Product Design

Thermoplastics

plastics that become moldable above a specific temperature and solidify upon cooling, allowing for reshaping and recycling.

Thermosets

plastics that do not melt upon heating and cannot be reshaped or recycled once cured. Permanentand stable even when exposed to high temperatures.

ABS plastic

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, a type of thermoplastic known for its durability and impact resistance, commonly used in consumer goods and automotive parts. MOST EXPENSIVE

PolyVinylChloride (PVC)

A widely used thermoplastic known for its versatility, strength, and resistance to corrosion, often used in pipes, flooring, and clothing. Outdoor/water products. Cheap, heavy, rigid

PolyEthylene (PE)

The most common thermoplastic used in a variety of applications, known for its lightweight, flexibility, and resistance to moisture and chemicals. Often used in packaging and plastic bags. Easy to blow mold.

PolyPropylene (PP)

Similar to PE but more rigid. Does not fatigue, hinges / snaps

List in order of most $ to least $ (options: PP, PE, PVS, ABS)

ABS, PVS, PP, PE

Polystyrene (PS)

Clear, hard, cheap, brittle. Typically formed to styrofoam. Crazes easily if cracked.

Crazing

Network of small voids/cracks

PMMA

Acrylic, plexiglass. transparent like glass, hard, brittle

Polycarbonate (PC)

“Engineering” plastic. Expensive, extremely tough and rigid with high impact resistance and temperature tolerance.

PET, PETE

Cheap, easy to blow mold. Food products, good barrier to moisture. Tough, able to withstand pressure.

List in order of most $ to least $ (options: PC, PMMA, PS, PET)

PC, PET, PMMA, PS