---
title: "Plastic Injection Molding Materials"
url: https://www.precisionmoldedplastics.com/plastic-injection-molding-materials/
date: 2023-01-12
modified: 2025-08-25
lang: en
author: "Miguel"
description: "Plastic Injection Molding Materials COMMON THERMOPLASTIC POLYMERS The base materials used for plastic injection molding generally are referred to as thermoplastic polymers. There are many different types of these plastics,..."
word_count: 890
---

# Plastic Injection Molding Materials

# Plastic Injection Molding Materials

## COMMON THERMOPLASTIC POLYMERS
The base materials used for plastic injection molding generally are referred to as thermoplastic polymers. There are many different types of these plastics, and each family of resin has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Further, every family has different grades, which have their own unique qualities. Although there are multiple properties of plastic, the most frequently referenced ones include heat resistance, chemical resistance, impact resistance, weather resistance, UV resistance, moisture resistance, flame retardant, toughness, hardness, flexibility, stability, elasticity, strength, weight, mass density (or specific gravity), and clarity.

With so many types, grades and properties of plastic, it can be difficult to know where to begin the search for the right material for a part, component or requirement. As such, the table below lists the most common plastic injection molding materials and their main properties and frequent applications. Although this certainly is not a complete and definitive listing, it should serve as a helpful guide to start researching the right thermoplastic polymer for your project. If you have any questions or would like some assistance, please do not hesitate to [contact us](https://www.precisionmoldedplastics.com/contact-us/). We are happy to help.

