Plastic materials are widely used in various manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, rapid tooling, plastic injection molding, die casting, and 3D printing. Commonly used plastics for these processes include ABS, PC, Nylon, PP, PE, POM, PVC, TPU, PBT, and PMMA.
Each plastic material has its unique properties such as strength, flexibility, heat resistance, and chemical resistance, which make them suitable for different applications. For instance, ABS is commonly used for 3D printing due to its strength and flexibility, while PC is often used for CNC machining due to its high heat resistance. Plastic injection molding and die casting processes typically use materials with high strength and durability, such as Nylon and POM. Rapid tooling often uses materials like PP and PE, which are affordable and easy to manufacture. Overall, plastic materials play a crucial role in many manufacturing processes, providing versatility and customization options for a wide range of products.
Material |
Flexural Modulus (GPA) |
Impact Strength (J/m) |
Yield Strength (MPa) |
Density (g/cm³) |
Distortion Temperature (°C) |
Working Temperature (°C) |
Color |
Advantages |
Applications |
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) |
2.1-2.8 |
20-60 |
40-60 |
1.04-1.07 |
80-100 |
-40 to 80 |
Wide range of colors |
Good strength and toughness, low cost, easy to process |
Automotive parts, toys, electronic housings |
Polycarbonate (PC) |
2.4-2.6 |
650-900 |
60-75 |
1.20-1.22 |
125-140 |
-40 to 125 |
Transparent, various colors |
High impact resistance, good optical clarity, high heat resistance |
Safety glasses, automotive parts, electronic components |
Nylon (PA) |
1.0-6.0 |
20-80 |
50-90 |
1.01-1.15 |
70-250 |
-40 to 120 |
Natural, black |
High strength and toughness, good chemical resistance, wear resistance |
Gears, bearings, automotive parts |
Polypropylene (PP) |
1.0-2.5 |
5-60 |
30-50 |
0.90-0.91 |
60-110 |
-10 to 100 |
Natural, various colors |
Low cost, lightweight, good chemical resistance |
Packaging, containers, toys |
Polyethylene (PE) |
0.1-1.0 |
10-30 |
20-50 |
0.91-0.96 |
70-110 |
-10 to 80 |
Natural, various colors |
Low cost, lightweight, good chemical resistance |
Packaging, containers, toys |
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) |
2.6-3.6 |
20-30 |
50-70 |
1.27-1.40 |
70-80 |
-40 to 70 |
Transparent, various colors |
Good clarity, impact resistance, chemical resistance |
Food packaging, medical equipment |
Polyurethane (PU) |
0.6-8.0 |
10-100 |
10-80 |
1.05-1.25 |
-40 to 80 |
-40 to 80 |
Natural, various colors |
Good flexibility, high abrasion resistance, good chemical resistance |
Wheels, seals, gaskets |
Polystyrene (PS) |
2.5-4.5 |
10-50 |
40-60 |
1.04-1.06 |
70-95 |
-10 to 70 |
Natural, various colors |
Low cost, good dimensional stability, good electrical properties |
Disposable cups, packaging, toys |
Polyoxymethylene (POM) |
2.6-3.3 |
25-50 |
55-75 |
1.41-1.43 |
120-140 |
-40 to 100 |
Natural, black |
Good dimensional stability, low friction, good chemical resistance |
Gears, bearings, valves |
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
2.5-4.0 |
18-45 |
40-60 |
1.35-1.45 |
65-80 |
-15 to 55 |
White, Grey, Transparent |
Low cost, easy to process, flame retardant, electrical insulation |
Pipes, cables, profiles, films, sheets |
Acetal (POM) |
2.6-3.1 |
20-80 |
55-75 |
1.41-1.45 |
90-100 |
50 to 105 |
White, Black, Brown |
High stiffness, toughness, wear resistance, low friction |
Gears, bearings, valves, fasteners, electrical components |
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) |
0.5-4.0 |
15-70 |
10-55 |
1.12-1.25 |
50-80 |
-40 to 80 |
Transparent, Opaque |
High elasticity, abrasion resistance, oil resistance, weather resistance |
Automotive parts, footwear, sports equipment, medical devices |
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) |
0.8-2.0 |
20-40 |
20-35 |
0.93-0.97 |
75-85 |
-50 to 80 |
White, Black, Opaque |
High impact resistance, chemical resistance, low moisture absorption |
Bottles, pipes, containers, toys, automotive parts |
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) |
0.2-0.4 |
20-60 |
8-15 |
0.91-0.93 |
60-70 |
-50 to 80 |
Transparent, Opaque |
Good flexibility, easy to process, low cost |
Packaging films, bags, tubing, wire insulation |
Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO) |
2.8-3.2 |
7-30 |
55-75 |
1.03-1.07 |
160-180 |
-40 to 120 |
Beige |
High heat resistance, dimensional stability, flame retardant |
Electrical components, automotive parts, appliances |
Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) |
2.6-3.2 |
2-20 |
50-80 |
1.15-1.19 |
90-105 |
-40 to 80 |
Transparent, Colored |
High transparency, UV resistance, weather resistance, scratch resistance |
Signs, lighting, automotive parts, aquariums |
Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) |
2.0-4.0 |
10-40 |
50-100 |
1.31-1.37 |
200-220 |
-40 to 120 |
White, Black |
High strength, stiffness, heat resistance, chemical resistance |
Electrical components, automotive parts, appliances |
Polyetherimide (PEI) |
2.8-3.2 |
30-60 |
75-90 |
1.27-1.33 |
180-200 |
-50 to 170 |
Amber |
High heat resistance, dimensional stability, flame retardant, sterilizable |
Electrical components, aerospace parts, medical |