Thermoplastic Types

Pros:

• Good machinability and finish
• Strong and stiff
• Good impact resistance at low temperatures
• Relatively low cost

Cons:

• Poor chemical resistance
• Limited heat resistance (max 60-93°C)
• Can be brittle under high-stress situations

Common uses: computer keyboard components, Lego bricks, face guards for wall sockets, protective housing for power tools, and decorative interior car parts.

Pros:

• Excellent wear and abrasion resistance
• Extremely versatile
• Long lasting and elastic in nature

Cons:

• Melts easily
• Absorbs moisture in the air, affecting dimensional stability and mechanical properties

Common uses: Car tires, fishnet, and electrical applications like insulators

• Pros:
  Reduced shrinkage and warpage (ensures that part maintains its shape more during the cooling phase
• Melts easily making the cycle time shorter
• Non toxic and safe for food handling and and medical implants

Cons:

• more brittle than most other plastics which could limit the application
• Moisture sensitivity, PLA is more sensitive to moisture than other plastics. If not properly dried this can cause defects in the quality of the part

* Melts easily.

Common uses: food packaging, bottles, film, and medical supplies

Pros:

• Low melt viscosity, which allows for extremely well flow

* Mold fills quicker reducing production time

* Inexpensive material

• Very good moisture resistance
• Good electrical insulator

Cons:

• Has a high thermal expansion coefficient, which makes it limited in high temperature applications
• Highly flammable
• Susceptible to oxidation

Common uses: bumpers, clothing, batteries, and pill containers

Pros:

• High elasticity and flexibility
• Good abrasion and impact resistance
• Good chemical resistance
• Wide operating temperature range (71-121°C)

Cons:

• One of the more expensive thermoplastics
• Ages overtime leading to decrease in mechanical strength, elasticity and other physical properties

Common uses: Gears, tubing, footwear, phone cases