• Causes weakness at weld lines
• Generally incompatible with other Injection Molding Plastics
• Higher cost

Brand Names: Vectra, CoolPoly, Zenite

Nylon 6-PA (Polyamide)

Nylons are semi-crystalline Injection Molding Plastics with a good range of properties. Nylons are widely used because they have a good cost to performance ratio. Lower numbered nylons, 6 ,6-6, 4-6, absorb moisture and change their properties as a result. Nylons have been compounded with reinforcements, fillers and additives to produce a very wide variety of properties. Nylon 6 has the lowest modulus of all nylon grades. Applications: Automotive components, Bearings, Electronic Connectors, Gears, Consumer Products and Industrial products.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
6,000-24,000 psi	390,000-1,100,000 psi	2-8 ft-lb/in notched izod	200°-350° F	Good to Excellent

Advantages

• Temperature capability 600°-700° for short term
• Excellent chemical resistance
• High resistance to abrasion
• Tough and withstands repeated impact

Disadvantages

• Absorbs moisture (can affect the electrical and mechanical properties)
• Requires UV stability
• Attacked by strong acids/bases
• High notch sensitivity

Brand Names: Celstran, Durethan, Electrablend, HiFill, Zytel

Nylon 6/6-PA (Polyamide)

Nylons are semi-crystalline Injection Molding Plastics with a good range of properties. Nylons are widely used because they have a good cost to performance ratio. Lower numbered nylons, 6 ,6-6, 4-6, absorb moisture and change their properties as a result. Nylons have been compounded with reinforcements, fillers and additives to produce a very wide variety of properties. Nylon 6-6 offers better properties than nylon 6 without being as costly as nylon 4-6. It has the best abrasion resistance of all nylons. Verton, long glass fiber filled materials, by LNP, are excellent metal replacement materials. Applications: Automotive components, electronic connectors, gears, consumer products and industrial products.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
8,000-24,000 psi	430,000-1,100,000 psi	2-8 ft-lb/in notched izod	220°-350° F	Good to Excellent

Advantages

• Temperature capability 600°-700° for short term
• Excellent chemical resistance
• High resistance to abrasion
• Tough and withstands repeated impact

Disadvantages

• Absorbs moisture (can affect the electrical and mechanical properties)
• Requires UV stability
• Attacked by strong acids/bases
• High notch sensitivity

Brand Names: Adell, HiFill, Ultramid, Zytel.

Nylon 11-PA (Polyamide)

Nylons are semi-crystalline Injection Molding Plastics with a good range of properties. Nylons are widely used because they have a good cost to performance ratio. Lower numbered nylons, 6 ,6-6, 4-6, absorb moisture and change their properties as a result. Nylons have been compounded with reinforcements, fillers and additives to produce a very wide variety of properties. Nylon 11 offers better Impact Strength and dimensional stability than lower numbered nylons. It is also more flexible. Applications: Automotive components, Electronic connectors, Gears, Consumer products and Industrial products.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
8,000-17,000 psi	170,000-1,200,000 psi	2-No break ft-lb/in notched izod	180°-250° F	Good to Excellent

Advantages

• Temperature capability 600°-700° for short term
• Excellent chemical resistance
• High resistance to abrasion
• Tough and withstands repeated impact

Disadvantages

• Absorbs moisture (can affect the electrical and mechanical properties)
• Requires UV stability
• Attacked by strong acids/bases
• High notch sensitivity

Brand Names: HiFill, LNP, Rilsan

PBT Polyester (Polybutylene Terepthalate)

PBT polyesters are semi-crystalline. They are versatile Injection Molding Plastic materials with a good range of properties. They have excellent electrical properties and are abrasion resistant. PBT has been extensively compounded giving a very wide range of properties. PBT performs much like Nylon but can handle higher temperatures and does not absorb moisture. PBT has excellent impact strength but is very notch sensitive. PBT is very anisotropic in shrinkage, so it is difficult to mold to extremely tight tolerances. Applications: Industrial equipment applications, business equipment, automotive housings-under the hood, power tool casings.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
6,000-13,000 psi	300,000-1,200,000 psi	1 ft-lb/in notched izod	250°-420° F	Fair to Good

Advantages

• Good flow
• Tough
• Hydrollysis Resistant
• High impact
• Easily Processed

Disadvantages

• Low Max. Use temperature
• Lower Stiffness than similar PET
• Lower Strength than similar PET
• Attacked by Strong Bases

Brand Names: Celanex, Valox, Ultradur.

