Engineering Plastics for Prototype Manufacturing

Compare material properties, pricing, and manufacturing considerations

ABS Prototypes

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a popular thermoplastic polymer widely used in plastic prototype manufacturing due to its excellent impact resistance and machinability. This engineering plastic maintains good dimensional stability and can be easily processed using both CNC machining and 3D printing technologies. ABS prototypes are ideal for functional testing, automotive components, and consumer electronics enclosures.

Key Advantages

  • High impact strength
  • Good chemical resistance
  • Easy post-processing

Technical Specifications

Tensile Strength
40 MPa
Temperature Range
-20°C to 80°C
Density
1.04-1.07 g/cm³
Price Range
$0.5-$0.8/cm³

Typical Applications

Automotive dashboardsPower tool housingsPrototype validation

POM (Acetal) Prototypes

Polyoxymethylene (POM), commonly known as Acetal, is a high-precision engineering plastic offering exceptional dimensional stability and low friction coefficient. Its excellent wear resistance makes it perfect for manufacturing prototypes of gears, bearings, and other mechanical components. POM prototypes maintain tight tolerances (±0.05mm) and perform well in moist environments.

Key Advantages

  • Low moisture absorption
  • Excellent creep resistance
  • FDA compliant

Technical Specifications

Tensile Strength
70 MPa
Temperature Range
-50°C to 100°C
Density
1.41-1.42 g/cm³
Price Range
$0.8-$1.2/cm³

Typical Applications

Precision gearsMedical devicesFood handling systems

PC (Polycarbonate) Prototypes

Polycarbonate (PC) is renowned for its exceptional impact strength and optical clarity, making it ideal for transparent prototypes and protective components. With a heat deflection temperature of 135°C, PC prototypes can withstand demanding environments while maintaining dimensional accuracy. This material is particularly suitable for LED lighting components and safety equipment prototypes.

Key Advantages

  • Optical transparency
  • UV resistance
  • Flame retardant

Technical Specifications

Tensile Strength
65 MPa
Temperature Range
-135°C to 135°C
Density
1.20-1.22 g/cm³
Price Range
$1.0-$1.5/cm³

Typical Applications

Safety gogglesMedical equipmentAerospace components

PA (Nylon) Prototypes

Nylon (Polyamide) offers superior wear resistance and fatigue endurance, making it perfect for functional prototypes requiring repeated mechanical stress. With excellent chemical resistance and low friction coefficient, PA prototypes are widely used in automotive and industrial applications. Available in various grades including PA6, PA66, and glass-filled variants.

Key Advantages

  • High fatigue resistance
  • Good chemical stability
  • Low friction

Technical Specifications

Tensile Strength
85 MPa
Temperature Range
-40°C to 120°C
Density
1.13-1.15 g/cm³
Price Range
$0.7-$1.0/cm³

Typical Applications

Wear padsBushingsConveyor components

PMMA (Acrylic) Prototypes

Acrylic (PMMA) provides exceptional optical clarity (92% light transmission) and weather resistance, serving as an ideal alternative to glass for transparent prototypes. PMMA prototypes can be polished to optical-grade surfaces and are widely used in lighting systems, display prototypes, and architectural models. Offers better scratch resistance than standard polycarbonate.

Key Advantages

  • Optical clarity
  • Weather resistance
  • Easy polishing

Technical Specifications

Tensile Strength
70 MPa
Temperature Range
-40°C to 90°C
Density
1.17-1.20 g/cm³
Price Range
$0.6-$0.9/cm³

Typical Applications

Light guidesDisplay modelsSignage prototypes

PEEK Prototypes

Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) is a high-performance thermoplastic for extreme environment prototypes. With continuous service temperature up to 260°C and exceptional chemical resistance, PEEK prototypes are essential for aerospace, oil/gas, and medical applications. Offers excellent mechanical properties retention at elevated temperatures.

Key Advantages

  • Flame retardant
  • Sterilizable
  • High purity

Technical Specifications

Tensile Strength
100 MPa
Temperature Range
-100°C to 260°C
Density
1.32 g/cm³
Price Range
$8-$12/cm³

Typical Applications

Downhole toolsSurgical instrumentsSemiconductor parts

PP (Polypropylene) Prototypes

Polypropylene (PP) is a lightweight, chemical-resistant material ideal for living hinge prototypes and corrosion-resistant components. With excellent fatigue resistance and FDA compliance, PP prototypes are widely used in packaging, fluid handling, and medical applications. Offers good impact strength at low temperatures.

Key Advantages

  • Excellent chemical resistance
  • Low density
  • Fatigue resistance

Technical Specifications

Tensile Strength
35 MPa
Temperature Range
-20°C to 120°C
Density
0.90-0.91 g/cm³
Price Range
$0.4-$0.6/cm³

Typical Applications

Living hingesChemical tanksMedical trays

PE (Polyethylene) Prototypes

Polyethylene (PE) offers excellent moisture resistance and electrical insulation properties, making it suitable for prototypes in harsh environments. Available in HDPE and UHMW grades, PE prototypes are used in material handling, packaging, and industrial applications. Features low coefficient of friction and good impact resistance.

Key Advantages

  • Moisture resistant
  • Electrical insulation
  • Low cost

Technical Specifications

Tensile Strength
25 MPa
Temperature Range
-50°C to 80°C
Density
0.93-0.97 g/cm³
Price Range
$0.3-$0.5/cm³

Typical Applications

Wear stripsFood packagingChemical containers

Plastic Material Comparison Chart

MaterialTensile (MPa)Max TempPrice RangeMachinability
ABS40 MPa 80°C$0.5-$0.8/cm³
POM (Acetal)70 MPa 100°C$0.8-$1.2/cm³
PC (Polycarbonate)65 MPa 135°C$1.0-$1.5/cm³
PA (Nylon)85 MPa 120°C$0.7-$1.0/cm³
PMMA (Acrylic)70 MPa 90°C$0.6-$0.9/cm³
PEEK100 MPa 260°C$8-$12/cm³
PP (Polypropylene)35 MPa 120°C$0.4-$0.6/cm³
PE (Polyethylene)25 MPa 80°C$0.3-$0.5/cm³
* Prices based on standard CNC machining of 100cm³ volume

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