Detailed below is a list of types of resins that are most commonly used by Losang. We have also included the advantages, disadvantages, applications, cross references, and processing of each.

ABS. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Advantages: High impact with toughness, ridigity, tensile strength, superior prop retention, light weight, high gloss, good color, good scratch resistance, electroplates well.

Disadvantages: Low impact at less than -40° F, moderate tough in FR grades, poor UV stability, must be dried.

Applications: Appliance housings, toolboxes, radios, telephones, power tools, luggage, piping, interior auto parts, lawn & garden.

Cross Reference: Impact, tensile strength, melt flow.

Processing:
Specific Gravity: 1.05 g/cc
Melt Temperature: 425° - 500° F
Mold Temperature: 80° -  150° F
Shrinkage: .002 - .008  "1"
Amorphous material
Pre-dry 2 hours, 180° - 190° F

ACETAL. Formaldehyde Polymer.

Advantages: Most metal-like plastic, excellent fatigue resistance, excellent creep resistance, good moisture resistance, fast molding, chemical resistant, lubricity.

Disadvantages: Notch sensitive, high shrink, flammable, poor UV, formaldehyde odor, poor acid resistance, hard to decorate.

Applications: Gears, bushings, rollers, chains, Bic lighters, ski bindings, zips, plumbing, carburetor parts.

Cross Reference: Impact, flow rate, tensile strength, viscosity.

Processing:
Specific Gravity: 1.42 g/cc
Melt Temperature: 390° - 420° F
Mold Temperature: 180° F and up
Shrinkage: .018 - .022  "1"
Crystalline material
Hydrophobic material, no drying needed

NYLON. Polyamide.

Advantages: Excellent solvent, excellent chemical resistance, self-lubricating, more translucent, lower heat deflection, less moist ABS, Type 6 is more flexible.

Disadvantages. Hygroscopic, must incorporate moisture back into the molded part, higher heat deflection, must be dried, Type 66 is stiffer.

Applications: Auto, electrical connectors, bushings, bearings, Astroturf.

Cross Reference: Type 6, Type 66, tensile strength, flexibilty.

Processing:
Specific Gravity: (unfilled) 1.13 - 1.19 g/cc
Melt Temperature: 490° - 600° F
Mold Temperature: 150° - 220° F
Shrinkage: (unfilled) .016 - .025
Shrinkage: (filled) .002 - .010  "1"
Semi-crystalline material
Hygroscopic material

PBT. Polybutylene Terephthalata.

Advantages: White opaque, tough, strong, rigid, excellent chemical resistance, electrical properties, good lubrication.

Disadvantages: High strike, prone to warp, low impact, poor water resistance, poor UV, hard to process.

Applications: Electrical components, gears, auto parts, medical equipment, oven handles, chair arms.

Cross Reference: Filled or unfilled, FR approved, minimum thickness, tensile strength.

Processing:
Melt Temperature: 520° - 570° F (PET), 470° - 510° F (PBT)
Mold Temperature: 190° - 230° F (PET), 90° - 150° F (PBT)
Shrinkage: .001 - .008  "1"
Density: 1.2 - 1.7 g/cc
Drying: 225° - 275° F for 2-16 hours
Semi-crystalline material

PC. Polycarbonate.

Advantages: Tough, heat resistant, clarity, excellent UV properties, electrical properties, weatherability with a UV stabilizer, transparent, low water absorption, good dimensional stability.

Disadvantages: Notch sensitivity, chemical resistant, abrasion resistant, weatherability without a UV stabilizer, high process temperatures.

Applications: Auto lenses, CD's, eyeglasses, cellular phones, blood processing equipment, camera housings.

Cross Reference: Melt flow rate, special packages, UV, mold release.

Processing:
Specific Gravity: (unfilled) 1.20 g/cc
Specific Gravity: (filled) 1.25 - 1.33 g/cc
Melt Temperature: 500° - 600° F
Mold Temperature: 100° - 175° F
Shrinkage: (unfilled) .004 - .007
Shrinkage: (filled) .002 - .005
Hygroscopic material, need drying

PE. Polyethylene/Crystalline.

Advantages: Low cost, excellent insulating, moisture resistance, milky or transparent, good chemical resistance, impact resistant in temperatures between -40° F and 150° F.

Disadvantages: Poor weathering, subject to stress cracking, flammable, difficult in bonding.

Applications: Milk bottles, juice bottles, pails, crates, bags, margarine tubs, shampoo bottles, film.

Cross Reference: Density, MFR, additives.

Processing:
Melt Temperature: highest allowable
Mold Temperature: lowest possible
Injection Speed: fastest possible
Semi-crystalline material

PP. Polypropylene/Crystalline.

Advantages: High elongation, low density, low cost, excellent moisture resistance, easy to color, excellent chemical resistance, flexibile, electrical insulator, clarity.

Disadvantages: Low ridigity, poor UV stability, poor creep resistance, moderate gloss, poor heat resistance, high shrink.

Applications: Flex hinges, ketchup bottles, videotape cases, auto components, yogurt cups.

Cross Reference: Homo or Co, melt flow, impact.

Processing:
Specific Gravity: (unfilled) .90 - .91 g/cc
Melt Temperature: 375° - 425° F
Mold Temperature: 40° - 120° F

PPS. Polyphenylene Sulfide.

Advantages: Rigid plastic, flame retardant, chemical resistant, thermal stable stiffness, good retention of mechanical strength at high temperatures.

Disadvantages: Cost, melt strength, colorability.

Applications: Electrical components, pump parts, chemical processing equipment, automotive parts under the hood.

Cross Reference: Flexibility, tensile strength.

Processing:
Melt Temperature: 470° - 500° F
Mold Temperature: 300° F to get crystallinity, < 300° F and the material will be more amorphous
Drying: 300° F for 2-4 hours
Semi-crystalline material
Hydrophobic material

PS. Polystyrene.

Advantages: Optical clarity, high gloss, FDA grades, low cost, good rigidity, easily decorated, excellent electrical properties, dimensional stability.

Disadvantages: Poor weatherability, poor thermal properties, poor solvent resistance, cracking, brittle.

Applications: Refridgerator liners, food containers, medical instruments, plastic silverware, TV housings, toys.

Cross Reference: Melt flow, impact.

Processing:
Melt Temperature: 450° - 525° F
Mold Temperature: 80° - 140° F
Shrinkage: .004 - .007  "1"
Drying: 150° - 180° F for 2-3 hours
Inject: fast
Amorphous

PVC. Polyvinyl Chloride.

Advantages: Excellent impact, dimensional stability, low cost, good abrasion resistance, wide color range, good chemical resistance, weather resistant, always VO or better.

Disadvantages: Sheer sensitive, heat sensitive, solvents attack, high density, HCL acid, thermal capable.

Applications: Medical masks, auto, computer housings, appliances, plumbing, bottles, cable jackets.

Cross Reference: Rigid or flex, clear or opaque, impact.

Processing:
Density: 1.30 - 1.50 g/cc
Melt Temperature: 350° - 410° F
Mold Temperature: 60° - 150° F
Shrinkage: .002 - .008  "1"