PC (Polycarbonate)

Polycarbonate is an amorphous Injection Molding Plastic material with excellent impact strength, clarity, and optical properties. It is very widely used and a wide variety of compounds are available. Polycarbonate has excellent mechanical properties, and can be molded to tight tolerances. It is attacked by solvents and petrochemicals, and its weatherability is only adequate. Applications: Automotive Headlights, Business Machines, Consumer Products, Telecommunications, Medical Products and Mechanical Goods.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
9000-23,000 psi	340,000-1,400,000 psi	2-18 ft-lb/in notched izod	150°-300° F	Poor to Fair

Advantages

• High impact resistance
• Clarity
• Good flammability performance
• Dimensional stability
• Chemical resistance (PC blends)

Disadvantages

• Only fair solvent resistance
• Subject to stress cracking
• Degrades if not processed correctly
• High processing temperature
• Yellowing after long term exposure to UV light

Brand Names: Lexan, Calibre, Makrolon.

PEI (Polyetherimid)

PEI is an amorphous, high temperature Injection Molding Plastic material with relatively low cost compared to other high temperature materials. It has excellent elongation and Impact Strength, and can be molded to tight tolerances. Its chemical resistance is not as good as crystalline materials but is excellent for an amorphous material. PEI behaves similar to polycarbonate, but can perform at higher temperatures. Applications: Commercial aircraft interiors, healthcare products, cooking utensils, fiber optics, electrical and electronic applications.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
14,000-28,000 psi	480,000-1,300,000 psi	2 ft-lb/in notched izod	375°-420° F	Fair to Good

Advantages

• High heat resistance
• Exceptional strength and impact modulus
• High dielectric strength
• Broad chemical resistance
• Biocompatible
• Excellent machinability and finishing characteristic
• Outstanding processability on conventional molding equipment
• Flame resistance with low smoke evolution

Disadvantages

• Translucent and opaque-clear is not available
• High cost
• Notch sensitive
• High processing temps required

Brand Names: Ultem.

PE (Polyethylene)

Polyethylene is a widely used, inexpensive, Injection Molding thermoplastic. It has good inherent lubricity, and is easy to process. Polyethylene has good to excellent chemical resistance. It is also soft and cannot be used in temperatures much above 150. As a family, they are light in weight and possess toughness, chemical resistance, impermeability as well as excellent electrical insulating properties. Applications: Consumer products, houseware items, electronic wire/cable insulators and medical products

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
1900-4500 psi	40,000-105,000 psi	2-No break ft-lb/in notched izod	130°-150° F	Good to Excellent

Advantages

• Low Cost
• Impact resistance from -40° to 194° F
• Moisture resistance
• Food grades available

Disadvantages

• Poor weather resistance
• High thermal expansion
• Subject to stress cracking
• Difficult to bond
• Flammable
• Poor temperature capability

Brand Names: Alathon, Dow, Marlex.

LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene)

Polyethylene is a widely used, inexpensive, Injection Molding thermoplastic. It has good inherent lubricity, and is easy to process. Polyethylene has good to excellent chemical resistance. It is also soft and cannot be used in temperatures much above 150. As a family, they are light in weight and possess toughness, chemical resistance, impermeability as well as excellent electrical insulating properties. Low density polyethylene is the softest and most flexible version of this material. It has high elongation giving it excellent impact strength. This is offset by its permanent deformation upon impact. Applications: Consumer products, houseware items, electronic wire/cable insulators and medical products.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
1,200-4,000 psi	35,000-48,000 psi	No break ft-lb/in notched izod	130°-150° F	Good to Excellent

Advantages

• Low cost
• Impact resistance from -40° to 194° F
• Moisture resistance
• Food grades available

Disadvantages

• Poor weather resistance
• High thermal expansion
• Higher cost
• Subject to stress cracking
• Difficult to bond
• Flammable
• Poor temperature capability

Brand Names: Borealis, Certene, Dow, ExxonMobil, Marlex

HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)

