What Are The Best Plastics For Injection Moulding?

As a leading plastic injection moulding company, we understand the importance of selecting the right materials for optimal product performance, durability, and quality.

Nordell moulds parts from a very wide range of engineering and commodity plastics, and in many cases, we offer bespoke solutions as required for your particular component.

Materials can be coloured to the exact colour of your choice using dedicated colour masterbatches.

In this blog, we delve into the realm of plastics for injection moulding, shedding light on some of the best materials that cater to diverse industry needs.

From the versatile Polypropylene to the robust Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and the transparent Polycarbonate, we'll guide you through the attributes that make each material stand out.

Moreover, as sustainability takes centre stage, we'll also explore the environmentally conscious choice of bio-plastics, offering a holistic view of the options available for manufacturers striving to make informed decisions in the ever-evolving landscape of injection moulding.

The Best Plastics For Injection Moulding

The following list has been put together by our technicians based on their expert knowledge and the most commonly used materials for our clients at our factory in Worthing.

Polypropylene (PP):

Polypropylene is a versatile thermoplastic known for its remarkable balance of properties.

It exhibits high chemical resistance, excellent impact strength, and good dimensional stability, making it a popular choice for injection moulding applications.

PP is widely used in the production of packaging materials, automotive components, medical devices, and consumer goods due to its durability and cost-effectiveness.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS):

ABS is a robust thermoplastic polymer celebrated for its exceptional toughness and impact resistance.

This material is highly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Common products made from ABS include automotive components, electronic housings, toys, and consumer appliances.

Its resilience and durability make it a preferred choice when strength and impact resistance are paramount.

Polycarbonate (PC):

Polycarbonate is a transparent, high-performance plastic with remarkable impact resistance and optical clarity.

It is commonly used in injection moulding for applications requiring clear and durable materials, such as lenses, medical devices, electronic components, and safety glasses.

Polycarbonate's ability to withstand high temperatures further enhances its suitability for demanding environments.

Polyethylene (PE):

Polyethylene, in its various forms like High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), is renowned for its lightweight nature, chemical resistance, and flexibility.

HDPE is often employed in the manufacturing of containers, pipes, and outdoor furniture due to its stiffness and strength.

LDPE, however, is commonly used in packaging materials, squeeze bottles, and agricultural films owing to its flexibility and impact resistance.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE):

HDPE is a form of polyethylene prized for its high strength-to-density ratio, making it suitable for various applications.

Its excellent stiffness and impact resistance make HDPE a preferred choice for products such as plastic bottles, containers, pipes, and industrial tanks.

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE):

LDPE, characterised by its lower density and increased flexibility, is favoured for its ease of processing and versatility.

Everyday products made from LDPE include plastic bags, squeeze bottles, shrink wraps, and flexible packaging materials.

Nylon (PA):

Nylon, or polyamide (PA), is a strong and durable thermoplastic known for its excellent wear resistance and mechanical properties.

It is frequently used in injection moulding for producing gears, bearings, electrical connectors, and other components requiring high strength and resilience.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC):

PVC is a widely used thermoplastic known for its versatility and cost-effectiveness.

It is employed in injection moulding to produce various products, including pipes, cable insulation, window frames, and automotive components.

PVC's durability, chemical resistance, and flame-retardant properties contribute to its widespread use in different industries.

Bioplastics:

In line with Nordell's unwavering commitment to sustainability, we recognise the importance of embracing eco-friendly alternatives in injection moulding.

Bioplastics, derived from renewable sources such as cornstarch or sugarcane, have emerged as a promising solution to address environmental concerns associated with traditional plastics.

These materials can be either biodegradable, breaking down into natural elements over time, or compostable, offering a more sustainable end-of-life cycle.

The benefits of bioplastics extend beyond environmental considerations.

They often possess properties comparable to traditional plastics, ensuring that clients do not need to compromise on performance while positively impacting the planet.

As a forward-thinking injection moulding company, Nordell is actively researching and incorporating viable bioplastics into our material portfolio.

This commitment aligns with our vision of providing clients with innovative, sustainable options without sacrificing the quality and functionality they expect.

Summary: The Best Plastics For Injection Moulding

There are many different plastics that can be used for injection moulding, all with properties that are best suited for many different purposes.

If you need help to identify the perfect material for your project, our expert team can help.

At Nordell, we pride ourselves on working closely with each client, understanding their unique requirements, and providing tailored solutions that maximise the potential of our injection moulding capabilities.

Whether it's selecting the most suitable plastic material, addressing specific design considerations, or incorporating sustainable options, our dedicated team at Nordell is invested in delivering not just products but solutions that elevate the overall quality and value of our clients' final offerings.

Contact us today to find out more about our plastic injection moulding services.

Call our Worthing headquarters on 01903 235765 or email enquiries@nordell.co.uk.