Product Material

At UGP Plastics, we have been at the forefront of plastic injection molding manufacturing since 1954, delivering high-quality molded components across various industries. Our expertise enables us to select the right materials based on performance, durability, and end-use requirements.

Common Types of Plastic Used in Injection Molding

Injection molding plastics fall into two main categories:

Thermoplastics –

Thermoplastics are used almost everywhere in plastic injection molding packaging and other applications, because they can be reshaped and recycled. These materials have excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance and versatility and are suitable for a broad range of industries.

• Polyethylene (PE) –

Having unique features of flexibility, chemical resistance and moisture resistance, it is used for containers, bottles, bags and liners. It has good impact strength and light weight which has made it a popular choice in packaging and storage applications.

• Polypropylene (PP) –

Long lasting, strong and very tough with good chemical resistance. Automotive parts, consumer items, and food packaging are some of the applications of PP which is resistant to frequent stress and most environmental conditions.

• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) –

A strong, robust plastic which is used in automotive interiors, toys like LEGO bricks and electronic housings. It is a strong and rigid material and hence is suitable for durable products.

• Polystyrene (PS) –

Stiff, light and coming in both the transparent and the opaque variety. PS is used mostly in one-time use utensils, cups, food trays and product packaging and therefore proves to be cost effective and easy to mold.

• Polycarbonate (PC) –

Having high resistance to impact and optical clarity, PC is used mostly in safety glasses, medical devices and electronic enclosures. It is also a heat resistant it has many applications in high temperature exposed applications.

• Nylon (Polyamide, PA) –

Shows excellent strength and resistance to both wear and heat. This makes it suitable for mechanical components, gears, bearings and automotive parts, where durability and load bearing capacity are critical.

• Polyoxymethylene (POM/Acetal) –

A standard engineering material with low coefficient of friction and high stiffness, which has good dimensional stability and durability. It is used in precision parts like gears, bearings and medical devices that need low wear and high mechanical strength.

Thermosetting Plastics –

Being heat resistant and dimensionally stable, thermosetting plastics experience a chemical change during molding. Molding is a process that produces highly durable thermosets that are different from thermoplastics that can be remelted or reshaped after molding.

• Epoxy and Phenolic Resins –

These are materials that are renowned for their excellent electrical insulation properties, mechanical strength and high resistance to heat. They are used almost anywhere from electrical applications through to circuit boards and in high temperature environments where stability is important.

• Silicone –

Silicone is very much flexible and compatible with the human body and is also very durable at extreme temperatures. It is used a lot in medical devices, food grade applications and gaskets because it stays reliable at high and low temperatures.

Reinforced & Filled Materials-

To increase the mechanical properties, thermoplastics can be reinforced with fillers like glass fibers or minerals, making it better in structural integrity and performance. These materials strengthen the system, enhance dimensional stability and increase the resistance to wear and impact.

• Glass-Filled Resins –

Including glass fibers into the resins like nylon or polypropylene enhances the strength, rigidity and heat resistance of the material. This modification is useful for structural applications which need enhanced load bearing capacity and dimensional stability.

• Mineral-Filled Resins – Using mineral fillers increases stiffness, decreases shrinkage, and enhances resistance to warping. This is important for precise injection molded parts that have close tolerance and low thermal expansion.

How Do I Choose the Right Plastic for My Application?

Selecting the right material depends on several factors:

• Strength & Durability – Does your product need to hold up to impact, pressure or wear? Try Nylon, ABS and Polycarbonate.
• Chemical Resistance – Will the plastic be coming into contact with chemicals or solvents? Try Polypropylene, PTFE, or HDPE.
• Heat Tolerance – PEEK, Polycarbonate, and PPS are used in high temperature.
• Flexibility & Elasticity – For your product needs flexibility TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers) or Polyethylene may be ideal.

At UGP Plastics, we combine industry expertise with advanced material knowledge to meet your plastic injection molding needs. We can help whether you require high-performance engineering plastics, environmentally friendly alternatives or cost-effective commodity plastics.

Get expert advice on selecting the perfect plastic for your next project. Contact us today to discuss your material requirements!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is the best plastic for injection molding?

The best plastic depends on the application. PP and ABS are great for consumer products, while PC and Nylon provide high strength for industrial and automotive parts.

What are the raw materials for plastic mold?

Common materials include thermoplastics (PE, PP, ABS), thermosets (epoxy, silicone), and reinforced plastics (glass-filled resins) to meet different performance needs.

Is plastic injection molding difficult?

Yes, it requires precise temperature, pressure, and material selection to ensure consistent quality. With over 70 years of expertise, UGP Plastics guarantees superior molded components.

What is the difference between thermoplastics and thermosets?

Thermoplastics can be melted and reshaped, making them highly versatile, while thermosets harden permanently after molding, providing excellent heat and chemical resistance.

What factors affect the cost of plastic injection molding?

Key cost factors include material selection, mold complexity, production volume, and part design. Our team at UGP Plastics can help optimize costs while ensuring top-quality results.