Injection molding is a process that has the characteristics of repeated melting and cooling. As a professional manufacturer, BooLing helps users to make the best solutions in terms of performance, cost, appearance and applicability based on the properties of their products.
How many materials ?
Choose your Injection Molding Materials
We divide the materials of mold plastics into three categories, including thermoplastics, thermosetting, and elastomers, so that you can make a better choice. The choice of materials is mainly to meet the quality and application scenarios of the final product. On the premise of meeting the required requirements, we will further strengthen cost control, environmental protection, product life and other aspects. You can choose BOOLING with confidence.
Excellent wear resistance, oil resistance and elasticity.
Heat resistance, fatigue resistance, good elastic recovery
Environmentally friendly, low temperature resistant, highly elastic, chemically resistant and waterproof.
High rigidity, good weather resistance, flame retardant, low cost.
The material has low viscosity, strong fluidity, and easy processing
good hardness, toughness, and fluidity after heating.
Excellent comprehensive properties - high strength, high toughness, good chemical resistance, easy electroplating/spraying, dimensional stability, easy processing.
Excellent processing performance, low viscosity, high product qualification rate.
Silicone materials are non-toxic and biocompatible.
It has the characteristics of elasticity, anti-aging, and resistance to extreme temperatures.
Can be made into various forms from rigid foam to elastomer.
Excellent elongation, high tensile strength, stability and fluidity.
used for low volume product production and testing and can achieve rapid manufacturing of samples.
Key factors in determining injection molding materials
Injection molding material reference table
The choice of injection molding material affects the effect and quality of the final product production. We sincerely hope that you can read the parameters in the table below, which will be of substantial help to you in choosing materials. You can also seek the help of our BOOLING engineers. Each of our engineers has decades of R&D and manufacturing experience. I believe we have the strength and patience to solve manufacturing problems for you.
| Material Category | Injection Molding Material | Features | Advantages | Disadvantages | Typical Applications | Processing Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commodity Plastics | PP (Polypropylene) | Lightweight, chemical-resistant, food-safe | Low cost, good toughness, easy processing | Low-temp brittleness, prone to aging |
Automotive: Bumpers/interior panels Consumer: Storage containers/cups Medical: Syringe barrels Packaging: Bottle caps/films |
High shrinkage (1.5-2.5%), needs packing pressure |
| HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) | High rigidity, chemical resistance | Impact-resistant, excellent flow | Low heat resistance (<90°C) |
Packaging: Detergent bottles/milk jugs Industrial: Chemical tanks Toys: Building blocks Pipes: Water supply lines |
Suitable for thin-wall parts | |
| PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) | Rigid (hard) / Flexible (soft) types | Flame-retardant, weather-resistant | Poor thermal stability, environmental concerns |
Construction: Window profiles/drain pipes Electronics: Wire insulation Consumer: Artificial leather/credit cards |
Strict temp control (160-200°C) | |
| PS (Polystyrene) | GPPS (transparent/brittle), HIPS (impact-modified) | High gloss, easy coloring | Brittle (GPPS), solvent-sensitive |
Electronics: CD cases/housings (HIPS) Packaging: Food containers (GPPS) Construction: Insulation boards (EPS) |
High injection speed reduces stress | |
| Engineering Plastics | ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) | Balanced strength/toughness/processability | Paintable/platable, dimensional stability | UV-sensitive, flammable |
Consumer Electronics: Keyboards/router housings Automotive: Dashboards/grilles Appliances: Vacuum cleaner bodies Toys: Model parts |
Dry at 80°C for 2-4 hrs |
| PA (Nylon, Polyamide) | High wear resistance, self-lubricating, hygroscopic | Mechanical strength, heat resistance (>120°C) | Moisture absorption causes dimensional changes |
Mechanical: Gears/bearings Automotive: Under-hood parts/fuel lines Industrial: Fan blades Sports: Ski bindings |
Must dry! 120°C/4-6 hrs | |
| PC (Polycarbonate) | High transparency, extreme impact strength | Heat resistance (135°C), flame retardant (V-2~5VA) | Stress cracking, alkali-sensitive |
Optical: Safety glasses/car light covers Electronics: Phone cases Medical: Blood dialyzers Security: Riot shields |
Dry at 120°C/4 hrs, high mold temp reduces stress | |
| POM (Polyoxymethylene, "Acetal") | High rigidity + low friction ("Steel of Plastics") | Exceptional dimensional stability, fatigue resistance | Flammable, formaldehyde emission at high temps |
Precision Parts: Gears/bearings Automotive: Fuel pump components Consumer: Zippers/sprayer pumps |
High mold temp (>90°C) controls shrinkage | |
| PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) | High heat resistance, low moisture absorption | Excellent electrical insulation, flame-retardant modifiable | Notch-sensitive, moderate toughness | Electrical: Connectors/switches Automotive: Sensor housings Appliances: Iron base plates | Dry at 130°C/3-4 hrs | |
| High-Performance Plastics | PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide) | Extreme heat (>220°C) + chemical resistance | Dimensional stability, inherently flame-retardant (V-0) | Brittle, high cost |
Automotive: Turbocharger pipes Electronics: SMT connectors Chemical: Valves/pump housings |
Requires high-temp molding (~330°C) |
| PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) | Top-tier comprehensive performance | Heat resistance (>250°C), biocompatible | Extremely high cost |
Aerospace: Engine components Medical: Implantable bone screws Semiconductor: Wafer carriers |
Processing temp >350°C | |
| LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) | High strength + low CTE + thin-wall flow | Ultra-low warpage, heat resistance (>200°C) | Anisotropic, low toughness |
Microelectronics: Ultra-thin connectors Precision: Fiber optic ferrules Heat-Resistant: Coffee machine parts |
Fast cycle time, minimal shrinkage | |
| Elastomers | TPE/TPR (Thermoplastic Elastomer/Rubber) | Rubber-like elasticity + moldability | Soft-touch, anti-slip, vibration damping | Limited heat/oil resistance |
Tools: Overmolded grips Consumer: Toothbrush handles Sealing: Gaskets |
Requires dedicated injection machines |
| TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | High elasticity + abrasion/oil resistance | Transparent options, high tear strength | Hydrolysis-prone (some grades) |
Industrial: Conveyor rollers Consumer: Phone cases Medical: Catheters Footwear: Athletic shoe soles |
Hygroscopic – requires drying | |
| Silicone (LSR) (Liquid Silicone Rubber) | Bio-inert, extreme temp range (-60~250°C) | FDA/medical grade, high transparency | Low tensile strength, high cost | Medical: Baby nipples/implants Food: Baking molds Sealing: O-rings | Cold-runner two-component molding |