Thermoplastic Materials

Thermoplastic Injection Molding Services

Thermoplastics are plastic polymers that soften when they are heated, allowing for molding, and solidify again as they are cooled. Because of their unique chemical properties, thermoplastic materials can be remolded and recycled without negatively affecting the material’s physical properties. This makes thermoplastics an ideal material for injection molding.

Thermoplastic materials are used for a wide range of applications from consumer goods to medical equipment, depending on the type of material. Commodity thermoplastics are the easiest to process and are used to manufacture products in high volumes. These materials are best for applications like packaging, clothing, food, and beverages. In contrast, engineered and specialized thermoplastics have been blended to enhance their characteristics. They are used for heavier-duty applications like military, aerospace, and medical industries.

Thermoplastics Offered for Injection Molding:

Properties of Thermoplastics

Thermoplastics are the only type of plastic that can be welded. When the plastic is heated, the material becomes a paste or a liquid that can then be molded into the desired shapes. Though each type of thermoplastic offers its own characteristics and properties, they can all withstand multiple re-shapings without any damage being done to the materials.

The Primary Benefits of Thermoplastics for Injection Molding:

Can be remolded and recycled without damage
Easy to mold and shape
Offers high strength and lightweight
Some can be used in place of metal
Relatively low processing costs
Easy to manufacture high volumes quickly
Able to maintain high precision
Chemically retardant and impact resistant
Reduces waste and is more environmentally friendly

Chat about my Project

Thermoplastic Elastomers

In the past, all rubber materials were thermoset, meaning they could no longer be changed once the injection molding process was complete. However, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs or thermoplastic rubbers) make it possible for thermoset materials to behave similar to thermoplastics.

TPEs are a blend of rubber and plastic that, through a combination of both material’s characteristics, are ideal for a variety of applications. They are especially useful in the automobile industry, aerospace industry, and many consumer markets.

Thermoplastic elastomers are known as two-phase systems because they are created when a hard-thermoplastic phase is combined mechanically or chemically with a soft elastomer phase, taking characteristics from both phases to form the final product. From the hard phase, the TPEs get properties like processing and continuous temperatures, tear strength, and chemical and fluid resistance. From the soft phase, they get their hardness, flexibility, and compression set, among other properties.

Get a Quote

Springboard Manufacturing works with a wide range of thermoplastics in our injection molding processes. From standard to exotic to engineered, we have experience molding many materials for different applications. We can also blend thermoplastic materials with additives like PTFE for enhanced strength and durability.

The following thermoplastics can be used as an alternative to PVC or for any of your unique applications needs.

Acrylic Thermoplastic Polymer

Acrylic is a thermoplastic polymer that exhibits many glass-like optical qualities but is hardier and more protective. It is often known as Lucite, Perspex, and Plexiglas. Acrylics are used in nearly every industry, and are used as a glass substitute for items such as:

Aquariums
Motorcycle helmet visors
Aircraft windows
Viewing ports of submersibles
Lenses of exterior lights of automobiles

Because of its impact resistance and strength, acrylic is also used to make googles and lenses.

ABS Thermoplastic

ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is a synthesized plastic that combines styrene and acrylonitrile. This safe thermoplastic is used in many consumer products that humans come in direct contact with, such as cell phones, toys, microwaves, and other appliances. ABS thermoplastics are known for being strong, light, versatile, and tough.

ABS consists of three distinct monomers and by combining them, the thermoplastic becomes flexible and lightweight. Because of this, ABS flows smoothly and is perfect for injection molding.

Polybenzimidazole Thermoplastic Polymer

Polybenzimidazole (PBI) is an artificial thermoplastic polymer with one of the highest melting points of any material that is applicable for use as a fiber. It is the most high-performance engineered thermoplastic material available. Because of this, PBI is used as a base for high demand equipment that is used by militaries throughout the world, as well as firefighting and police forces.

Because of its extreme hardness and durability, PBI can be difficult to machine, but Springboard Manufacturing is experienced in engineering for demanding industries.

Polyethylene Thermoplastic Polymers

Polyethylene is not one specific material, but actually a group of thermoplastics characterized by the type, structure, and thickness of the polymer. Some common types include High-Density polyethylene (HDPE) that is used to make milk jugs and water pipes, and the softer, more flexible Low-Density polyethylene (LDPE) that is used to make squeeze bottles and bags.

In general, the higher the density, the higher the tensile and flexural strength, chemical and abrasion resistance, and surface hardness. Because these thermoplastics are highly resistant to temperature changes, they are often used in high stress environments, such as piping, oil transportation, and in the retail industry.

Homopolymer Thermoplastic

A homopolymer is one that is produced by the polymerization of a single monomer. They are known for being a tough and resistant thermoplastic material. They commonly used in the end consumer market for smaller goods, such as kitchenware.

There are several kinds of homopolymer thermoplastics including polypropylene, polycarbonate, and polyester. In general, all of these thermoplastics are great for injection molding.

Copolymer Thermoplastic

A copolymer is a thermoplastic material produced by the copolymerization of two or more different monomers. They commonly are a glossy, cost effective material. Copolymer thermoplastics are used in a variety of applications, including industrial back end applications and smaller consumer items such as kitchenware.

Polyester Thermoplastics

Polyesters are extremely hardy materials that are fit for a large range of temperature and environmental demands. Polyester thermoplastics are among the most widely used injection molding polymers, seen most commonly in water bottles, but also have wide applications in the industrial sphere. They are known for their strength, stiffness, and toughness, as well as chemical resistance.

Polyurethane Thermoplastic Polymer

Polyurethane is a clear and flexible thermoplastic polymer that is most often used to produce shoe soles, gaskets, and wheels. It is extremely versatile and can be formulated to provide wide ranging characteristics. It exhibits excellent wear and abrasion resistance, and remains highly elastic and impact resistant, even at the hardest durometers or in extremely low temperatures. They are also resistant to oil and grease.

Styrene Acrylonitrile Polymer

Styrene acrylonitrile is a copolymer and one of the toughest polymers in common use. It is known for its excellent toughness, rigidity, and dimensional stability. It is highly resistant to breaking and is often seen in kitchen applications. It is also used for applications such as:

Computer components
Packaging materials
Autoclavable medical devices
Battery cases

Thermoplastic Molding vs Thermoset Plastic Molding

Thermoplastics are very different from thermoset materials. They are both used in the injection molding process, but thermosets can only be heated and molded once. They cannot be changed or melted back into their original shape. This makes them great for high-heat applications, but also makes thermoset plastics less versatile than thermoplastic materials.

During the thermoset plastic curing process, polymers are linked together and form a permanent chemical bond. In contrast, no chemical bonding takes place during the curing process of thermoplastics, making it completely reversible. Thermoplastics can be remelted and remolded whenever its necessary.

Contact Springboard Manufacturing for Custom Thermoplastic Injection Molding

Springboard Manufacturing is a custom plastic injection molding company that specializes in engineering thermoplastics, as well as other materials such as elastomers and exotic resins. We manufacture high quality molding for a variety of industries and applications, including medical devices and consumer products.

This list of thermoplastic materials is by no means exhaustive. To discuss your unique material requirements, contact us today or request a quote.