List of Materials

Choosing the right material for a project is one of the most important factors in creating perfect parts. The advances in polymer science have helped create a wide variety of resins to choose from based on the final application of the part. Production Heroes can advise in which polymers, certifications and fillers are most applicable for your components; the most common materials are catogorised for production methods down below:

 

PVC: This is a hard plastic material with a recognizable dark-grey color. The material is very good for gluing, welding, setting, turning, milling and drilling. That is why this material is used for many applications. The mechanical strength of PVC-U also makes self-supporting constructions possible. The material does not allow gases and liquids to pass through and has good resistance to aging. PVC also has excellent flame retardant properties. PVC is nice and smooth and therefore easy to clean.
o + High hardness
o + Good electrical insulation
o + Low costs
o + High chemical resistance
o – Low heat resistance

 

Polyethylene: The plastic polyethylene is the most popular plastic at the moment, thanks to several unique properties. Polyethylene is strong, resistant to wear and relatively cheap. Depending on the raw materials used, polyethylene can be loaded to a temperature of between 70 and 90 degrees Celsius. Moreover, polyethylene is extremely durable. By adding additives during the production process, polyethylene is UV-resistant. Like other plastics, polyethylene is not easily broken down by bacteria and is not or hardly subject to corrosion or oxidation. Polyethylene is also good to recycle because as a thermoplastic it can be melted down and reused. This makes polyethylene not only a sensible but also a sustainable choice.
o + High stiffness
o + High temperature resistance
o + Good electrical insulation
o + High UV resistance
o + Dimensionally stable
o – Low chemical resistance
o – Affected by boiling water

 

Nylon: Nylon plastic is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer commonly used in injection molding applications. It’s a flexible, durable, versatile material mostly used as a more affordable alternative for other materials like silk, rubber, and latex. Some other benefits of nylon polyamide include low friction, high melting temperature, high tensile strength and resistance to chemicals and abrasions.
o + High strength and stiffness
o + High temperature resistance
o + High chemical resistance
o + Food grade safe
o – Relatively expensive
o – Absorbs water

 

ABS: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a high-quality plastic it is characterized by good toughness, high strength, and easy molding. Plastic ABS is one of the most frequently used materials in the manufacturing industry. ABS is widely used in auto parts, consumer goods, household appliances and packaging material.
o + Tough, high strength, impact resistance yet still flexible
o + Dimensionally very stable
o + High end look / aesthetics
o + Easy to print on, paint and plate (metal look)
o – Low UV resistance
o – Flammable at high temperatures

 

Polyurethane: is a thermoset (non-reusable because the structure has been chemically modified so that it does not melt into a raw material but carbonizes). Because of these chemical adaptations, PU can occur in different hardness’s and densities (40kg/m³, 60kg/m³, 80kg/m³ and 120kg/m³). Based on the application a choice is made. PU can easily be processed by contour sawing and milling because this foam is characterized by its stiffness. Furthermore, PU has a homogenous structure which results in a smooth surface after milling. Besides that PU is (contrary to EPS) compatible with polyester, which makes this material very suitable to finish with polyester or to coat.

 

PC/ABS: The main characteristics of PC/ABS are very good impact strength, mechanical properties and PC/ABS can withstand high temperatures. PC/ABS is not prone to wear and tear and is therefore used for parts that are subject to pressure and stress. PC/ABS is often used in the automotive industry.


PMMA: The unsurpassed clarity and formability are two of the characteristic properties of PMMA or simply acrylate. Clear PMMA even lets through a few percent more light than glass. PMMA is also used to make secretion screens to protect against infection from the coronavirus.
o + Shatter resistant
o + Extreme high transparency
o + High surface hardness
o – Brittle
o – Poor scratch resistance
o – High thermal expansion
o – Vulnerable for chemical exposure

 

Polypropylene: Polypropylene is a cheap plastic that is often used. PP is chemically related to PE; both are polyolefins and are often used in the same kind of applications. PP is often slightly harder than PE; thicker PP can be more transparent than PE of the same thickness. In addition, PP is also opaque and available in all sorts of colors. In comparison with PE, PP feels less waxy and does not smell as bad. PP is also the only plastic of which a one-piece hinge can be made.
o + Low costs
o + High chemical resistance
o + Low density
o + Low moisture absorption
o + Fatigue resistant / suitable for living hinges
o + Food grade safe
o – Brittle at low temperatures
o – Flammable
o – Low scratch resistance

 

Polystyrene: has a leading position in the modern market of insulating building materials. Polystyrene is characterized by durability, the material has a very high destructive temperature (160 degrees) and is therefore not easily affected by destructive external factors. Polystyrene is also used in food packaging because of its inadmissibility to vapors.
o + Low cost
o + High end look / aesthetics
o + High transparency
o + Hard material
o + Food grade safe
o – Brittle / low impact strength
o – Low UV resistance (becomes yellow outdoor)
o – Weak chemical resistance

