How to Choose the Right Material for Plastic Parts Injection Molding?

Choosing the Right Material for Plastic Parts Injection Molding

1. Material Property Matching

First, determine the operating environment of the part (temperature, chemical media, mechanical load), then select the appropriate engineering plastic. Commonly used materials include:

PP (Polypropylene): Lightweight, good chemical resistance, suitable for fuel tanks, pipelines, etc.

ABS: High impact strength, suitable for housings and decorative parts.

PA (Nylon): Wear-resistant, high strength, suitable for low-pressure injection molded parts such as gears and bearings.

2. Flowability and Processing Performance

The melt flow index (MFI) of a material determines its filling capacity during injection molding. Materials with good flowability (such as polyethylene and polypropylene) are easier to mold into thin walls; while high-strength materials (such as polycarbonate) require appropriately higher injection pressure and temperature.

3. Shrinkage Rate and Dimensional Stability

Crystallic materials (PP, PE) have higher shrinkage rates, requiring sufficient shrinkage compensation in the design phase; amorphous materials (PC, PPS) have lower shrinkage rates, suitable for high-precision parts. The material's coefficient of thermal expansion and the mold cooling system design should be considered when selecting materials.

4. Cost and Supply Chain Considerations

While meeting performance requirements, a comprehensive evaluation of material costs, drying requirements, and supplier delivery capabilities is necessary. Ningbo Heyuan possesses its own raw material warehouse and long-term cooperative material supply chains, enabling it to provide customers with cost-effective material solutions and offering full-process services including drying and pretreatment.