Tooling + Injection Molding MATERIALS

As you consider your options for low-volume injection molding, talk to our experts. We can work with any production plastic material your project requires, but the most common options are listed below.

Tooling + Injection Molding Materials

Tooling

MATERIALApplicationsRockwell Hardness Surface Finish
H-13 SteelPost-hardened steel for high volume molds48-52 RcUp to SPI A-1
Stainless SteelPost-hardened stainless steel for high volume molds50-52 RcUp to SPI A-1
P-20 SteelPre-hardened tool steel for middle volume molds28-32 RcUp to SPI B-2
Nak 80 SteelPre-hardened tool steel for middle volume molds38-41 RcUp to SPI B-2
S50C SteelTool steel for low volume molds20–24 RcUp to SPI B3
718 SteelTool steel for low volume molds28-32 RcUp to SPI C-1

Injection Moulding Plastics

MATERIALDescriptionTensile Yield
(0.125 in2)		Flexural Strength Flexural ModulusIzod Impact Strength
(Notched)		Heat Deflection
Under Load		Density            
ABSCommon thermoplastic with good impact resistance and toughness.6,500 psi
(45 MPa)		11,700 psi
(80 MPa)		380,000 psi
(2,620 MPa)		5.5 ft-lb/in
(292 J/m)		190°F
(88°C)		0.0379 lb/in3
(1.05 g/cc)
PolypropyleneThermoplastic polymer used for a wide number of applications.4,900 psi
(35 MPa)		26,100 psi
(180 MPa)		210,000 psi
(1,450 MPa)		0.6 ft-lb/in
(32 J/m)		219°F
(102°C)		0.0324 lb/in3
(0.90 g/cc)
Polyoxmethylene
(POM)		Dimensionally stable thermoplastic with high stiffness and low friction.10,000 psi
(70 MPa)		14,000 psi
(100 MPa)		450,000 psi
(3,100 MPa)		1.41 ft-lb/in
(75 J/m)		216°F
(102°C)		0.0513 lb/in3
(1.42 g/cc)*
PolycarbonateThermoplastic material with good temperature resistance and impact strength.9,000 psi
(62 MPa)		18,000 psi
(124 MPa)		340,000 psi
(2,335 MPa)		15 ft-lb/in
(795 J/m)*		290°F
(143°C)		0.0434 lb/in3
(1.20 g/cc)
Polycarbonate / ABSBlend of PC and ABS that creates strong parts for a variety of applications.8,000 psi
(55 MPa)		13,000 psi
(90 MPa)		370,000 psi
(2,550 MPa)		13 ft-lb/in
(689 J/m)		202°F
(94°C)		0.0415 lb/in3
(1.15 g/cc)
PVC PVC is a polymer with good insulation properties, high hardness, and good mechanical properties.4,500 psi
(31 MPa)		7,150 psi
(50 MPa)		275,000 psi
(1,900 MPa)		15 ft-lb/in
(795 J/m)*		226°F
(108°C)		0.0487 lb/in3
(1.35 g/cc)
NylonPolymer material that is durable with high elongation and good abrasion resistance.8,400 psi
(58 MPa)		9,430 psi
(65 MPa)		175,000 psi
(1,200 MPa)		2.1 ft-lb/in
(111 J/m)		190°F
(88°C)		0.0411 lb/in3
(1.14 g/cc)
Nylon 32% Glass FiberPolymer with excellent mechanical stiffness and elevated temperature resistance.18,000 psi
(125 MPa)*		29,000 psi
(200 MPa)		900,000 psi
(6,200 MPa)*		2.5 ft-lb/in
(133 J/m)*		380°F
(193°C)		0.0498 lb/in3
(1.38 g/cc)
Acrylic (PMMA)Material with resistance to breakage often used for transparent applications.9,400 psi
(65 MPa)		8,500 psi
(58 MPa)		250,000 psi
(1,725 MPa)		1.0 ft-lb/in
(53 J/m)		181°F
(83°C)		0.0422 lb/in3
(1.17 g/cc)
StyreneLight weight material popular for its high impact strength and toughness.6,530 psi
(45 MPa)		9,510 psi
(65 MPa)		440,000 psi
(3,030 MPa)		1.9 ft-lb/in
(101 J/m)*		174°F
(79°C)		0.0379 lb/in3
(1.05 g/cc)
Polyether Imide
(PEI)		Thermoplastic with high heat resistance and excellent mechanical properties.16,000 psi
(110 MPa)		24,000 psi
(165 MPa)		510,000 psi
(3,500 MPa)		1.0 ft-lb/in
(53 J/m)		400°F
(204°C)*		0.0549 lb/in3
(1.27 g/cc)*
* Exceptional Properties
Note: Material properties are for general reference purpose only. Actual values may vary based on specific material selected.