There are many types of materials that can be used in injection molding. Most polymers can be used, including all thermoplastics, some thermosets and some elastomers. These materials are usually in the form of small pellets or fine powder when used in injection molding. Additionally, colorants can be added during the process to control the color of the finished piece. Material selection for injection molding depends on more than the desired properties of the final product. While each material has different properties that affect the strength and function of the finished part, these properties also determine the parameters used in the processing of these materials. Each material requires a different set of processing parameters in the injection molding process, including injection temperature, injection pressure, mold temperature, injection temperature and cycle time. Below is a comparison of some commonly used materials (follow the links to browse the material library).
| material name | Abbreviation | Trade Names | your definition | Usage areas |
| acetal | POM | Celcon, Delrin, Hostaform, Lucel | Strong, tough, excellent fatigue resistance, excellent creep resistance, chemical resistance, moisture resistance, naturally opaque white, low/medium cost | Bearings, cams, gears, levers, sanitary components, rollers, rotors, slide guides, valves |
| acrylic | PMMA | Diacon, Oroglas, Lucite, Plexiglas | Hard, brittle, scratch resistant, transparent, optical clarity, low/medium cost | Display stands, buttons, lenses, light housings, panels, reflectors, signs, shelves, trays |
| Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | ABS | Cycolac, Magnum, Novodur, Terluran | Strong, flexible, low mold shrinkage (tight tolerances), chemical resistance, electroplating capability, naturally opaque, low/medium cost | Automotive (console, panels, trim, vents), boxes, gauges, enclosures, inhalers, toys |
| Cellulose Acetate | CA | Dexel, Cellidor, Setilithe | Tough, transparent, high cost | sleeves, eyeglasses frames |
| Polyamide 6 (Nylon) | PA6 | Akulon, Ultramid, Grilon | High strength, fatigue resistance, chemical resistance, low creep, low friction, almost opaque/white, medium/high cost | Bearings, bushings, gears, rollers, wheels |
| Polyamide 6/6 (Nylon) | PA6/6 | Kopa, Zytel, Radilon | High strength, fatigue resistance, chemical resistance, low creep, low friction, almost opaque/white, medium/high cost | Sleeves, sleeves, small enclosures, zippers |
| Polyamide 11+12 (Nylon) | PA11+12 | Rilsan, Grilamid | High strength, fatigue resistance, chemical resistance, low creep, low friction, almost opaque to clean, very high cost | Air filters, eyeglasses frames, safety masks |
| polycarbonate | PC | Caliber, Lexan, Makrolon | Very robust, temperature resistant, dimensional stability, transparent, high cost | Automotive (panels, lenses, consoles), bottles, containers, enclosures, light covers, reflectors, safety helmets and shields |
| Polyester – Thermoplastic | PBT, PET | Celanex, Crastin, Lupox, Rynite, Valox | Tough, heat resistance, chemical resistance, medium/high cost | Automotive (filters, levers, pumps), bearings, cams, electrical components (connectors, sensors), gears, housings, rollers, switches, valves |
| Polyether Sulphone | PES | Victrex, Udel | Hard, very high chemical resistance, transparent, very high cost | valves |
| Polyetheretherketone | PEEK | Polyetheretherketone | Strong, thermal stability, chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, low moisture absorption | Aircraft components, electrical connections, pump impellers, seals |
| Polyetherimide | PEI | Ultem | Heat resistant, flame resistant, transparent (amber) | Electrical components (connectors, boards, switches), covers, shields, surgical instruments |
| Polyethylene – Low Density | LDPE | Alkathene, Escorene, Novex | Lightweight, robust and flexible, excellent chemical resistance, natural waxy appearance, low cost | Kitchenware, casings, lids and containers |
| Polyethylene – High Density | HDPE | Eraclene, Hostalen, Stamylan | Hard and tough, excellent chemical resistance, natural waxy appearance, low cost | Chair seats, enclosures, covers and containers |
| Polyphenylene Oxide | PPO | Noryl, Thermocomp, Vamporan | Hardness, heat resistance, flame resistance, dimensional stability, low water absorption, electroplating ability, high cost | Automotive (enclosures, panels), electrical components, enclosures, plumbing components |
| Polyphenylene Sulphide | PPS | Ryton, Fortron | Very high strength, heat resistance, brown, very high cost | Bearings, covers, fuel system components, guides, switches and shields |
| Polypropylene | PP | Novolen, Appryl, Escorene | Light weight, heat resistance, high chemical resistance, scratch resistance, natural waxy appearance, hard and hard, low cost. | Automotive (bumpers, caps, trim), bottles, caps, cases, handles, enclosures |
| Polystyrene – General purpose | GPPS | Lacqrene, Styron, Solarene | Fragile, transparent, low cost | Cosmetic packaging, pens |
| Polystyrene – High impact | HIPS | Polystyrol, Kostil, Polystar | Impact strength, hardness, toughness, dimensional stability, naturally translucent, low cost | Electronic enclosures, food containers, toys |
| Polyvinyl Chloride – Plasticised | PVC | Welvic, Varlan | Rigid, flexible, flame resistant, transparent or opaque, low cost | Electrical insulation, household goods, medical pipes, shoe soles, toys |
| Polyvinyl Chloride – Rigid | UPVC | Polycol, Trosiplast | Rigid, flexible, flame resistant, transparent or opaque, low cost | Outdoor applications (drains, fixtures, gutters) |
| Styrene Acrylonitrile | SINGING | Luran, Arpylene, Starex | Hard, brittle, chemical resistance, heat resistance, hydrolytically stable, transparent, low cost | Household items, buttons, syringes |
| Thermoplastic Elastomer/Rubber | TPE/R | Hytrel, Santoprene, Sarlink | Robust, flexible, cost-effective | Bushings, electrical components, gaskets, washers |
