Selecting a type of resin is a critical decision to make when planning a project that involves plastic injection molding. Modern manufacturers offer an incredible variety of resin options, each with unique benefits ideal for creating certain products. Here's what you should know about choosing a resin polymer.

What Are Some Important Factors to Consider When Selecting Plastic Resin?

The hardness of a resin indicates its resistance to dents, abrasion, and scratches. Harder options are often used in medical devices, appliances, structural components, and light fixtures.

Many applications require plastic components that are capable of bending without breaking. While flexibility requires a tradeoff with hardness, not all pliable plastics are soft. Many resin products on the market are also brittle, making them more likely to break than bend.

The weight of a polymer resin can significantly impact the final product. Lighter resins are typically used in building materials, medical devices, and aerospace parts, while heavier plastics are commonly found in consumer products.

What Are Some Popular Types of Plastic Resin?

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

ABS offers strength, rigidity, and toughness, making it one of the most durable and versatile materials in the industry. It’s also extremely resistant to stress, impact, and heat and can be cooled and reheated without warping.

Polycarbonate (PC)

PC polymers are lightweight and naturally transparent thermoplastics. These materials are used to create bullet-proof glass, storm windows, and greenhouses. While PC is highly resistant to impact damage, it is susceptible to scratching and abrasion.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is an affordable thermoplastic and one of the easiest to process. Parts created with this material have high impact damage, low shrinkage, and high stiffness. However, polypropylene can melt easily and is highly vulnerable to solvent damage, so review your project specifications carefully before choosing this plastic.

With access to some of the best materials and state-of-the-art equipment to handle complex projects, Pacific Integrated Manufacturing in Bonita, CA, handles plastic injection molding for manufacturers around the world. They specialize in serving the life sciences and medical industries and have the expertise to help you choose the best resin for your application. Visit their website to learn more about their plastic injection molding services, or call (619) 921-3464 to discuss your project and request a quote.