Thermoplastic Resins and Injection Molding: Perfect Together

Thermoplastic resins are a popular choice for most injection molding projects. Unlike thermoset resins, thermoplastics do not create permanent bonds as they cool. This means they can be reheated and reprocessed multiple times before their properties begin to degrade. Thermoplastic resins are still durable, elastic, highly flexible and versatile, but they can easily be recycled and repaired. These features make them highly desirable in a variety of industries.

There are a variety of thermoplastic resins available, depending on the end product’s usage. Usage considerations include:

• Temperature
• Chemical contact and resistance
• Applied stresses during use
• Transparency
• Opacity
• Aesthetics
• Wear resistance
• Lubricity
• And sterilization

Three Commonly Used Thermoplastic Resins

• PEEK (polyether etherketone) – This resin has excellent mechanical and chemical resistance. It is commonly used in medical devices due to its biocompatibility: meaning it is accepted by the body and will not break down over time. It is also x-ray compatible and doesn’t interfere with CT and MRI technology, unlike metals. Very high temperatures are required to process PEEK, so it is important to choose an experienced manufacturer, such as Proto-Cast. Other benefits of PEEK include:

1. 1. • Stability at high temperatures.
        High resistant to chemicals
      • Easy sterilization via autoclave
      • High hardness and stiffness
      • Great tensile strength with low weight

• Ultem – In the family of polyetherimide (PEI) thermoplastic materials, Ultem offers excellent heat, solvent and flame resistance, making it the popular choice for medical and chemical instrumentation. Its characteristics are similar to those of PEEK, but Ultem is cheaper, easier to process, and has lower impact strength and usable temperature. Ultem is one of the most dimensionally stable thermoplastic resins, remaining predictable and reliable over a broad temperature range.
• Polycarbonate – These thermoplastic resins are naturally transparent and amorphous. They are available in a variety of colors, but the raw material allows an internal transmission of light similar to that of glass. Polycarbonate (PC) polymers are particularly useful for products that require impact resistance and/or transparency (such as bullet-proof glass and safety glasses). It ranks highest in impact strength among commonly used plastics, including ABS. PC resins can be found in everything from automotive components and exterior lighting fixtures to DVDs and greenhouses.

Proto-Cast: Thermoplastic Resin Experts

For over 50 years, Proto-Cast has been leading the way in plastic injection molding. Our team of experienced professionals can help you choose the perfect thermoplastic resin, and our state-of-the-art facility is fully equipped to produce your product with exceptional quality. Call us today at 610-326-1723 to learn more.