Materials for injection moulding

    materials for injection moulding

    At Unika Danmark, we work with a wide range of technical plastics.

    We process materials such as POM, PC, PMMA, PA, PP, and ABS – each chosen for its specific properties, including wear resistance, chemical resistance, optical clarity, and dimensional stability. See the table for an overview of the most commonly used materials, their applications and key characteristics.

    We collaborate closely with raw material suppliers and draw on their specialised knowledge to identify the optimal material for each plastic component.

    Recycled materials are naturally part of our considerations when selecting plastics, and we use them frequently where it makes sense.

    Material

    Mechanical Properties

    Operating Temperature (Range)

    UV Resistance

    Chemical Reaction

    Typical Applications

    ABS (Acrylonitril Butadien Styren)

    Impact-resistant, good stiffness

    -20 °C to +85 °C

    Poor without additives

    Moderate

    Housings for electronics, toys, car interiors

    PA (Polyamide, fx PA6/PA66)

    High strength, wear-resistant, tough

    -40 °C to +120 °C

    Poor to moderate without additives

    Good, but sensitive to acids and bases

    Gears, bushings, brackets, cable ties

    PBT (Polybutylenterephthalate)

    Good strength and stiffness, dimensionally stable

    -30 °C to +130 °C

    Good

    Very good, especially against solvents

    Electrical connectors, plugs, car parts

    PC (Polycarbonate)

    Very impact-resistant, tough, moderately stiff

    -40 °C to +135 °C

    Poor without additives

    Limited, sensitive to solvents and strong chemicals

    Protective glasses, optics, helmets

    PMMA (Acrylic)

    Hard, stiff, but brittle

    -40 °C to +90 °C

    Very good

    Poor to moderate

    Lenses, signs, windows, displays

    POM (Polyoxymethylene / Acetal)

    Very strong, low friction, good wear resistance

    -50 °C to +100 °C

    Poor without additives

    Very good, including resistance to fuels and solvents

    Gears, valves, precision components

    PP (Polypropylene)

    Tough, flexible, good chemical resistance

    0 °C to +100 °C

    Poor to moderate without additives

    Very good

    Household goods, hinges, medical equipment

    PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide)

    Very high strength, stiffness, thermally stable

    -40 °C to +260 °C

    Good

    Excellent, also resistant to acids and bases

    Electronics, automotive, chemical industry

    TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

    TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate)

    Good flexibility, medium to high wear resistance

    -40 °C to +120 °C (depending on type)

    Moderate

    Good to very good

    Seals, grips, gaskets, soft components

    TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

    Very high wear resistance, high tensile and tear strength, elastic and tough

    -40 °C to +120 °C (varies by type)

    Good to very good

    Good, especially against oil, grease, and abrasion

    Cable protection, technical components







    Further Information:

    • The mechanical and thermal properties, UV resistance, and chemical resistance can be adjusted by adding additives and fillers, depending on the intended use of the plastic component.
    • Operating temperature ranges are approximate and may vary depending on the specific material type, additives, and required service life.
    • Chemical resistance is a general indication only — when selecting a material, a detailed evaluation should be made using a chemical resistance chart.
    • TPE and TPU are groups of materials whose properties vary significantly depending on their chemical structure and formulation.

    To achieve the desired properties for a component, various fillers and additives can be added, for example:

    • Antistatic agents → Reduce static electricity
    • Flame retardants → Increase fire safety
    • Glass fibers → Improve stiffness and heat resistance
    • Masterbatch / Colorants → Achieve the desired color
    • Minerals (e.g. talc, chalk) → Improve dimensional stability
    • Impact modifiers (e.g. rubber) → Increase impact strength
    • Wear additives (e.g. PTFE) → Reduce friction and wear
    • UV stabilizers → Protect against UV degradation and improve weather resistance