injection molding material selection guide 2

1. Tritan™

• Definition & Features: A new-generation copolyester with high transparency, impact resistance, and BPA-free properties. Complies with safety requirements of many medical injection molding companies.

• automotive injection applications: Ideal for vehicle light covers, instrument panel shields, and transparent parts in child car seats—especially where clarity and impact resistance are needed.

• medical device molding applications: Used in medical water bottles, syringe housings, and disposable sampling kits. Can withstand high-pressure steam sterilization.

• Notes: Processing temperature should be controlled below 280°C to avoid decomposition or bubbling.
  
  Here is a video of a cup being injection molded using Tritan™:
  

2. ABS

• Definition & Features: A cost-effective terpolymer with high mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and excellent surface treatment capabilities. A preferred material among many automotive component manufacturers.

• automotive injection applications: Widely used in dashboards, air vents, steering wheel trims, door handles, and decorative strips.

• medical device molding applications: Suitable for medical device housings and diagnostic equipment bases. Medical-grade formulations are required to ensure safety.

• Notes: Not resistant to strong acids and bases. Avoid contact with corrosive liquids.

3. POM

• Definition & Features: Known for outstanding wear resistance and mechanical strength, with excellent self-lubrication. Often used for precise moving parts.

• automotive injection applications: Suitable for gears, bearings, sliders, throttle assemblies, and window lifters. Its fatigue and oil resistance make it a top choice for industrial molding corp.

• medical device molding applications: Used in syringe pump mechanisms and detachable sliding instrument components.

• Notes: High melting point; processing requires proper ventilation due to formaldehyde release.

4. PMMA

• Definition & Features: Commonly known as acrylic, offers high transparency and weather resistance. Ideal for visually appealing molded products.

• automotive injection applications: Used in tail light covers, side mirror lenses, and panoramic sunroof panels—especially in premium vehicles.

• medical device molding applications: Applied in microscope shields, observation windows, and surgical lighting covers.

• Notes: Lower hardness and scratch resistance. Surface coating is needed to improve durability.

5. PVC

• Definition & Features: A cost-effective and chemically resistant material available in both soft and rigid forms. Suitable for mass production of standard parts.

• automotive injection applications: Used for interior trims, cable sheaths, and underbody pads. Offers good insulation for electrical systems.

• medical device molding applications: Medical-grade PVC is used for infusion tubes, blood bags, and catheters.

• Notes: Only use medical-grade, plasticizer-free PVC to avoid toxicity. Proper ventilation is necessary during processing due to potential chlorine gas release.

6. PPO

• Definition & Features: A high-heat-resistant engineering plastic with strong mechanical and electrical insulating properties.

• automotive injection applications: Used in electrical module housings, under-hood connectors, and high-temperature-resistant components.

• medical device molding applications: Ideal for reusable sterilizable equipment and high-temperature instrument parts.

• Notes: Requires high molding temperatures and has relatively low flowability. Gate design must be well optimized.

Processing & Mold Design Notes: Key factors to ensure high-quality molding

During automotive injection and medical device molding, material choice is just the beginning—mold design and processing parameters are just as critical. Key points include:

• Tritan™ and PMMA require polished mold surfaces to maximize transparency.

• POM is prone to shrinkage and deformation; enhanced cooling and proper runner design are essential.

• PVC can decompose at high temperatures—molds must use corrosion-resistant steels.

• ABS and PPO perform well in multi-cavity molds, suitable for high-volume production.

• For medical device plastic molding, all mold designs must adhere to cleanliness and sterilization standards.

Conclusion: Contact Vanmodel now for tailored solutions

Whether your project involves automotive injection or medical device molding, Vanmodel can provide comprehensive services from material selection to plastic injection mold design and plastic parts manufacturing. We are well-versed in industry standards and have served numerous automotive component manufacturers and medical injection molding companies, delivering reliable results every time.

Contact Vanmodel now for one-on-one engineering support and customized solutions to bring your products to market faster and with confidence!

If you also want to learn more about injection molding plastics comparison or explore small-batch production solutions like low volume plastic injection molding, feel free to reach out to us at any time!