injection molding materials
A variety of metals are available for CNC machining, and they can be used in various industries. They are perfect for creating prototypes or custom parts.
Standard injection molding plastics
| Material | Features | Price | Technical details | Standard applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styren (ABS) | Resilient, boasting excellent impact and heat resistance Optimal dimensions Capable of being shaped into intricate forms Susceptible to warping Prone to cracking in specific circumstances (such as exposure to UV light and heat) | $ $ | Shrinkage: 0.4% to 0.8% Tolerances: +/- 0.005 inches (0.127 mm) to +/- 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) | Automotive parts, toys, electronic housings, luggage and kitchen appliances |
| Polypropylene (PP) | Strong for its weight Resistant to chemicals Affordable Simple to work with and shape Less durable than ABS Not ideal for heavy-duty use Tends to warp and shrink | $ | Shrinkage: 1.0% to 2.5% Tolerances: +/- 0.005 inches (0.127 mm) to +/- 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) | Packaging, containers, automotive parts, medical devices |
| Polyamide 6 (PA6) | Excellent tensile strength Minimal moisture absorption Superior chemical resistance Exceptional dimensional stability and ability to be molded into intricate forms Susceptible to warping and shrinkage when undergoing injection molding | $ $ $ | Shrinkage: 1.5% to 3.0% Tolerances: +/- 0.005 inches (0.127 mm) to +/- 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) | Gears, bearings, electrical components, automotive parts |
| Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) | Excellent clarity Excellent resistance to impact Excellent resistance to weathering Capable of being molded into intricate shapes Excellent dimensional stability Susceptible to scratching and cracking in specific conditions, like when exposed to harsh chemicals or high temperatures Higher cost compared to alternative materials like ABS or PP | $ $ $ | Shrinkage: 0.2% to 1.5% Tolerances: +/- 0.005 inches (0.127 mm) to +/- 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) | Lighting fixtures, automotive lenses, medical devices |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | Strong, clear, and heat-resistant Can be shaped into different forms easily Costs more than ABS or PP Tends to warp and shrink when molded | $ $ $ $ | Shrinkage: 0.5% to 0.8% Tolerances: +/- 0.005 inches (0.127 mm) to +/- 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) | Electronic components, automotive parts, medical devices, safety helmets |
| Polyoxymethylene (POM) | Excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and precision molding capabilities Vulnerable to warping and cracking in specific environments, like UV light or extreme heat Higher cost compared to alternative materials like ABS or PP | $ $ $ | Shrinkage: 1.5% to 2.5% Tolerances: +/- 0.005 inches (0.127 mm) to +/- 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) | Gear wheels, bearings, electrical components |
| Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) | Superior mechanical characteristics, such as exceptional strength, rigidity, and resistance to deformation Effective resistance to chemicals and ability to endure extreme temperatures and challenging conditions Higher cost compared to alternative materials like ABS or PP Susceptible to warping and shrinking when subjected to injection molding | $ $ $ $ $ | Shrinkage: 1.0% to 3.0% Tolerances: +/- 0.002 inches (0.0508 mm) to +/- 0.005 inches (0.127 mm) | Aerospace components, medical devices, electrical connector |
| Polyethylene (PE) | Cost-effective, durable, and resistant to chemicals Can be easily shaped into various forms and dimensions However, lacks the strength of materials like ABS or PC Susceptible to warping and shrinking | $ | Shrinkage: 1.5% to 3.5% Tolerances: +/- 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) to +/- 0.020 inches (0.508 mm) | Packaging, containers, toys |
| Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) | Good durability, toughness, and clarity Susceptible to warping and shrinking | $ | Shrinkage: 0.2% to 1.0% Tolerances: +/- 0.005 inches (0.127 mm) to +/- 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) | Bottles, jars, containers |
| Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | Excellent chemical resistance, cost-effective, and versatile Easily shaped into different sizes and forms Lacks the strength of materials like ABS or PC May emit toxic fumes when exposed to heat or fire, hence requiring adequate ventilation and safety measures during handling | $ | Shrinkage: 0.2% to 1.0% Tolerances: +/- 0.005 inches (0.127 mm) to +/- 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) | Pipes, electrical cable insulation, inflatable products |
| Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) | Great resistance to chemicals, low friction, and can withstand high temperatures Higher cost compared to materials like ABS or PP Tends to warp and shrink when being injection molded | $ $ $ $ $ | Shrinkage: 1.0% to 2.0% Tolerances: +/- 0.005 inches (0.127 mm) to +/- 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) | Seals, gaskets, bearings |
| Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) | It offers excellent elasticity, toughness, and resistance to abrasion and chemicals. Additionally, it can be easily molded into various shapes and sizes. However, it is pricier compared to materials such as ABS or PP | $ $ $ | Shrinkage: 0.5% to 1.5% Tolerances: +/- 0.005 inches (0.127 mm) to +/- 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) | Footware, sporting goods, medical devices |
| High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) | Offers excellent durability, resistance to chemicals, and affordability Can be effortlessly shaped and resized into various forms Falls short in terms of strength compared to alternative materials | $ | Shrinkage: 1.5% to 3.5% Tolerances: +/- 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) to +/- 0.020 inches (0.508 mm) | Piping, containers, toys |
| LDPE | Great flexibility, toughness, and chemical resistance + Capable of being easily transformed into various shapes and sizes – Weaker compared to other materials available | $ | Shrinkage: 1.5% to 3.5% Tolerances: +/- 0.010 inches (0.254 mm) to +/- 0.020 inches (0.508 mm) | Film packaging, containers, toys |
Plastic injection molding for machining services
Plastic machined components are a popular choice over metal components because of their lightweight properties, ease of machining, and cost-effectiveness. Many engineers and product teams opt for CNC machining when producing plastic parts as it works well with different types of plastics. It is crucial to take into account the unique characteristics of each plastic material when utilizing CNC machining. Be sure to consult the list of available materials mentioned earlier.
injection molding parts manufacturer
MXY possesses over 100 precision CNC processing machines of various kinds, including three-axis, four-axis, and five-axis machining centers, drilling and tapping centers, CNC lathes, as well as more than 20 standard machine tools like lathes, milling machines, drilling machines, and grinders. These machines have an annual processing capacity of up to one million pieces. Regarding testing equipment, our company is equipped with high-precision Hexagon CMM three-coordinate detectors, projectors, roughness meters, profilers, pneumatic measuring instruments, in addition to other general precision measuring tools and special inspection equipment to ensure that our products meet the diverse requirements of our customers, whether in sample development, trial production, or mass production phases.