Raw material selection for plastic injection molding
Technical insight, practical considerations and environmental choices – in balance
At Pla-Mek®, we have deep expertise in material selection and the production of technical plastic components. We work with a wide range of plastic materials and stay up to date on developments in both new and established polymers. This enables us to offer solutions that work—in practice. We also have strong capabilities in recycled materials.
Material selection—more than just plastic
A successful plastic product starts with the right material—and that means more than just specs and datasheets. We take the time to understand what your product needs to withstand, solve, and endure. Should it be tough? Flexible? Resistant to heat, cold, or chemicals? We help you find the right balance between function, form, cost, and environmental impact.
Typical considerations we assess together
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1
Durability and flexibility
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Chemical and heat resistance
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3
Environmental requirements and recycling options
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Aesthetics and surface finish
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5
Cost and production volume
Choices with consequences – at all levels
Choosing the right raw material for injection molding is a balancing act between technical requirements, cost and environmental considerations.
The balance we aim for
A thorough evaluation of properties and application ensures the final product meets expectations for quality, performance, and longevity.
This balance may also influence the product’s design—which is why we prefer to be involved early in the development process.
What we consider when selecting materials
A collaborative assessment with you, based on
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- Mechanical properties – strength, stiffness, impact and wear resistance
- Chemical resistance – tolerance to solvents, oils, acids, and bases
- Temperature resistance – melting point, heat tolerance, dimensional stability
- Surface and aesthetics – color, gloss, transparency, finish
- Processing properties – flowability, shrinkage, cycle time
- Environmental impact – recyclability, reuse, material origin
- Cost – material price and processing costs
Plastic materials tailored to your needs
Both virgin and recycled
ABS (Acrylonitril-Butadien-Styren)
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Good impact resistance, dimensionally stable, can be surface treated Areas of use with us: Parts for the furniture industry, logo pieces Other uses: Car interiors, white goods, toys (e.g. LEGO) Note: Low chemical tolerance.
Acetal (POM)
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-High strength and stiffness -Low friction – well suited for sliding and rotating parts -Abrasion-resistant and chemical-resistant -Good dimensional stability -Electrically insulating -Heat-resistant and easy to process With us: Plain bearings and sleeves Typical applications: Automotive industry, mechanical engineering, electronics, furniture.
Polyamid (PA6/PA66/PA12/Nylon)
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Durable, heat-resistant, good mechanical properties Areas of use with us: Chair backs, cheese grater handles, tunnel protection Other uses: Machine parts, gears, technical components Note: Can replace metal with the right design Variants: -PA6 – with and without glass fiber, it is also possible to add talc or chalk as a filler -PA12 – with up to 75% glass fiber
Polyetylen (PE – LDPE, HDPE)
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Good impact resistance, flexible, chemical resistant Areas of use with us: Tunnel protection, furniture parts, building materials Other uses: Containers, corks, toys, pipe fittings.
Polystyren (PS)
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Rigid, transparent, good dimensional stability Areas of use with us: Dividers in tool drawers Other uses: Disposables, packaging, electronic parts Note: Low chemical tolerance
Polypropylen (PP)
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Lightweight, good chemical resistance, low price, easy to process Areas of use with us: Pipes, chair seats, components for the furniture industry Other uses: Packaging, household goods, automotive components Variants: With fillers such as fiberglass, chalk and talc
Polykarbonat (PC)
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Highly impact-resistant, transparent, heat-resistant With us:The raw material is available, but is rarely used today Other uses:Safety glasses, electronics, medical equipment.
Modifications and additives
Raw materials can be customized with
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Glass fiber
For added strength and stiffness
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Colorants and pigments
For aesthetics or functionality
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UV stabilizers
For outdoor durability
