Different Types of Plastics and Their Uses: Common Structural Foam and Injection Molding Plastics

Many types of plastics are used in injection and structural foam molding processes. Depending on the process and the application of the final product, one plastic may be a better fit than another. Let’s review some common types of plastics used in structural foam molding and injection molding and their uses.

Common Types of Structural Foam Plastics and Their Uses

The most common polymer used in the structural foam molding process is polyethylene. This polymer has many different beneficial properties that make it desirable in structural foam molded products.

Properties of Polyethylene

Polyethylene has many beneficial properties that make it ideal for use in numerous applications. These properties include:

• Chemical resistance
• Water resistance
• Recyclability
• High strength-to-weight ratio
• Low moisture absorption
• High impact strength
• Durability

Disadvantages of Polyethylene

While polyethylene has many advantageous properties, there are a few disadvantages that it may exhibit, including:

• Poor weather resistance
• Flammability
• Sensitivity to stress cracking

Common Applications of Polyethylene

With its many qualities, polyethylene is used in various applications:

• Chemical Containers: Due to its chemical resistance, water resistance, low moisture absorption, and durability, polyethylene is commonly used to create chemical containers.

• Pipe Systems: Again, due to its durability, chemical resistance, water resistance, low moisture absorption, and high impact strength, pipe systems are commonly created from polyethylene.

• Gardening Equipment: Polyethylene is often chosen for gardening equipment due to its durability, chemical resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, and water resistance.

Common Types of Injection Molding Plastics and Their Uses

There are many plastics used in injection molding. Here are some of the most common types of plastic and uses:

HDPE

HDPE is a very common injection molding plastic due to its many beneficial properties. This polymer is resistant to chemicals, weather, corrosion, and UV light, as well as having a high strength-to-weight ratio. And, while this polymer has many great properties, it is flammable and sensitive to cracking. Commonly, HDPE is used to create chemical containers, toys, pipe systems, and plastic lumber.

LDPE

LDPE exhibits many properties that make it a great choice in polymer, including low-temperature flexibility, toughness, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, and waterproofing properties. Unfortunately, LDPE is susceptible to stress cracking, has low strength, poor UV resistance, and is flammable. This polymer is commonly chosen for containers, tubing, and trays.

PEEK

PEEK is a strong, stiff polymer that is very easy to machine. It is also very strong with a high-temperature resistance. However, PEEK does have a low resistance to UV light and chemicals. This polymer is typically used to create electronics, refrigerators, seals, and bearings.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate has many benefits, including being strong and stiff, impact resistance, thermal resistance, UV resistance, and waterproof properties. Unfortunately, it cannot withstand high temperatures and is very flammable. Consumer goods such as CDs, sunglasses, and eyeglass lenses, along with roofing and headlights are made from polycarbonate.

PVC

This polymer exhibits high impact strength and chemical resistance while being strong and easy to machine. PVC does have poor fire resistance and releases toxic gas when burned. PVC is used to create window frames, drainage pipes, flooring, and roofing.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene exhibits thermal stability, chemical resistance, high melting point, and UV resistance. However, it is also highly flammable. Pallets, containers, and chemical tanks are usually created from polypropylene.

Choose From Various Types of Plastics with Port Erie

For over 70 years of experience, Port Erie Plastics has been providing structural foam molding and injection molding services to various industries. Contact us today to see what we can do for you.