 

HDPE: is moisture-repellent and, due to the addition of carbon black, UV- and weather-resistant. This sheet material feels greasy. PE, PVC and PP are some of the most widely used products in the industry due to their performance and price ratio. PE is chemical resistant, suitable for contact with food, has a low friction coefficient and reasonable wear resistance. HDPE is suitable as a construction material, but cannot be glued together due to the greasiness of the product.
o + High strength and toughness in relation to lower density
o + Impact resistant
o + Low costs
o + Good recyclability
o + High chemical resistance
o + Food grade safe
o – High thermal expansion / low melting temperature
o – Difficult to bond and paint
o – Flammable

 

Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is a crystal-clear plastic with very high impact resistance, high toughness and a relatively high mechanical load-bearing capacity. In addition, Polycarbonate is self-extinguishing and has good chemical resistance. The clear material, which is easy to process, is virtually unbreakable and is therefore eminently suitable for strong glazing applications. Polycarbonate (PC) distinguishes itself from other plastics by its optical purity in combination with very high impact resistance. Polycarbonate sheets are no less than 250 times stronger than glass of the same thickness.
o + High strength and toughness
o + Good electrical insulation
o + High transparency (optically clear)
o + High temperature resistance
o + Fire resistant
o – Low scratch resistance
o – Degrades in (hot) water
o – Can crack due to loads or exposure to chemicals

 

PEEK: PEEK plastic, also known as polyetheretherketone, has gained tremendous popularity in recent years thanks to its versatile applications. PEEK plastics meet higher standards than standard or technical plastics and can therefore be seen as high-performance plastics. This compact, solid plastic can be processed with great precision, resulting in beautiful, smooth surfaces. PEEK is eminently suitable as a material for various applications that demand high quality.

 

Pom: Polyacetal is a strong, hard and above all dimensionally stable plastic with a very low friction resistance. The static and dynamic friction coefficients are the same, which means that ‘stick slip’ is virtually impossible. POM is also easy to process mechanically and boasts good chemical resistance to oils and fuels. The low absorption of moisture and the excellent mechanical properties guarantee products that remain true to size. POM is a widely applicable plastic in the machine-building industry.
o + High wear and tear resistance
o + High stiffness and toughness
o + Dimensionally stable
o + Easy to be machined / milled
o – More complex to injection mold


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Polystyrene: has a leading position in the modern market of insulating building materials. Polystyrene is characterized by durability, the material has a very high destructive temperature (160 degrees) and is therefore not easily affected by destructive external factors. Polystyrene is also used in food packaging because of its inadmissibility to vapors.
o + Low cost
o + High end look / aesthetics
o + High transparency
o + Hard material
o + Food grade safe
o – Brittle / low impact strength
o – Low UV resistance (becomes yellow outdoor)
o – Weak chemical resistance

 

HDPE: is moisture-repellent and, due to the addition of carbon black, UV- and weather-resistant. This sheet material feels greasy. PE, PVC and PP are some of the most widely used products in the industry due to their performance and price ratio. PE is chemical resistant, suitable for contact with food, has a low friction coefficient and reasonable wear resistance. HDPE is suitable as a construction material, but cannot be glued together due to the greasiness of the product.
o + High strength and toughness in relation to lower density
o + Impact resistant
o + Low costs
o + Good recyclability
o + High chemical resistance
o + Food grade safe
o – High thermal expansion / low melting temperature
o – Difficult to bond and paint
o – Flammable

 

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a high-quality plastic it is characterized by good toughness, high strength, and easy molding. Plastic ABS is one of the most frequently used materials in the manufacturing industry. ABS is widely used in auto parts, consumer goods, household appliances and packaging material.

o + Tough, high strength, impact resistance yet still flexible
o + Dimensionally very stable
o + High end look / aesthetics
o + Easy to print on, paint and plate (metal look)
o – Low UV resistance
o – Flammable at high temperatures

 

Polyurethane: is a thermoset (non-reusable because the structure has been chemically modified so that it does not melt into a raw material but carbonizes). Because of these chemical adaptations, PU can occur in different hardness’s and densities (40kg/m³, 60kg/m³, 80kg/m³ and 120kg/m³). Based on the application a choice is made. PU can easily be processed by contour sawing and milling because this foam is characterized by its stiffness. Furthermore, PU has a homogenous structure which results in a smooth surface after milling. Besides that PU is (contrary to EPS) compatible with polyester, which makes this material very suitable to finish with polyester or to coat.

