aterial Selection Tips for New Resin Trends & Technology

　　The plastics industry has been experiencing rapid growth since 2015. In that time, there have been numerous improvements to the materials, technology, and processes used, benefiting both manufacturers and consumers alike. The development of stronger, more lightweight plastics and thermoplastics has been one of the driving forces of growth, along with the use of recycled plastics and greener processes.

　　To further explain the growing demand for plastics, let’s look at a few key trends and advancements with specific types of plastic materials and resins:

　　Thermoplastics

　　High-performance thermoplastics (HPTPs) and engineering-grade thermoplastics (ETPs) have seen many improvements in strength, quality, and durability over the past few years, sparking an increased demand in numerous markets as a viable replacement for more costly, higher-weight metals. Likewise, HPTPs and ETPs offer more design flexibility for OEMs, which can often help shorten development time.

　　From the medical industry to aerospace, automotive, and military applications, many of today’s critical-use products require high-performance materials, and heat resistant thermoplastics have proven to be an ideal choice. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), for example, is a linear thermoplastic that’s processed at a temperature range of 350-420° C, and offers incredible chemical resistance and mechanical strength.

　　While properties vary from one particular resin to another, below are some common advantages and disadvantages of many thermoplastics.

　　COMMON THERMOPLASTIC ADVANTAGES:

　　Energy efficient manufacturing and processing

　　High volume, low cost production

　　Design precision

　　Suitable lightweight replacement for metal

　　Can be remelted, remolded, and recycled

　　High strength and shrink-resistant

　　Can provide shorter molding cycles

　　Heat sealable and heat resistant

　　Easily colored by dyes, leading to a variety of molding options.

　　COMMON THERMOPLASTIC DISADVANTAGES:

　　Can melt if exposed to extremely high temperatures

　　Susceptible to creeping and deformation under long-term pressure or stress

　　Costly tooling

　　COMMON APPLICATIONS FOR THERMOPLASTICS

　　Thermoplastic materials are often used in injection molded plastic parts for simple and complex applications, such as:

　　Commercial washers, seals, and valves

　　Impact-resistant device housings and cases

　　Overmolded soft-touch grips

　　Food-safe applications including milk jugs, bottle caps and bottle cap closure liners, and baby bottles

　　Critical-use applications including vehicle panels and components, and airplane windows

　　Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) Thermoset Resins

　　Not to be confused with a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), LSR has also seen increased use across many applications and industries. Its resistance to high temperatures rivals that of thermoplastics, while offering high tear strength, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility. It’s ideal for use in medical devices and implants, as well as for consumer applications like electronics and appliances.

　　COMMON LSR ADVANTAGES:

　　More resistant to high temperatures than thermoplastics

　　Highly flexible design

　　Thick and thin wall construction capabilities

　　High tear strength and chemical resistance

　　Resistant to deformation, biocompatible and superior compression set

　　COMMON LSR DISADVANTAGES:

　　Inability to be re-molded after curing

　　Potential to burn if heated after curing

　　Lengthy curing period

　　More difficult to surface finish

　　Hard to handle liquid material

　　Non-recyclable, bulky or thick in appearance

　　COMMON LSR APPLICATIONS:

　　LSR is often used in parts for:

　　Circuit board and wire harness materials

　　Electronic interfaces on device keyboards or touchpads

　　Medical implants

　　Gaskets in consumer appliances

　　O-rings, coverings, stoppers, and other plastic parts exposed to harsh chemicals and high heat in vehicles and machinery

　　With manufacturers constantly looking for ways to lower the cost of production and reduce the weight of their final product, plastics technology will continue to advance as manufacturers incorporate new materials into more of their designs. The options are virtually limitless for OEMs today—and can provide numerous advantages to applications.