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Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
ABS is renowned for its durability, toughness, and strength. Its high tensile strength and impact resistance make it ideal for automotive parts, electronic housings, and toys like LEGO bricks. Additionally, its lightweight nature and ease of molding contribute to its widespread use.
Properties:
• High impact resistance
• Good tensile strength
• Lightweight
Applications:
• Automotive components
• Consumer electronics
• Toys
Polyethylene comes in various densities, with Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) being the most common. LDPE is flexible and used in applications like plastic bags and squeeze bottles, while HDPE is more rigid, suitable for products like milk jugs and detergent bottles.
Properties:
• Chemical resistance
• Moisture resistance
• Varied flexibility
Applications:
• Plastic bags (LDPE)
• Containers (HDPE)
PP is known for its chemical resistance, elasticity, and toughness. Its high melting point makes it suitable for applications involving heat, such as automotive parts and dishwasher-safe containers.
Properties:
• Chemical resistance
• Elasticity
• High melting point
Applications:
• Automotive components
• Food containers
PC is a strong, transparent material with high impact resistance and optical clarity. It's commonly used in applications requiring transparency and durability, such as eyewear lenses, medical devices, and protective gear.
Properties:
• High impact resistance
• Optical clarity
• Heat resistance
Applications:
• Eyewear lenses
• Medical devices
Nylon is valued for its excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, flexibility, and wear resistance. It's widely used in automotive parts, industrial components, and consumer goods like toothbrushes.
Properties:
• High tensile strength
• Wear resistance
• Flexibility
Applications:
• Gears and bearings
• Textiles
Also known as acetal, POM is characterized by its high stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability. These properties make it suitable for precision parts like gears, fasteners, and lock systems.
Properties:
• High stiffness
• Low friction
• Dimensional stability
Applications:
• Precision gears
• Fasteners
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Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
Commonly known as acrylic, PMMA is a transparent thermoplastic often used as a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass. It's utilized in applications like lenses, display screens, and light fixtures.
Properties:
• Optical clarity
• Weather resistance
• Lightweight
Applications:
• Display screens
• Light fixtures
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Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK)
PEEK is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic known for its mechanical and chemical resistance properties, even at high temperatures. It's used in demanding applications like aerospace, automotive, and medical implants.
Properties:
• High mechanical strength
• Chemical resistance
• Thermal stability
Applications:
• Aerospace components
• Medical implants
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Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
TPU is known for its elasticity, transparency, and resistance to oil, grease, and abrasion. It's commonly used in applications like footwear, cables, and inflatable products.
Properties:
• Elasticity
• Abrasion resistance
• Transparency
Applications:
• Footwear
• Cables
Polyamide, commonly known as Nylon, is valued for its high tensile strength, flexibility, and wear resistance. It is highly resistant to abrasion and performs well in harsh conditions. PA is widely used in automotive, industrial, and consumer goods applications.
Properties:
• High tensile strength
• Wear resistance
• Good chemical resistance
Applications:
• Automotive components
• Industrial machinery
• Consumer goods (e.g., toothbrushes, sports equipment)