How to Select the Best Resin for Your Plastic Injection Part

The number of polymer compounds has grown over the past 20 years.  As a result, plastics are being used in more applications than ever before.  These materials are gaining a reputation for strength and endurance.  Combine these improvements with the advantages of corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal and plastics are taking center stage in the manufacturing of many consumer and industrial components.  Due to their versatility, strength and light weight characteristics, plastics are taking a larger role in the transportation, medical and construction industries. 

There are many new polymers and compounds coming on the market.  This proliferation can make choosing the best resin for your application a daunting task.  The key is understanding the performance requirements that the parts must meet. 

Here are five requirements to keep in mind when choosing your resin:

• The final part appearance including surface texture and transparency or color requirements
• The part strength, flexibility or rigidity
• The chemical or environmental (wind, rain, cold or heat) resistance
• Regulatory requirements that need to be met including FDA, RoHS, REACH and NSF
• The life expectancy of the part

All of these requirements provide details on the end-use of the product.  These details will direct the plastic injection molder and resin supplier to recommend resins that are well suited to the application.  They may provide some alternatives based on price and availability.  In the end, you should work closely with your manufacturer to determine the best resin for your application.

Our new eBook reviews the four key factors that go into making a perfect plastic part including choosing the right resin. Get the answers you need in our free copy of our eBook today and learn “How to Manufacture A Perfect Plastic Part.”