What is Thermoplastics?

Thermoplastics are a category of plastics that become moldable upon heating and solidify upon cooling. This reversible process allows them to be remolded and recycled multiple times. Common thermoplastics include ABS, PP, PE, PC, and PA, each offering unique properties such as high impact resistance, chemical resistance, flexibility, and durability. These materials are widely used in various industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, packaging, and medical devices, due to their versatility and ease of processing.

Types of Thermoplastic

Here are some performance parameters of common thermoplastics which might be helpful to you. If you need more information about injection molding, please feel free to Kontaktieren Sie uns. Ideal Pro are more than happy to provide advice on part design and production.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

• Mechanische Festigkeit: High impact resistance, toughness, and rigidity.
• Wetterbeständigkeit: Moderate, UV-stabilized grades available.
• Chemische Beständigkeit: Good resistance to acids and alkalis, less to organic solvents. Anwendungen: Automotive parts, electronic housings, consumer goods.
• Verarbeitung: 200°C – 250°C processing temperature

ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate)

• Mechanische Festigkeit: High impact resistance and rigidity.
• Wetterbeständigkeit: Excellent, UV-resistant.
• Chemische Beständigkeit: Good resistance to acids and bases.
• Anwendungen: Automotive exterior parts, outdoor building materials, electronics housings.
• Verarbeitung: 220°C – 280°C processing temperature, 50°C – 90°C mold temperature.

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

• Mechanische Festigkeit: High strength and rigidity.
• Wetterbeständigkeit: Good.
• Chemische Beständigkeit: Excellent.
• Anwendungen: Pipes, bottles, containers.
• Verarbeitung: 180°C – 240°C processing temperature.

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

• Mechanische Festigkeit: Good flexibility and impact resistance.
• Wetterbeständigkeit: Fair.
• Chemische Beständigkeit: Good.
• Anwendungen: Plastic bags, films, containers.
• Verarbeitung: 160°C – 220°C processing temperature.

PC (Polycarbonate)

• Mechanische Festigkeit: High impact strength, transparency.
• Wetterbeständigkeit: Moderate.
• Chemische Beständigkeit: Good.
• Anwendungen: Safety helmets, optical discs, automotive lighting.
• Verarbeitung: 270°C – 320°C processing temperature.

PE (Polyethylene)

• Mechanische Festigkeit: Varies by density (LDPE, HDPE).
• Wetterbeständigkeit: Good.
• Chemische Beständigkeit: Excellent.
• Anwendungen: Bottles, pipes, toys.
• Verarbeitung: 180°C – 260°C processing temperature.

PS (Polystyrene)

• Mechanische Festigkeit: High rigidity, brittle.
• Wetterbeständigkeit: Poor.
• Chemische Beständigkeit: Fair.
• Anwendungen: Disposable cutlery, packaging, labware.
• Verarbeitung: 180°C – 240°C processing temperature.

PP (Polypropylene)

• Mechanische Festigkeit: Good fatigue resistance, moderate impact strength.
• Wetterbeständigkeit: Excellent.
• Chemische Beständigkeit: Excellent.
• Anwendungen: Food containers, automotive parts, medical devices.
• Verarbeitung: 220°C – 260°C processing temperature.

POM (Polyoxymethylene, Acetal)

• Mechanische Festigkeit: High rigidity and low friction, ideal for precision parts.
• Wetterbeständigkeit: Moderate; performs well in typical conditions.
• Chemische Beständigkeit: Good resistance to many chemicals, suitable for industrial use.
• Anwendungen: Commonly used in gears, bearings, and valve components.
• Verarbeitung: Typically processed at 190°C to 230°C.

NYLON (Polyamide, PA)

• Mechanische Festigkeit: High, providing excellent durability and wear resistance.
• Wetterbeständigkeit:Moderate, good in normal conditions.
• Chemische Beständigkeit: Good, resistant to many chemicals and solvents.
• Anwendungen: utomotive parts, textiles, mechanical components.
• Verarbeitung: Processed at temperatures ranging from 240°C to 300°C.

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

• Mechanische Festigkeit: High, offering excellent structural integrity.
• Wetterbeständigkeit: Good, with stable performance under various weather conditions.
• Chemische Beständigkeit: Excellent, resistant to many acids and solvents.
• Anwendungen: Used in beverage bottles, food containers, and automotive parts.
• Verarbeitung: Typically processed at temperatures between 240°C and 280°C.

PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate, Acrylic)

• Mechanische Festigkeit: Moderate, providing good durability and clarity.
• Wetterbeständigkeit: Excellent, highly resistant to UV and weathering.
• Chemische Beständigkeit: Moderate, resistant to some chemicals but vulnerable to others.
• Anwendungen: Commonly used in lenses, displays, and light fixtures.
• Verarbeitung: Processed at temperatures between 200°C and 250°C.

PPA (Polyphthalamide)

• Mechanische Festigkeit: High, providing excellent durability.
• Wetterbeständigkeit: Good, stable under various weather conditions.
• Chemische Beständigkeit: Excellent, resistant to a wide range of chemicals.
• Anwendungen: Used in automotive components, electronics, and industrial machinery.
• Verarbeitung: Processed at temperatures between 290°C

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

• Mechanische Festigkeit: Moderate, providing flexibility and resilience.
• Wetterbeständigkeit: Good, suitable for varied environmental conditions.
• Chemische Beständigkeit: Moderate, resistant to some chemicals.
• Anwendungen: Used in soft-touch grips, seals, and flexible connectors.
• Verarbeitung: 180°C – 240°C.

HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)

• Mechanische Festigkeit: Moderate, offering good impact resistance.
• Resistance: Poor, not suitable for prolonged outdoor use.
• Chemische Beständigkeit: Moderate, resistant to some chemicals.
• Anwendungen: Commonly used in disposable cutlery, packaging, and housings.
• Verarbeitung: 180°C – 240°C.

PEI (Polyetherimide)

• Mechanische Festigkeit: High, with excellent rigidity and strength.
• Wetterbeständigkeit: Good, maintains performance in various conditions.
• Chemische Beständigkeit: Gut, resistent gegen viele Chemikalien.
• Anwendungen: Medical instruments, electrical components, and high-performance parts.
• Verarbeitung: 340°C - 400°C.