Here Is The Plastics Repository That We Needed To Exist

Plastics are always a nuanced topic. We try to avoid them, but when we need to use them we want to be very highly educated on what each does and how each is created. As knowledge is power, here is a non exhaustive list of the most commonly used plastics in product design:

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Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) / ABS is a strong and impact-resistant plastic with good dimensional stability, often used for toys, automotive parts, and electronic enclosures.

Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) / EVA is a flexible and lightweight plastic often used in foam products, packaging materials, and adhesives.

Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) / FEP is a chemically resistant and heat-resistant plastic often used in wire insulation, tubing, and non-stick coatings.

Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) / LCP is a high-performance plastic known for its excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and high temperature resistance, making it suitable for electronic components and medical devices.

Polyamide (PA) / Commonly known as nylon, PA is a strong and flexible plastic used for textiles, automotive components, and gears.

Polyaryletherketone (PAEK) / PAEK is a high-performance plastic with excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and high temperature resistance, making it ideal for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.

Polyarylsulfone (PAS) / PAS is a high-performance plastic with excellent heat and chemical resistance, often used in medical devices, electronic components, and automotive parts.

Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) / PBT is a strong, durable, and chemically resistant plastic commonly used in electrical components, automotive parts, and consumer products.

Polycaprolactone (PCL) / PCL is a biodegradable and biocompatible plastic often used in medical applications, such as sutures, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering.

Polycarbonate (PC) / This tough, transparent plastic has high impact resistance and is used for eyewear, electronic housings, and automotive components.

Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) / PEEK is a high-performance plastic known for its excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and high temperature resistance, making it ideal for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.

Polyetherimide (PEI) / PEI is a high-performance plastic with excellent heat and chemical resistance, making it ideal for aerospace, automotive, and electrical applications.

Polyethylene (PE) / This is a versatile, lightweight, and flexible plastic commonly used for packaging, plastic bags, films, and containers. There are different types of polyethylene, such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE).

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) / Known for its clarity and strength, PET is used for beverage bottles, food packaging, and textiles.

Polyimide (PI) / Known for its high temperature resistance and excellent electrical insulation properties, PI is used in flexible printed circuits, aerospace components, and electrical insulation materials.

Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) / Also known as acrylic or Plexiglas, PMMA is a transparent, strong, and UV-resistant plastic used for windows, light fixtures, and signs.

Polymethylpentene (PMP) / PMP is a transparent and chemically resistant plastic used in laboratory equipment, medical devices, and food packaging.

Polyoxymethylene (POM) / Also called acetal or Delrin, POM is a rigid and wear-resistant plastic used for gears, bearings, and fasteners.

Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) / PPS is a high-performance plastic with excellent chemical and heat resistance, making it suitable for automotive, electrical, and industrial applications.

Polypropylene (PP) / Known for its high melting point, chemical resistance, and durability, PP is used for automotive parts, containers, packaging, and fibers.

Polystyrene (PS) / This rigid and lightweight plastic is commonly used for disposable cutlery, food packaging, and insulation materials. It can be found in two forms: General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).

Polystyrene Copolymers / These are a group of plastics that combine the properties of polystyrene with other plastics, such as Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA) and Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN). They are used in applications requiring improved chemical resistance or UV stability.

Polysulfone (PSU) / PSU is a high-performance plastic with excellent chemical and heat resistance, often used for medical devices, electronic components, and automotive parts.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) / Commonly known as Teflon, PTFE is a non-stick, chemically resistant, and heat-resistant plastic used for cookware, gaskets, and electrical insulation.

Polyurethane (PU) / PU is a versatile plastic that can be either rigid or flexible, and it is used in applications such as foam, adhesives, and coatings.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) / PVC is a strong, lightweight, and flame-resistant plastic often used for pipes, tubing, flooring, and window frames.

Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) / PVDF is a chemically resistant, flame-retardant, and UV-resistant plastic often used in the chemical industry, as well as for piping systems and electrical insulation.

Styrene Butadiene Copolymers (SBC) / SBCs are a family of plastics that include Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) and Styrene-Isoprene-Styrene (SIS), offering flexibility, impact resistance, and processability. They are used in adhesives, sealants, and footwear.

Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE) / TPEs are a class of plastics that combine the properties of rubber and plastic, and they are commonly used in seals, gaskets, and soft-touch applications.

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) / TPU is a versatile and flexible plastic used for various applications, such as hoses, wire insulation, and footwear.

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