 

Polypropylene: Polypropylene is a cheap plastic that is often used. PP is chemically related to PE; both are polyolefins and are often used in the same kind of applications. PP is often slightly harder than PE; thicker PP can be more transparent than PE of the same thickness. In addition, PP is also opaque and available in all sorts of colors. In comparison with PE, PP feels less waxy and does not smell as bad. PP is also the only plastic of which a one-piece hinge can be made.
o + Low costs
o + High chemical resistance
o + Low density
o + Low moisture absorption
o + Fatigue resistant / suitable for living hinges
o + Food grade safe
o – Brittle at low temperatures
o – Flammable
o – Low scratch resistance

 

Santoprene: The thermoforming properties of Santoprene TPV are similar to ABS and exhibit good melt strength, which provides uniform and predictable penetration properties when heated. When producing sheets for thermoformed parts, the key characteristics of Santoprene TPV are retained, including colorability, impact strength, weather resistance, chemical resistance, non-slip, matt appearance and feel. An additional benefit is that the scrap resulting from the processing can be recycled. In fact, the quality of the recycled material (scrap or old parts) is not inferior to that of new material.

 

PVC: This is a hard plastic material with a recognizable dark-grey color. The material is very good for gluing, welding, setting, turning, milling and drilling. That is why this material is used for many applications. The mechanical strength of PVC-U also makes self-supporting constructions possible. The material does not allow gases and liquids to pass through and has good resistance to aging. PVC also has excellent flame retardant properties. PVC is nice and smooth and therefore easy to clean.
o + High hardness
o + Good electrical insulation
o + Low costs
o + High chemical resistance
o – Low heat resistance


Polyethylene: The plastic polyethylene is the most popular plastic at the moment, thanks to several unique properties. Polyethylene is strong, resistant to wear and relatively cheap. Depending on the raw materials used, polyethylene can be loaded to a temperature of between 70 and 90 degrees Celsius. Moreover, polyethylene is extremely durable. By adding additives during the production process, polyethylene is UV-resistant. Like other plastics, polyethylene is not easily broken down by bacteria and is not or hardly subject to corrosion or oxidation. Polyethylene is also good to recycle because as a thermoplastic it can be melted down and reused. This makes polyethylene not only a sensible but also a sustainable choice.
o + High stiffness
o + High temperature resistance
o + Good electrical insulation
o + High UV resistance
o + Dimensionally stable
o – Low chemical resistance
o – Affected by boiling water


ABS: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a high-quality plastic it is characterized by good toughness, high strength, and easy molding. Plastic ABS is one of the most frequently used materials in the manufacturing industry. ABS is widely used in auto parts, consumer goods, household appliances and packaging material.
o + Tough, high strength, impact resistance yet still flexible
o + Dimensionally very stable
o + High end look / aesthetics
o + Easy to print on, paint and plate (metal look)
o – Low UV resistance
o – Flammable at high temperatures


Polypropylene: Polypropylene is a cheap plastic that is often used. PP is chemically related to PE; both are polyolefins and are often used in the same kind of applications. PP is often slightly harder than PE; thicker PP can be more transparent than PE of the same thickness. In addition, PP is also opaque and available in all sorts of colors. In comparison with PE, PP feels less waxy and does not smell as bad. PP is also the only plastic of which a one-piece hinge can be made.
o + Low costs
o + High chemical resistance
o + Low density
o + Low moisture absorption
o + Fatigue resistant / suitable for living hinges
o + Food grade safe
o – Brittle at low temperatures
o – Flammable
o – Low scratch resistance


Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is a crystal-clear plastic with very high impact resistance, high toughness and a relatively high mechanical load-bearing capacity. In addition, Polycarbonate is self-extinguishing and has good chemical resistance. The clear material, which is easy to process, is virtually unbreakable and is therefore eminently suitable for strong glazing applications. Polycarbonate (PC) distinguishes itself from other plastics by its optical purity in combination with very high impact resistance. Polycarbonate sheets are no less than 250 times stronger than glass of the same thickness.
o + High strength and toughness
o + Good electrical insulation
o + High transparency (optically clear)
o + High temperature resistance
o + Fire resistant
o – Low scratch resistance
o – Degrades in (hot) water
o – Can crack due to loads or exposure to chemicals


Acetal: Acetal is a thermoplastic resin used for injection molding applications. Acetal resins, or technical term polyoxymethylenes (POM), are among the strongest and stiffest of thermoplastics. Acetal copolymers are known for their fatigue and wear resistance and high chemical resistance and dimensional stability.