### PLASTIC INJECTION MOLDING MATERIALS CHART

| MATERIAL | HIGHLIGHTS | COMMON APPLICATIONS | MASS DENSITY (g/cm) | SHRINKAGE (in/in) | CLARITY | TONNAGE PER SQUARE INCH (Estimated) | COST |
| -------- | ---------- | ------------------- | ------------------- | ----------------- | ------- | ----------------------------------- | ---- |
| ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | Flame retardant; impact resistant | Automotive; medical; electrical; appliances; toys | 1.02-1.05 | 0.005 | Translucent | 2.5-3.5 | $ |
| ASA
Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate | Toughness; chemical, heat and weather/UV resistant | Automotive; outdoor applications; electrical | 1.07 | 0.004-0.007 | Opaque | 2.5-3.5 | $$ |
| EVA
Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate | Softness; flexibility; clarity; gloss | Sporting goods; medical; foam; rubber replacement | 0.92-0.97 | 0.007-0.020 | Transparent | 2.0-3.0 | $ |
| HDPE
High Density Polyethylene | Rigidity; moisture resistant; food contact | Packaging; food; industrial | 0.935-0.96 | 0.025-0.035 | Opaque | 2.5-3.5 | $ |
| HIPS
High Impact Polystyrene | Impact resistant; flame retardant; food contact | Food; packaging | 1.04 | 0.003-0.007 | Transparent | 2.0-2.5 | $ |
| LDPE
Low Density Polyethylene | Chemical resistant; flexibility; toughness; gloss | Packaging; food; industrial | 0.91-0.925 | 0.015-0.026 | Transparent or Opaque | 2.0-3.0 | $ |
| LLDPE
Linear Low Density Polyethylene | High tensile strength; high impact resistance; flexibility | Bags; packaging; toys; covers; lids; containers | 0.918-0.94 0 | 0.015-0.035 | Translucent | 2.0-3.0 | $ |
| PA6
Polyamide 6 (Nylon 6) | Heat and chemical resistant; impact modified | Automotive; electrical; industrial; consumer; engineering | 1.13 | 0.009-0.012 | Opaque | 3.0-4.0 | $$ |
| PA66
Polyamide 66 (Nylon 66) | Heat and chemical resistant; impact modified | Automotive; electrical; industrial; consumer; engineering | 1.14 | 0.015-0.020 | Opaque | 3.0-4.0 | $$ |
| PA66 30%GF
30% Glass Filled Polyamide (Nylon 66) | High rigidity, hardness and strength; high stability | Automotive; engineering; gears; cams; bearings; electrical; metal substitute | 1.22-1.49 | 0.003-0.008 | Opaque | 4.0-5.0 | $$ |
| PBT
Polybutylene Terephthalate (Polyester) [Valox] | Chemical and heat resistant; mechanical strength | Electrical; automotive; showerheads; irons | 1.31 | 0.012-0.023 | Opaque | 3.0-4.0 | $$ |
| PC
Polycarbonate [Lexan] | High impact strength; clarity; flame retardant | Electrical; lighting; automotive; appliances; medical | 1.20 | 0.005-0.007 | Transparent | 4.0-5.0 | $$ |
| PC+ABS
Polycarbonate + ABS [Cycoloy] | Toughness; dimensional stability; low moisture absorption | Appliances; automotive; electrical; consumer; medical | 1.08-1.22 | 0.005-0.007 | Opaque | 3.0-4.0 | $$ |
| PEEK
Polyether Ether Ketone | Mechanical and chemical resistance | Bearings; piston parts; aerospace; automotive; medical; chemical processing | 1.30-1.50 | 0.010-0.020 | Opaque | 5.0 | $$$ |
| PEI
Polyetherimide [Ultem] | High tensile strength; flame retardant; chemical resistant | Electrical; aerospace; medical; lighting; appliances | 1.27 | 0.006 | Translucent | 4.0-6.0 | $$$ |
| PET
Polyethylene Terephthalate [Dacron] | Lightweight; moisture barrier; strength; impact resistant | Bottles; food packaging | 1.44-1.73 | 0.002 | Transparent | 4.0-5.0 | $$ |
| PMMA
Polymethyl Methacrylate (Acrylic) | High clarity; weather, heat and chemical resistant | Glass substitute; automotive; lighting; medical; lenses; optics | 1.19 | 0.002-0.006 | Transparent | 3.0-4.0 | $ |
| POM
Polyoxymethylene (Acetal) [Celcon; Delrin] | Lubricated; wear and chemical resistant; stiffness | Automotive; industrial; mechanical; electrica | 1.41-1.42 | 0.018-0.035 | Opaque | 3.0-4.0 | $$ |
| PP (Copolymer)
Polypropylene Copolymer | Impact resistant; lightness; food contact | Automotive; household; electrical; packaging | 0.90 | 0.010-0.025 | Opaque | 2.5-3.5 | $ |
| PP (Homopolymer)
Polypropylene Homopolymer | Impact resistant; lightness; food contact | Automotive; household; electrical; packaging | 0.902 | 0.010-0.025 | Translucent | 2.5-3.5 | $ |
| PPE
Polyphenylene Ether | Electrical properties; flame retardant; chemical resistant; low moisture absorption | Electrical; appliances; construction; automotive | 1.13 | 0.006 | Translucent | 3.0-4.0 | $$ |
| PPS
Polyphenylene Sulfide [Ryton] | Chemical and fire resistance; thermal and dimensional stability | Automotive; electrical; industrial; appliances | 1.40-2.00 | 0.003-0.010 | Opaque | 3.5-4.5 | $$ |
| PS
Polystyrene (GPPS) | Impact resistant; flame retardant; food contact | Packaging; electrical; toys; appliances | 1.05 | 0.003-0.007 | Transparent | 2.0-2.5 | $ |
| PVC
Polyvinyl Chloride | Flame retardant; high impact resistance | Industrial; electronic | 1.22 | 0.002 | Opaque | 2.0-3.0 | $ |
| SAN
Styrene Acrylonitrile | Chemical and heat resistance; clarity | Electrical; appliances; automotive | 1.06 | 0.002-0.005 | Transparent | 2.5-3.5 | $$ |
| TPE
Thermoplastic Elastomer | Elasticity; chemical and weather resistant | Rubber substitute; automotive; seals; overmolding | 0.87-1.20 | 0.017-0.047 | Translucent | 2.5-3.5 | $$ |
| TPU
Thermoplastic Polyurethane | Range of hardness grades; abrasion and chemical resistant | Footwear; sporting goods; wheels; seals | 1.01-1.23 | 0.012-0.017 | Transparent | 2.5-3.5 | $$ |
| TPV
Thermoplastic Vulcanizate [Santoprene] | Strength; flexibility; lightweight | Automotive; appliances; electrical; construction; healthcare; industrial | 0.92-0.97 | 0.010-0.050 | Transparent | 2.5-3.5 | $$ |

Clarity: Opaque = No light passes through; Transparent = Some light passes through; Translucent = Light passes through**Disclaimers:** The information provided herein is general in nature and is based upon averages, nominal ranges, estimates, non-specified grades of materials in their natural form, and readily available public information. Accordingly, this guide should be used only as a handy comparison of materials and as a starting point for conducting research, and users must perform their own studies and testing of materials. ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE, ARE EXCLUDED AND DISCLAIMED. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Precision Molded Plastics, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability of any kind for this guide or for the information contained herein. [

Download Chart
](https://www.precisionmoldedplastics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Plastic_Injection_Molding_Materials_Precision_2023.pdf)