High-volume everyday materials used across a wide range of injection moulding applications. These are the polymers most moulders need regularly, and where flexible lot sizes and reliable availability matter most.

Polyethylene (PE)

One of the most widely used polymer families in injection moulding. PE is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic valued for its chemical resistance, toughness, and low cost.

• HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) – Rigid, tough, and chemically resistant. Commonly used for industrial components, containers, and housewares.
• LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) – Softer and more flexible than HDPE. Used in squeeze bottles, flexible lids, and low-stress components.
• LLDPE (Linear Low Density Polyethylene) – Combines flexibility with improved tensile strength. Used where LDPE performance needs to be enhanced without moving to HDPE.

Polypropylene (PP)

Probably the most widely processed polymer in injection moulding globally. Lightweight, fatigue-resistant, and available in a wide range of grades for general and specialist applications.

• Homopolymer PP – Stiffer and harder than copolymer grades. Used in rigid packaging, automotive trim, and consumer goods.
• Random Copolymer PP – Improved clarity and lower stiffness than homopolymer. Used in food containers, medical packaging, and thin-wall applications.
• Impact Copolymer PP – Enhanced impact resistance, particularly at low temperatures. Used in automotive parts, industrial containers, and outdoor applications.

Polystyrene (PS)

A versatile, low-cost thermoplastic with good dimensional stability and ease of processing. Widely used in consumer products and packaging.

• GPPS (General Purpose Polystyrene) – Rigid and clear. Used in disposable cutlery, cosmetic packaging, and display items where clarity is required.
• HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) – Rubber-modified for improved toughness. Used in housings, trays, toys, and point-of-sale items.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

One of the most produced plastics globally. PVC is chemically resistant and flame retardant, and its properties can be significantly modified through plasticiser content.

• Rigid PVC (uPVC) – Hard, strong, and dimensionally stable. Used in pipe fittings, electrical conduit, and window profiles.
• Flexible / Plasticised PVC – Soft and pliable. Used in cable insulation, seals, grips, and medical tubing.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

A tough, impact-resistant engineering-grade commodity polymer with a good surface finish. One of the most commonly specified materials in consumer electronics, automotive interiors, and enclosures. Readily painted and plated.

Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN)

A copolymer of styrene and acrylonitrile offering improved chemical resistance and clarity over standard polystyrene. Used in kitchenware, bathroom accessories, and instrument lenses where a glass-like appearance is required.

Higher performance materials for applications where commodity grades are insufficient. Engineering polymers offer improved mechanical properties, thermal resistance, or chemical resistance often at a cost premium justified by application requirements.

Polyamide (PA) – Nylon

A family of semi-crystalline engineering polymers with excellent mechanical properties, wear resistance, and moderate chemical resistance. One of the most widely used engineering thermoplastics in injection moulding.

• PA6 – Good toughness, flexibility, and processability. Used in gears, bearings, housings, and structural components.
• PA66 – Higher stiffness and heat resistance than PA6. Used in automotive under-bonnet components, electrical connectors, and power tool housings.
• PA11 and PA12 – Lower moisture absorption than PA6/66, with good flexibility and chemical resistance. Used in fuel lines, cable sheathing, and precision components.

Polycarbonate (PC)

An amorphous engineering polymer with outstanding impact strength, optical clarity, and dimensional stability. Used where toughness and transparency are required simultaneously: automotive lighting, safety glazing, medical devices, and electronic enclosures.

Polyoxymethylene (POM) – Acetal

A semi-crystalline polymer with exceptional stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability. Often selected as a direct replacement for metal components.

• POM Homopolymer – Higher strength and hardness. Used in precision gears, bearings, and fasteners. Commonly associated with the Delrin-type trade name.
• POM Copolymer – Better thermal and chemical stability. Used where dimensional consistency over a range of conditions is critical.

Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)

A semi-crystalline polyester with good chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, and excellent electrical properties. Widely used in electrical connectors, automotive components, and housings for electronic devices.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Best known in its fibre and film forms, PET is also injection moulded for precision engineering components. Offers high stiffness, good chemical resistance, and low creep. Used in precision parts, electrical components, and food contact applications.

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)

A flexible engineering polymer bridging the gap between rubber and hard plastics. Offers excellent abrasion resistance, tear strength, and elasticity. Used in flexible tubing, seals, wheels, cable jacketing, and sports equipment.

Polyphenylene Oxide / Ether (PPO / PPE)

Rarely used in unmodified form. Most commonly encountered as a blend with polystyrene or polyamide — Noryl-type materials offering improved dimensional stability, low moisture absorption, and good electrical properties. Used in automotive parts, electrical housings, and fluid handling components.

Specialist materials for the most demanding applications where exceptional thermal resistance, chemical inertness, or mechanical performance at elevated temperatures is required. Typically specified in aerospace, defence, medical, and advanced automotive applications.