Acrylic: Acrylic (Couture) is a pure cast quality acrylic with inlays of, for example, copper wire, precious metal particles and natural inlays, such as down feathers. These hand-produced acrylic sheets are works of art in themselves, especially when they are stylishly used in an interior or as a design object. A real design synthetic material. Ideal for architects and interior builders in the branches of interior building and yacht building.
o + Shatter resistant
o + Extreme high transparency
o + High surface hardness
o – Brittle
o – Poor scratch resistance
o – High thermal expansion
o – Vulnerable for chemical exposure


Polystyrene: has a leading position in the modern market of insulating building materials. Polystyrene is characterized by durability, the material has a very high destructive temperature (160 degrees) and is therefore not easily affected by destructive external factors. Polystyrene is also used in food packaging because of its inadmissibility to vapors.
o + Low cost
o + High end look / aesthetics
o + High transparency
o + Hard material
o + Food grade safe
o – Brittle / low impact strength
o – Low UV resistance (becomes yellow outdoor)
o – Weak chemical resistance


Aluminium type 1070: The alloy has properties such as anti-corrosion, electrical permeability and good thermal conductivity. On the other hand, this kind is not known for its strength. It is widely used for making airplane ventilation, electronic wires, cable net and decoration items.

 

Aluminium type 6060: The alloy is suitable for decorative anodizing and has high corrosion resistance. The alloy has good weldability.

 

Aluminium type 6063: The alloy is suitable for decorative anodizing and has high corrosion resistance. It also has good weldability.

 

Aluminium type 6005A: It is an alloy with medium corrosion resistance and it is suitable for welding purposes. Its strength is higher in comparison with EN AW-6063.

 

Aluminium type 6082: The alloy has high strength and good corrosion resistance. It also has good weldability and is suitable for anodizing. However, alloy EN-AW-6073 will give a more homogeneous surface when anodized.

 

Aluminium type 6463: This alloy is a soft extrusion aluminium. It is an alloy with a higher strength but lower ductility.

 

Aluminium type 7020: It is a short-machining alloy with high strength. The alloy has low corrosion resistance and low weldability and analyzability.

 

Aluminium type 7075: It is a short-machining alloy with high strength. The alloy has low corrosion resistance and low weldability.

 

Aluminium alloy: Aluminium and its alloys are widely used in transport and mobility industries. For example the automotive and aerospace industries. Due to its excellent strength-weight and thermal conductivity properties, this material is used for many applications.

 

Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is used in particular for its specific anti-corrosion properties. This corrosion resistance is the result of the natural ability of stainless steel to form a protective oxide skin. However, this oxide skin is extremely thin and therefore very vulnerable. Stainless steel is widely used in jewelry, bathroom fittings and other outdoor applications.

 

Magnesium alloy: Magnesium is a lightweight construction material. However, when it is unalloyed it’s brittle and too weak to be used. By adding alloys, it is widely used in constructions. The shock, fatigue and impact resistance of magnesium alloys are excellent. Magnesium alloys are processed into lightweight structures and parts in the automotive and aviation industries.

 

Titanium alloy: Titanium alloy has one of the best strength to weight ratios of all metals. It is more than twice as strong as 6061-66 aluminium alloy while weighing only half as much as stainless steel. The metal is also very corrosion resistant. This makes titanium alloy interesting for various industries. Examples are the aerospace industry or other high-end transport applications, as well as medical applications. The body does not reject titanium because it is naturally present in the human body.

Zinc alloy: Zinc is easy to maintain and has a long lifespan (at least 50 to 100 years). Since the material is very durable and also (as one of the few metals) flexible in use, it is a common choice for producing hardware products, roofing solutions, automotive parts and lighting components.

 

Copper Base: Copper is malleable, easy to shape, has high conductivity for heat and electricity and is corrosion resistant. That is why copper, in many forms, is widely used in the industry. All kinds of copper alloys, such as brass and bronze, are also widely used. Copper is not magnetic and has a disinfecting and/or antibacterial effect. Copper is also a durable material and, due to its luxurious appearance, is also used for decorative purposes. Other applications of copper include copper wires, generators and electromagnets.

 

Iron-Bassed: Iron, or steel with a carbon percentage of between 1 and 2%, is hardenable. Hardness indicates the extent to which the steel can withstand permanent deformation at the microscopic level. Besides hardness, tensile strength, cold brittleness, corrosion resistance and toughness (impact strength) are also properties of steel. All these properties determine whether the steel is suitable for metalworking, building and construction work, among others.

 

Nickel alloy: Nickel has several characteristics: a very high melting point of over 1400 degrees (Celsius), it is ductile and magnetic at room temperature. Due to these properties nickel is widely used in products for consumer, industrial, military, transportation, aviation, marine and architectural applications. The largest use of nickel is as an alloying element in combination with chromium and other metals for the production of stainless and/or heat-resistant steel. These are used for pots and pans, sinks, etc. As well as in buildings, food processing equipment and medical equipment.

 

Magnets: Magnets attract other metal objects such as nickel, iron or cobalt. Magnets are also used for generating electricity. Magnets are also found in various consumer products such as a doorbell, ventilator, washing machine and television.