ABS and polystyrene (PS)
When looks matter.
Even surface, paintable and chrome-platable, dimensional stability: housings, covers, visible parts. Antistatic, UV-stabilised, V0 flame-retardant and recycled grades also in production.
Density 1.03–1.04 g/cm³
Price 1.5–15.0 €/kg
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE, TPU)
The soft part, moulded over the hard one.
Gaskets, grips and seals obtained by overmoulding onto the rigid part, with no bonding or later assembly. Hardness from 50 to 85 Shore A, in TPU, styrenic (TPS/SEBS) and vulcanised (TPV) grades.
Density 0.88–1.26 g/cm³
Price 4.0–15.5 €/kg
Grade data and comparison ›
Polyacetal (POM)
For everything that moves.
Low friction, dimensional stability and excellent fatigue resistance: gears, guides, cams, hinges. Available in self-lubricating grades, with PTFE or silicones, and UV-stabilised.
Density 1.41–1.42 g/cm³
Price 2.0–9.0 €/kg
Grade data and comparison ›
Polyamide 6 (PA 6)
Tougher than 66, and easier to mould.
It absorbs more moisture and needs careful drying, but takes impact better. Glass fibre from 10 to 50 %, mineral-filled grades to contain shrinkage, glass beads for flatness, and V0 flame-retardant types.
Density 1.14–1.55 g/cm³
Price 2.0–18.5 €/kg
Grade data and comparison ›
Polyamide 66 (PA 66)
The material most of the work is done with.
Stiff, heat- and oil-resistant: the usual choice for structural parts under the bonnet and inside machinery. Glass fibre from 15 to 60 %, carbon-fibre grades where stiffness at minimum weight is needed, self-lubricating for sliding parts, UV-stabilised and recycled.
Density 1.08–1.82 g/cm³
Price 2.5–44.0 €/kg
Grade data and comparison ›
High-performance polyamides: PPA, PA 4.6 and PARA
The engineering plastics that replace metal.
Three distinct families — polyphthalamide (PPA), polyamide 4.6 and polyarylamide (PARA) — considered when specific combinations of thermal, mechanical and dimensional performance are needed. They are not interchangeable: the choice calls for comparing grades under the intended service conditions. Reinforcement from 30 to 50 % glass fibre, plus mineral-filled grades. Regularly processed: Grivory HT1V-4 and Zytel HTN (PPA), Stanyl TW371 (PA 4.6), Ixef (PARA).
Density 1.25–1.75 g/cm³
Price 7.5–34.0 €/kg
Grade data and comparison ›
Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)
Stable, insulating, with low moisture absorption.
The engineering plastic of electrical equipment: connectors, contact carriers, housings. Glass fibre from 20 to 50 %, V0 flame-retardant and self-lubricating grades.
Density 1.22–1.74 g/cm³
Price 2.0–12.0 €/kg
Grade data and comparison ›
Polycarbonate (PC)
Transparency and impact resistance together.
When the part must take a knock without breaking, or let light through. V0 flame-retardant grades for electrical equipment, UV-stabilised for outdoor use, reinforced with 10 to 20 % glass or with carbon fibre.
Density 1.19–1.27 g/cm³
Price 2.5–10.5 €/kg
Grade data and comparison ›
Reinforced polyester (PET)
Stiffness and stability under heat.
Polyester filled with 30 % glass fibre for parts that must hold tolerance under load and temperature, also in a flame-retardant version.
Density 1.56–1.59 g/cm³
Price 5.5–9.5 €/kg
Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)
Where temperature is unforgiving.
Continuous service above 200 °C, almost total chemical resistance and dimensional stability under load. Reinforced with 30 to 40 % glass fibre, inherently flame-retardant with no additives needed.
Density 1.54–1.95 g/cm³
Price 8.5–23.5 €/kg
Polypropylene (PP)
Light and cheap, resistant to many chemicals.
Good resistance to many acids, bases and aqueous solutions: compatibility must however be checked against substance, concentration, temperature and contact time, with particular attention to oxidisers and solvents. It takes living hinges that flex thousands of times without failing. Reinforced with 30 to 50 % glass fibre or mineral filler, UV stabilised, and available in recycled grades.
Density 0.90–1.24 g/cm³
Price 1.5–7.0 €/kg
Grade data and comparison ›