Injection Molding Materials
Overview
The choice of material defines how every molded part performs.
At Jet Mold Products, we work with a full range of engineering-grade thermoplastics—selected for strength, appearance, temperature resistance, and cost.
Whether you need a rigid bracket, a clear cover, or a flexible hinge, our team matches each resin to its intended environment, ensuring reliable results from prototype through production.
Modern plastics can replicate metal strength, remain stable under heat, and offer beautiful surface finishes.
Below you’ll find four of the most widely used materials in injection molding and how each can support your next project.
Additives and Specialty Blends
Performance can be enhanced through:
- Glass fiber reinforcement for stiffness and dimensional stability
- UV stabilizers for outdoor exposure
- Flame-retardant or FDA-compliant grades for regulated applications
- Colorants and texture control to achieve consistent appearance across product lines
Commonly Used Thermoplastics
ABS Plastic Injection Molding
A durable, impact-resistant polymer that produces excellent cosmetic finishes.
ABS is ideal for housings, brackets, and covers where surface quality matters.
Polycarbonate (PC) Injection Molding
Known for toughness and optical clarity.
Polycarbonate is used for transparent guards, lighting components, and any application requiring both strength and precision.
Nylon (PA6 & PA66) Injection Molding
An engineering plastic valued for wear resistance and mechanical strength.
Nylon performs well in load-bearing parts, gears, and components exposed to oils or fuel.
Polypropylene (PP) Injection Molding
Lightweight, chemical-resistant, and fatigue-tolerant.
Polypropylene excels in living hinges, containers, and products that demand flexibility or food-grade compliance.
Each project begins with a review of load, temperature, chemical exposure, and cosmetic needs so that we can specify the exact resin and additive package for your production goals.
Why Material Selection Matters
The right polymer reduces cost, simplifies tooling, and improves end-user experience.
Choosing correctly at the design stage helps avoid warp, shrink, or surface defects later in production.
Our engineers assist with DFM reviews, material data sheets, and sample testing to confirm that the chosen resin aligns with your mechanical and aesthetic targets.
Explore Further
Use the links above to learn more about each material type or visit our Understanding Thermoplastics in Injection Molding guide for deeper insights into polymer behavior, flow, and cooling.
Additives and Specialty Blends
Performance can be enhanced through:
- Glass fiber reinforcement for stiffness and dimensional stability
- UV stabilizers for outdoor exposure
- Flame-retardant or FDA-compliant grades for regulated applications
- Colorants and texture control to achieve consistent appearance across product lines
Ready to Start?
If you’re developing a new molded component or need to qualify alternative materials for cost or performance, our team can help.
Send your CAD files or part drawings, and we’ll recommend the most efficient tooling path and resin combination for your product.
Curious about the contents of a Digital Manufacturing Quote? Within each quote, you have the flexibility to customize materials, quantities, and turnaround times, with real-time pricing updates. Additionally, you can engage in interactive design analysis for various parts.
Recognizing the significance of an optimized part design prior to production initiation, we offer automated Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis within hours for every uploaded part.
Throughout the process, quality control measures are implemented to ensure that the parts meet the desired specifications. This may involve inspections, measurements, and testing to verify dimensional accuracy, material properties, and other critical attributes.
The material used for injection molding can vary widely depending on the application. Common materials include thermoplastics (e.g., ABS, polypropylene, polycarbonate), thermosetting plastics, elastomers, and metals. The material is typically provided in the form of pellets or granules.