Polyethylene is a widely used, inexpensive, Injection Molding thermoplastic. It has good inherent lubricity, and is easy to process. Polyethylene has good to excellent chemical resistance. It is also soft and cannot be used in temperatures much above 150. As a family, they are light in weight and possess toughness, chemical resistance, impermeability as well as excellent electrical insulating properties. High density polyethylene is the hardest and stiffest version of this material. It does not have the impact strength of low density, but is more resilient. Applications: Consumer products, houseware items, electronic wire/cable insulators and medical products

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
3,200-4,500 psi	145,000-225,000 psi	.4-4 ft-lb/in notched izod	130°-150° F	Good to Excellent

Advantages

• Low cost
• Impact resistance from -40° to 194° F
• Moisture resistance
• Food grades available

Disadvantages

• Poor weather resistance
• High thermal expansion
• Subject to stress cracking
• Difficult to bond
• Flammable
• Poor temperature capability

Brand Names: Alathon, Borealis, Certene, Dow, ExxonMobil, HiFill, Marlex

PET Polyester (Polyethylene Terepthalate)

PET polyesters are semi-crystalline. They are versatile Injection Molding Plastic materials with a good range of properties. They have excellent electrical properties and are abrasion resistant. PET has not been as extensively compounded as PBT because it is more difficult to process. PET has a higher modulus than PBT. Like PBT, PET is very anisotropic in shrink, therefore it is difficult to mold to extremely close tolerances. Applications: Reusable bottles, Pacifiers, Sippy cups, Bottle sterilizer lids, Medical devices, Housewares.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
7,000-23,000 psi	350,000-3,000,000 psi	.45-8 ft-lb/in notched izod	250°-420° F	Fair to Good

Advantages

• High temperature resistance
• Some grades FDA approved
• Excellent toughness
• Excellent clarity
• Easy processing

Disadvantages

• Highly susceptible to degradation when heated above 150°C in the presence of moisture
• Cannot be exposed to elevated temperatures
• Must be thoroughly dried prior to processing
• High processing temps required

Brand Names: HiFill, LNP Stat-Kon Valox, Petra.

PP (Polypropylene)

Polypropylene is a widely used, semi-crystalline Injection Molding Plastic material. It has been extensively compounded to provide a wide range of properties at a wide range of costs. In general, polypropylene is a low temperature Injection Molding Plastic material with excellent chemical resistance. It has no known solvent at 73 F. Polypropylene is difficult to mold to extremely close tolerances. Applications: Packaging, industrial components for fluid processing, household goods, automotive and electrical hardware.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
4,500-18,500 psi	210,000 -1,500,000 psi	1.4-5.5 ft-lb/in notched izod	150°-300° F	Excellent

Advantages

• Excellent moisture resistance
• Food grades available
• Mold--in hinge possible
• Good impact strength

Disadvantages

• Degraded by UV
• Flammable (retarded grades available)
• Attacked by chlorinated solvents

Brand Names: Adell, Borealis, Celstran, Certene.

PPA (Polyphthalamide)

PPA is a relatively new, semi-crystalline Injection Molding Plastic material, with an excellent cost to performance ratio. PPA bridges the performance gap between nylons/polyesters, and higher priced, high temperature materials such as PEI and PEEK. PPA has excellent impact strength and is not notch sensitive. PPA does absorb moisture, and its properties change as a result. This change is not nearly as great as 6-6 nylon. Despite its relatively recent introduction, good design data is available for PPA. Applications: Automotive applications, Housing for high temperature electrical connectors, Multiple other uses as a replacement to metals.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
9,000-33,000 psi	270,000 -2,700,000 psi	.6-22 ft-lb/in notched izod	300°-450° F	Good to Excellent

Advantages

• Heat resistance
• Chemical resistance
• Can resist infrared soldering environments
• Relatively low moisture absorption
• Strength or physical properties

Disadvantages

• Not inherently flame retardant
• Requires good drying equipment
• High processing temperatures

Brand Names: Amodel, Verton, Grivory, Zytel.

PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide)

PPS is a high temperature semi-crystalline Injection Molding Plastic material. It has good mechanical properties and excellent chemical resistance at elevated temperatures. PPS has been compounded extensively and many different types of properties are available. PTFE filled PPS is one of the best bearing materials available. Unfilled grades of PPS have poor properties, so components are usually made from glass filled or glass/mineral filled grades. PPS is very sensitive to molding conditions and must be processed properly to achieve its maximum potential. Applications: Hydraulic components, bearings, cams, valves and electronic parts

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
14,000-28,000 psi	550,000 -2,900,000 psi	.5-6 ft-lb/in notched izod	450°-500° F	Good to Excellent

Advantages

• Capable of extended usage at 450° F
• Good radiation resistance
• Good solvent and chemical resistance
• Excellent dimensional stability
• Flame retardant
• Low water absorption

Disadvantages

• Difficult to process (high melt temps)
• High cost
• Fillers required to obtain good impact strength
• Attacked by chlorinated hydrocarbons

Brand Names: Fortron, Lubricomp, Ryton, Supec.

PS (Polystyrene Crystal)

Crystal polystyrene is the cheapest Injection Molding thermoplastic available. It has properties to match its price. It is transparent and has good optical properties. It has very low Impact Strength. Applications: Household Goods, Containers, Furniture, Housings and Packaging.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
5000-7500 psi	380,000 -480,000 psi	.35-.45 ft-lb/in notched izod	100°-150° F	Poor

Advantages

• Optical Clarity
• High gloss
• FDA grades available
• Low cost
• Good dimensional stability
• Good rigidity

Disadvantages

• Flammable, but flame retardant grades available
• Poor solvent resistance
• Homopolymers are brittle
• Subject to stress and environmental cracking

Brand Names: Certene, Hival, Polystyrol, Styron.

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)

High Impact Polystyrene is what its name implies. A few cents more than crystal styrene, to pay for the rubber modifier. HIPS is opaque and very widely used. It has a lower modulus, better elongation, and is a lot less brittle than crystal styrene. Applications: Household Goods, Containers, Furniture, Housings and Packaging.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
7,500-10,000 psi	160,000 -370,000 psi	3-7 ft-lb/in notched izod	100°-150° F	Poor

Advantages

• Optical clarity
• High gloss
• FDA grades available
• Low cost
• Good dimensional stability
• Good rigidity

Disadvantages

• Flammable, but flame retardant grades available
• Poor solvent resistance
• Homopolymers are brittle
• Subject to stress and environmental cracking

Brand Names: Certene, Hival, Polystyrol, Styron

PSU (Polysulfone)

Polysulfone is a high temperature amorphous Injection Molding Plastic material with relatively low cost. It is transparent and can be used at temperatures of up to 300 F. Polysulfone has been compounded, with glass and mineral filled grades available. Applications: Appliance parts, electronic parts, automotive parts, medical components, business Equipment, aerospace and insulators.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
9,500-18,000 psi	390,000-1,500,000 psi	.65-7 ft-lb/in notched izod	300°-350° F	Fair to Good

Advantages

• Good thermal stability
• Transparent
• Tough and rigid
• Chemical Resistance

Disadvantages

• Attacked by many solvents
• Poor weatherability
• Subject to stress cracks
• High processing temperature

Brand Names: Udel, Ultrason, Mindel.

PU (Polyurethane)

Polyurethane is a resilient, extremely tough abrasion and tear resistant elastomeric Injection Molding Plastic material that is available in ether and ester based formulations. These diverse formulations cover an extremely wide range of stiffness, hardness, and densities. These Injection Molding Plastic materials offer good chemical resistance, and are transparent in unfilled grades. Applications: Gaskets, Seals, Bushings, Connectors, Electrical parts

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
6,500-33,000 psi	230,000-2,000,000 psi	1.5-10 ft-lb/in notched izod	150°-230° F	Good

Advantages

• High Tensile Strength
• Chemical and Heat Resistant
• Low Temperature Flexibility
• Abrasion resistant

Disadvantages

• Can be adversely affected by direct sunlight
• Attacked by organic solvents

Brand Names: Conathane, HydroThane, Isoloss.