Polyphenylene Sulphide (PPS)

A semi-crystalline high-performance polymer with outstanding chemical resistance, dimensional stability, and continuous use temperatures up to around 220°C. Frequently used in glass-fibre reinforced grades for automotive under-bonnet components, electrical connectors, and fluid handling.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)

One of the highest-performing thermoplastics available for injection moulding. Exceptional mechanical properties are retained at high temperatures (continuous use to 250°C+), with excellent chemical and radiation resistance. Used in aerospace, medical implants, semiconductor equipment, and high-load bearing applications.

Polysulphone (PSU) and Polyethersulphone (PES / PESU)

Amorphous high-performance polymers with excellent hydrolytic stability, transparency, and resistance to steam sterilisation. Used in medical devices, water filtration membranes, and food processing equipment.

Polyetherimide (PEI)

An amorphous high-performance polymer combining high strength, rigidity, and heat resistance with inherent flame retardancy. Commonly associated with the Ultem-type trade name. Used in aircraft interiors, medical instruments, and electrical components requiring continuous high-temperature performance.

Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP)

An advanced thermoplastic with an exceptionally ordered molecular structure, giving outstanding dimensional stability, very low warpage, and excellent flow in thin sections. Used in miniaturised electrical connectors, precision electronic components, and applications requiring tight tolerances.

Thermoplastic elastomers process like thermoplastics but behave like rubber in use without the need for vulcanisation. Increasingly common in injection moulding for soft-touch components, seals, grips, and overmoulding applications.

Styrenic Block Copolymers (SBS / SEBS)

The most widely used TPE family. SBS offers good flexibility and low cost; SEBS provides improved heat and UV resistance through hydrogenation of the rubber block. Used in soft-touch grips, footwear, adhesives, and general purpose flexible components.

Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR)

A broad category of rubber-like thermoplastics, often based on SBS or SEBS compounded with oils and fillers. Offers a balance of flexibility, processability, and low cost. Widely used in consumer products, toys, and overmoulded grips.

Thermoplastic Vulcanisate (TPV)

A dynamically vulcanised blend of rubber and thermoplastic — most commonly EPDM rubber in a PP matrix. Offers significantly improved heat resistance and compression set compared to standard TPEs. Used in automotive seals, gaskets, and fluid-contact applications where conventional TPE would degrade.

Demand for lower-carbon and recycled-content materials is growing across all sectors. Plastiserve can source a range of sustainable polymer options to help manufacturers meet their environmental commitments without compromising on processing performance.

Reprocessed and Regrind Polymers

Post-industrial reprocessed polymers offer a cost-effective alternative to prime virgin material for applications where cosmetic appearance or tight specification tolerances are not critical. We supply reprocessed grades of common commodity and engineering polymers — contact us with your specification and we will confirm availability.

Recycled Content Materials (PCR / PIR)

Post-consumer recyclate (PCR) and post-industrial recyclate (PIR) grades are increasingly available in standard polymer families including PE, PP, and ABS. Properties vary by grade and source — we can advise on suitability for your application and provide technical data where available.

Bio-based Polymers

Polymers derived wholly or partly from renewable biological feedstocks rather than fossil fuels. Polylactic Acid (PLA) is the most widely used bio-based polymer in injection moulding, offering good stiffness and clarity, though with limitations in heat resistance and moisture sensitivity. Other bio-based grades are available — contact us to discuss your requirements.

Modified polymers — filled, reinforced, alloyed, or functionalised for applications where a standard grade does not meet the full requirement. Plastiserve can source a wide range of compounded and blended materials to your specification.

Glass Fibre Reinforced Grades

The addition of short glass fibres significantly increases stiffness, strength, and heat deflection temperature. Available across most engineering polymer families including PA, PBT, PP, and PPS. Commonly specified in structural components, automotive parts, and electrical housings. Glass content typically ranges from 10% to 50% by weight.

Mineral Filled Grades

Mineral fillers such as talc, calcium carbonate, and barium sulphate improve stiffness, dimensional stability, and surface finish. Talc-filled PP in particular is a standard material for automotive interior panels and appliance housings.

Flame Retardant Grades

Polymers compounded with flame retardant additives to meet specific fire performance standards: UL94, FMVSS, or BS/EN classifications. Available in halogenated and halogen-free formulations across a range of base polymers. Required in electrical, electronic, and transportation applications.

UV Stabilised Grades

Polymers compounded with UV absorbers and light stabilisers for outdoor or high-light-exposure applications. Prevents degradation of mechanical properties and surface appearance over time. Available in PP, PE, ABS, and other commodity and engineering polymers.

Polymer Alloys and Blends

Physically or chemically combined polymer systems offering property profiles not achievable in a single-component material.

• PC/ABS – The most commonly specified polymer alloy in injection moulding. Combines the impact strength and heat resistance of polycarbonate with the processability and surface quality of ABS. Widely used in automotive interiors, consumer electronics, and enclosures.
• PPO/PS and PPO/PA blends – Modified PPE systems offering dimensional stability, low moisture absorption, and good electrical properties. Used in automotive and electrical applications.
• Other alloys and blends – Available to specification. Contact us with your performance requirements and we will identify suitable options from our supply network.