Raw material selection for plastic injection moulding
Technical insight, practical considerations, and environmental choices—in balance
-
Two critical factors
Injection moulding is one of the most widely used methods for large-scale plastic production. To ensure the product meets expectations in terms of quality, performance, and durability, two elements are essential
-
The right tool quality
-
The right raw material
Here, we explore the options available for selecting the optimal raw material.
At Pla-Mek®, we have deep expertise in material selection and the production of technical plastic components. We work with a wide range of plastic materials and stay up to date on developments in both new and established polymers. This enables us to offer solutions that work—in practice. We also have strong capabilities in recycled materials.
Material selection—more than just plastic
A successful plastic product starts with the right material—and that means more than just specs and datasheets. We take the time to understand what your product needs to withstand, solve, and endure. Should it be tough? Flexible? Resistant to heat, cold, or chemicals? We help you find the right balance between function, form, cost, and environmental impact.
Typical considerations we assess together
-
1
Durability and flexibility
-
2
Chemical and heat resistance
-
3
Environmental requirements and recycling options
-
4
Aesthetics and surface finish
-
5
Cost and production volume
Choices with consequences — at every level
Selecting the right raw material for injection moulding is a balancing act between technical requirements, cost, and sustainability.
The balance we aim for
A thorough evaluation of properties and application ensures the final product meets expectations for quality, performance, and longevity.
This balance may also influence the product’s design—which is why we prefer to be involved early in the development process.
What we consider when selecting materials
A collaborative assessment with you, based on
-
- Mechanical properties – strength, stiffness, impact and wear resistance
- Chemical resistance – tolerance to solvents, oils, acids, and bases
- Temperature resistance – melting point, heat tolerance, dimensional stability
- Surface and aesthetics – color, gloss, transparency, finish
- Processing properties – flowability, shrinkage, cycle time
- Environmental impact – recyclability, reuse, material origin
- Cost – material price and processing costs
We offer a wide selection of both virgin and recycled raw materials
Examples of plastic materials we use
-
ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene)
Advantages: Good impact resistance, dimensional stability, surface treatable
Applications at Pla-Mek®: Furniture parts, logo elements
Other uses: Car interiors, appliances, toys (e.g., LEGO)
Note: Low chemical resistance
-
Acetal (POM)
Advantages: High strength and stiffness, low friction, chemical resistance, dimensional stability, electrically insulating, heat resistant
Applications at Pla-Mek®: Slide bearings, sleeves
Other uses: Automotive, mechanical engineering, electronics, furniture
-
Polyamide (PA6 / PA66 / PA12 / Nylon)
Advantages: Durable, heat resistant, excellent mechanical properties
Applications at Pla-Mek®: Chair backs, cheese grater handles, tunnel protection
Other uses: Machine parts, gears, technical components
Note: Can replace metal with proper design
Variants:
PA6 – with/without glass fiber; talc or chalk fillers available
PA12 – up to 75% glass fiber
-
Polyethylene (PE – LDPE, HDPE)
Advantages: Impact resistant, flexible, chemical resistant
Applications at Pla-Mek®: Tunnel protection, furniture parts, construction materials
Other uses: Containers, caps, toys, pipe fittings
-
Polycarbonate (PC)
Advantages: Highly impact resistant, transparent, heat resistant
Availability: Available but not widely used at Pla-Mek®
Other uses: Safety goggles, electronics, medical devices
-
Polypropylene (PP)
Advantages: Lightweight, chemical resistant, cost-effective, easy to process
Applications at Pla-Mek®: Pipes, chair seats, furniture components
Other uses: Packaging, household goods, automotive parts
Variants: With fillers like glass fiber, chalk, talc
-
Polystyrene (PS)
Advantages: Rigid, transparent, dimensionally stable
Applications at Pla-Mek®: Drawer dividers
Other uses: Disposable items, packaging, electronics
Note: Low chemical resistance
Modifications and additives
Raw materials can be customized with
-
Glass fiber
For added strength and stiffness
-
Colorants and pigments
For aesthetics or functionality
-
UV stabilizers
For outdoor durability
Environmental choices without greenwashing
At Pla-Mek®, we take environmental responsibility seriously—without empty promises. We focus on actions that make a measurable difference
-
70% of raw materials purchased in 2024 were recycled
-
We always assess the potential for recycled materials in customer products
-
We collaborate on product design for disassembly and reuse
-
Our production is powered by hydropower, and we strive to minimize resource use
-
We provide documentation on material choices and savings upon request