PVC (Polyvinylchloride)

PVC is one of the oldest and most commonly used Injection Molding thermoplastic materials. The material is a colorless polymer of vinyl chloride. PVC can have numerous properties and the characteristics can be altered by the use of additives such as stabilizers, lubricants, softeners, pigments, fillers or static agents. PVC offers similar properties to ABS at a slightly reduced cost. However, the appearance of PVC cannot come close to ABS. In its plastic phase, PVC is corrosive to molds and molding machines. In its solid phase, PVC is non corrosive. Applications: Medical/Healthcare Products, Automotive Applications, Household Items and Electronic Extruded Wire Covering.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
10,000-12,000 psi	350,000-600,000 psi	.8-1.4 ft-lb/in notched izod	120°-170° F	Fair to Good

Advantages

• Wide range of flexibility
• Flame Retardant
• Dimensional stability
• Low Cost

Disadvantages

• Attacked by several solvent types
• Limited thermal capability
• Over heating may cause harmful vapors
• Stained by sulfur compounds
• Higher density than many plastics

Brand Names: Alpha, Apex, Evicom, Geon, LG.

PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride)

PVDF is a melt processable fluropolymer Injection Molding Plastic. It is similar in properties to other fluropolymers, but has better strength and lower creep than the other members of this family. PVDF has good wear resistance , and excellent chemical resistance. But does not perform well at elevated temperatures. Applications: Aircraft applications, Computer components, Protective coverings, Seals, Electrical parts, Diaphrams.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
3,500-7,200 psi	170,000-1,200,000 psi	2.5-8 ft-lb/in notched izod	170°-300° F	Good to Excellent

Advantages

• Fatigue resistant
• Good weather resistant
• Good thermal stability
• Good processability

Disadvantages

• Attacked by strong acids
• Lower thermal capability
• Toxic in thermal decomposition

Brand Names: Dyflor, HiFill, Kynar.

SAN (Styrene Acrylonitrile)

SAN is ABS without the Butadiene. It does not have the Impact Strength of ABS, but can be crystal clear. Injection Molding Plastic, Styrene Acrylonitrile has better general chemical resistance than polystyrene and is cheaper than acrylic. It has a good combination of rigidity, strength, toughness and transparency. Applications: Battery cases, Dials, Knobs, Switches, Lenses, Trays, Containers, Covers, Autoclavable devices, Dental & Medical light diffusers

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
10,000-18,000 psi	500,000-1,200,000 psi	.3-3.0 ft-lb/in notched izod	140°-200° F	Poor to Fair

Advantages

• Heat Resistant
• High Clarity
• High Flow and Rigidity
• Dimensionally Stable

Disadvantages

• Low impact strength
• High processing temps
• Flammable-smoke generation
• Yellows quicker than other PS

Brand Names: LNP Lubricomp, Thermocomp, LG, Lustran, Luran.

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are a combination of polymers (usually a plastic and a rubber) which consist of both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties resulting in a product that is extremely easy to use in manufacturing a variety of products. TPE Injection Molding Plastic require little or no compounding and no need to add reinforcing agents, stabilizers or cure systems. Applications: Automotive Fluid Delivery Systems, Household appliances, Sporting goods, Electrical and Medical components.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
1,000-7,000 psi	5,000-800,000 psi	2.5-No Break ft-lb/in notched izod	200°-300° F	Fair to Good

Advantages

• Low compression and tension set
• Easily processed
• Fatigue resistance
• Good tear strength

Disadvantages

• Flammable but flame retardant grades available
• Extensive heat aging causes severe change in mechanical properties
• High cost

Brand Names: CoolPoly, Dynaflex, Elastamax, Monprene, Versaflex.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer)

Injection Molding Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers exhibit excellent abrasion and wear resistance and high tensile and tear strengths. TPUs are tough, durable, easy to clean and well-suited to applications that demand the elasticity of rubber combined with high stability. In addition, the inherent translucency of these products makes it easy to color and that is an added benefit in many applications. Applications: Automotive and Aerospace Applications, Medical and Optical purposes, Electrical Wire and Cable Coverings.

Tensile Strength	Flexural Modulus	Impact Strength	Max Temp.	Chemical Resistance
6960-12,000 psi	260,000-340,000 psi	.80-10.1 ft-lb/in notched izod	160°-250° F	Fair to Good

Advantages

• Chemical Resistant
• Low temp. flexibility
• Abrasion and wear resistant
• Easily Processed

Disadvantages

• Shorter shelf life
• Lower Stiffness than similar PET
• Drying required pre-processing
• Narrow hardness range

Brand Names: Celanex, Valox, Ultradur.