Answer these 5 questions about your application and you will know which plastic to use.
Temperature is the most important factor. Here is a simple guide:
| Max Temperature | Suitable Materials | Not Suitable |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 60°C | PVC, HDPE, PP, ABS, PC | None of the above |
| Up to 80°C | ABS, HDPE, PP, PC, Nylon | PVC may soften |
| Up to 100°C | PP, PC, Nylon, POM | PVC, HDPE, ABS |
| Up to 130°C | PP (homopolymer), PC, Nylon | Others |
| Up to 180°C | Nylon PA66, PC (short term) | Most others |
Always specify food-grade when requesting a quote for food-contact applications.
| Chemical | Best Material | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Oils and greases | Nylon, POM, PP | ABS |
| Strong acids | HDPE, PP, PTFE | PC, Nylon |
| Strong bases / alkalis | PP, HDPE | PC, PVC |
| Petrol / solvents | Nylon, HDPE | ABS, PC, PVC |
| Salt water | PP, HDPE, PVC | Metal alternatives |
| Cleaning chemicals | PP, HDPE, Nylon | ABS |
| Cost Level | Materials | When to Choose |
|---|---|---|
| Low Cost | PVC, PP, HDPE, LDPE | High volume parts, non-critical applications, price-sensitive products |
| Medium Cost | ABS, POM | Parts needing better appearance, higher strength, or engineering properties |
| Higher Cost | PC, Nylon, specialty grades | Demanding applications, safety-critical parts, high performance |
Common applications and the best plastic for each one.
| Application | Recommended Material | Why |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC sealing profiles | Rigid or Flexible PVC | Low cost, weather resistant, easy to extrude in complex shapes |
| Refrigerator door gaskets | Flexible PVC | Stays flexible in cold, holds magnetic strip, custom profiles easily made |
| Automotive interior trim | ABS or PP | ABS for impact resistance and paint; PP for weight saving |
| Food containers | PP or HDPE | Food safe, heat resistant (PP for microwaving), chemical resistant |
| Machine gears and bushings | Nylon or POM | Self-lubricating, wear resistant, dimensionally stable |
| Safety guards and panels | Polycarbonate | Impact resistant, transparent, strong |
| Cable ducts and trunking | Rigid PVC | Low cost, good electrical insulation, easy to extrude |
| Outdoor furniture | HDPE or UV PP | Long lifespan outdoors, UV resistant, no maintenance |
| Furniture edge banding | PVC or ABS | PVC for cost, ABS for better appearance |
| Pipe fittings (water) | HDPE or PVC | HDPE for food-safe water, PVC for general plumbing |
Full properties, common uses, and when to choose each plastic.
Polyvinyl Chloride — uses, grades, and properties
→ ABSAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene — when to use it
→ HDPEHigh Density Polyethylene — the outdoor plastic
→ PPPolypropylene — lightweight and heat resistant
→ PolycarbonatePC — the strongest clear plastic
→ NylonPA6/PA66 — engineering grade, wear resistant
→Tell us what your part needs to do. Our engineers will recommend the best material and give you a free quote.