Below is a guide to some of our “General Purpose” plastic resin materials available with InstaTek. This is for reference only. We recommend contacting us directly or the resin manufacturer to assist in which material is best suited for your application.

*This is for reference only. We recommend contacting us directly or the resin manufacturer to assist in which material is best suited for your application.

Click Here for available Production Materials

ABS | ACRYLONITRILE BUTADIENE STYRENE

Known for being impact resistant and its toughness. Generally ABS has useful characteristics within a temperature range from -40° to 212 °F. 

Some uses include: Automotive body parts, wheel covers, enclosures, etc.
 

ACETAL

Very strong and exhibits good chemical resistance. Acetal is a tough material with good dimensional stability, and naturally lubricating. Some uses include: Gears, springs, plates, bushings, housings, etc.
 

LDPE | Low Density Polyethylene

Low density, Excellent resistance to acids, alcohols, bases and esters. It has Excellent electrical properties. Often pliable and can be used for flexible parts and living hinges, and containers.
 

HDPE | High Density Polyethylene

Rigid, Excellent resistance to acids, alcohols, bases. Often used in Food related products, hinges, pipe fittings, etc.
 

NYLOn

Versatile engineering thermoplastic. It is strong, rigid, and has a very high melting point. Because of its excellent balance of strength, ductility and heat resistance. It is impact and abrasion resistant, and also self-lubricating. Some weaknesses of nylon is that it has high water absorption and poor chemical resistance to strong acids and bases. 

Some uses include: Bearings, bushings, valves, seats, rollers, wear surfaces, etc.
 

NYLON GLASS FILLED

Has outstanding wear and abrasion resistance, excellent impact resistance, chemical and heat resistance, low friction and self lubricating. It also cuts down on warping due to water absorption. Often used as metal replacement.

Some uses include: Office chairs, outdoor power equipment, outboard motor covers, and gun stock components
 

PC/ABS

Is a blended material of ABS with Polycarbonate which offers a good combination of mechanical and thermal properties. This material offers good impact strength, even in cold temperatures, rigidity, dimensionality, thermal and color stability. A limitation is poor chemical resistance.

Some uses include: Door handles, electronics housing, computers, printers, etc.
 

PC | Polycarbonate

Transparent amorphous polymer which exhibits outstanding physical properties such as impact resistance (almost unbreakable), heat resistance up to 125°C and excellent clarity. Polycarbonate is often used to replace glass or metal in demanding applications when the temperature does not exceed 125°C. Some uses include: Power tools, small appliances, Blu-ray discs, safety glasses, toys, etc.
 

PLA | Polylactic Acid

A bioplastic that is used in place of plastics such as Polystyrene, ABS, etc. It is biocompostable, and made from plants. Many different grades are available. 

Some uses include: cutlery, phone cases, packaging, agriculture, house hold goods, etc.
 

POLYPROPYPLENE

A tough material with flexibility, which is good for hinged parts. Good tensile strength and inertness toward acids, alkalis and solvents. PP has very low density and light weight.

Some uses include: Packaging, parts for electronic and electrical appliances, food containers, hinged parts, toys, household goods, etc.
 

POLYSTYRENE

Polystyrene is a rigid and relatively inexpensive plastic. It has good impact resistance, food contact acceptable. Used in packaging, containers, toys, etc.
 

TPE | Thermoplastic Elastomers

Have similar properties and feel to natural rubber, but have a longer life. TPE's are good in both hot and cold environments, it is often preferred over rubber. They have good tear strength and often used for overmolding and living hinges.

Some uses include: consumer goods to medical instruments to industrial tools and can include knobs, handles, gaskets, seals and grips, etc.

If you have any other questions about plastic resins or have a desire for a custom material or a different material that is not displayed, please contact us at parts@vistatek.com or 651-653-0400.

Information gathered from following sources:
VistaTek Employee Knowledge, Ides, Dynalab Corp, Wikipedia, Sabic, Omnexus, Premier Plastic Resin, Polyone