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Understanding material properties helps you choose the right plastic for your product and optimize mold design accordingly.
Key properties at a glance
| Property | PP | HDPE | ABS | PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | ★☆☆ | ★☆☆ | ★★☆ | ★★★ |
| Impact Strength | ★★☆ | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Stiffness | ★★☆ | ★☆☆ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Heat Resistance | ★★☆ | ★☆☆ | ★★☆ | ★★★ |
| Chemical Resistance | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★☆☆ | ★☆☆ |
| Transparency | ★☆☆ | ★☆☆ | ★☆☆ | ★★★ |
| Surface Finish | ★★☆ | ★☆☆ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Shrinkage | High | Very High | Low | Low |
★☆☆ = Low/Basic | ★★☆ = Medium/Good | ★★★ = High/Excellent
In-depth look at common injection molding materials
Thermoplastic
Density
0.90-0.91 g/cm³
Melt Temp
160-170°C
Shrinkage
1.5-2.5%
Mold Temp
20-80°C
Thermoplastic
Density
0.94-0.97 g/cm³
Melt Temp
130-137°C
Shrinkage
2.0-4.0%
Mold Temp
20-60°C
Thermoplastic
Density
1.03-1.07 g/cm³
Melt Temp
200-270°C
Shrinkage
0.4-0.7%
Mold Temp
40-80°C
Thermoplastic
Density
1.20 g/cm³
Melt Temp
260-320°C
Shrinkage
0.5-0.7%
Mold Temp
80-120°C
Recommended materials by application
PP or HDPE
Balance of strength, chemical resistance, and cost
PP (with glass fiber)
Lightweight with good structural properties
PP
Cost-effective, food-safe options available
ABS
Superior finish and dimensional stability
PC or Clear PP
Optical clarity with impact resistance
HDPE or PP (with UV)
Weather resistance with UV stabilizers
Enhancing material properties
Prevents degradation from sunlight exposure
Used in: Outdoor furniture, garden products
Increases strength and stiffness
Used in: Chairs, structural components
Adds color throughout the part
Used in: All consumer products
Reduces flammability
Used in: Electronics, automotive
Prevents static charge buildup
Used in: Electronics packaging
Improves impact resistance
Used in: Cold storage, outdoor use
Our engineering team can help you select the optimal material for your product based on requirements, budget, and production volume.