Material Name
Acetal
Abbreviation
POM
Trade Names
Celcon, Delrin, Hostaform, Lucel
Description
Strong, rigid, excellent fatigue resistance, excellent creep resistance, chemical resistance, moisture resistance, naturally opaque white, low/medium cost
Application
Bearings, cams, gears, handles, plumbing components, rollers, rotors, slide guides, valves}
Material Name
Acrylic
Abbreviation
PMMA
Trade Names
Diakon, Oroglas, Lucite, Plexiglas
Description
Rigid, brittle, scratch resistant, transparent, optical clarity, low/medium cost
Application
Display stands, knobs, lenses, light housings, panels, reflectors, signs, shelves, trays}
Material Name
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Abbreviation
ABS
Trade Names
Cycolac, Magnum, Novodur, Terluran
Description
Strong, flexible, low mold shrinkage (tight tolerances), chemical resistance, electroplating capability, naturally opaque, low/medium cost
Application
Automotive (consoles, panels, trim, vents), boxes, gauges, housings, inhalors, toys}
Material Name
Cellulose Acetate
Abbreviation
CA
Trade Names
Dexel, Cellidor, Setilithe
Description
Tough, transparent, high cost
Application
Handles, eyeglass frames}
Material Name
Polyamide 6 (Nylon)
Abbreviation
PA6
Trade Names
Akulon, Ultramid, Grilon
Description
High strength, fatigue resistance, chemical resistance, low creep, low friction, almost opaque/white, medium/high cost
Application
Bearings, bushings, gears, rollers, wheels}
Material Name
Polyamide 6/6 (Nylon)
Abbreviation
PA6/6
Trade Names
Kopa, Zytel, Radilon
Description
High strength, fatigue resistance, chemical resistance, low creep, low friction, almost opaque/white, medium/high cost
Application
Handles, levers, small housings, zip ties}
Material Name
Polyamide 11+12 (Nylon)
Abbreviation
PA11+12
Trade Names
Rilsan, Grilamid
Description
High strength, fatigue resistance, chemical resistance, low creep, low friction, almost opaque to clear, very high cost
Application
Air filters, eyeglass frames, safety masks}
Material Name
Polycarbonate
Abbreviation
PC
Trade Names
Calibre, Lexan, Makrolon
Description
Very tough, temperature resistance, dimensional stability, transparent, high cost
Application
Automotive (panels, lenses, consoles), bottles, containers, housings, light covers, reflectors, safety helmets and shields}
Material Name
Polyester – Thermoplastic
Abbreviation
PBT, PET
Trade Names
Celanex, Crastin, Lupox, Rynite, Valox
Description
Rigid, heat resistance, chemical resistance, medium/high cost
Application
Automotive (filters, handles, pumps), bearings, cams, electrical components (connectors, sensors), gears, housings, rollers, switches, valves}
Material Name
Polyether Sulphone
Abbreviation
PES
Trade Names
Victrex, Udel
Description
Tough, very high chemical resistance, clear, very high cost
Application
Valves}
Material Name
Polyetheretherketone
Abbreviation
PEEKEEK
Trade Names
—
Description
Strong, thermal stability, chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, low moisture absorption
Application
Aircraft components, electrical connectors, pump impellers, seals}
Material Name
Polyetherimide
Abbreviation
PEI
Trade Names
Ultem
Description
Heat resistance, flame resistance, transparent (amber color)
Application
Electrical components (connectors, boards, switches), covers, sheilds, surgical tools}
Material Name
Polyethylene – Low Density
Abbreviation
LDPE
Trade Names
Alkathene, Escorene, Novex
Description
Lightweight, tough and flexible, excellent chemical resistance, natural waxy appearance, low cost
Application
Kitchenware, housings, covers, and containers}
Material Name
Polyethylene – High Density
Abbreviation
HDPE
Trade Names
Eraclene, Hostalen, Stamylan
Description
Tough and stiff, excellent chemical resistance, natural waxy appearance, low cost
Application
Chair seats, housings, covers, and containers}
Material Name
Polyphenylene Oxide
Abbreviation
PPO
Trade Names
Noryl, Thermocomp, Vamporan
Description
Tough, heat resistance, flame resistance, dimensional stability, low water absorption, electroplating capability, high cost
Application
Automotive (housings, panels), electrical components, housings, plumbing components}
Material Name
Polyphenylene Sulphide
Abbreviation
PPS
Trade Names
Ryton, Fortron
Description
Very high strength, heat resistance, brown, very high cost
Application
Bearings, covers, fuel system components, guides, switches, and shields }
Material Name
Polypropylene
Abbreviation
PP
Trade Names
Novolen, Appryl, Escorene
Description
Lightweight, heat resistance, high chemical resistance, scratch resistance, natural waxy appearance, tough and stiff, low cost.
Application
Automotive (bumpers, covers, trim), bottles, caps, crates, handles, housings}
Material Name
Polystyrene – General purpose
Abbreviation
GPPS
Trade Names
Lacqrene, Styron, Solarene
Description
Brittle, transparent, low cost
Application
Cosmetics packaging, pens}
Material Name
Polystyrene – High impact
Abbreviation
HIPS
Trade Names
Polystyrol, Kostil, Polystar
Description
Impact strength, rigidity, toughness, dimensional stability, naturally translucent, low cost
Application
Electronic housings, food containers, toys}
Material Name
Polyvinyl Chloride – Plasticised
Abbreviation
PVC
Trade Names
Welvic, Varlan
Description
Tough, flexible, flame resistance, transparent or opaque, low cost
Application
Electrical insulation, housewares, medical tubing, shoe soles, toys}
Material Name
Polyvinyl Chloride – Rigid
Abbreviation
UPVC
Trade Names
Polycol, Trosiplast
Description
Tough, flexible, flame resistance, transparent or opaque, low cost
Application
Outdoor applications (drains, fittings, gutters)}
Material Name
Styrene Acrylonitrile
Abbreviation
SAN
Trade Names
Luran, Arpylene, Starex
Description
Stiff, brittle, chemical resistance, heat resistance, hydrolytically stable, transparent, low cost
Application
Housewares, knobs, syringes}
Material Name
Thermoplastic Elastomer/Rubber
Abbreviation
TPE/R
Trade Names
Hytrel, Santoprene, Sarlink
Description
Tough, flexible, high cost
Application
Bushings, electrical components, seals, washers