Plastic Molded Parts

Plastic molded parts are essential components in numerous industries as they are characterized by their versatility, lightness and cost efficiency. These molded parts are used in areas where they can serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Thermoplastics are formed by heat and solidify again when cooled. A thermoplastic can even be heated and cooled several times. This has decisive advantages for recycling, as plastic waste and old products made from thermoplastics can be melted and reused. This allows sustainable variants to be produced from recycled or biodegradable plastics, which can reduce the environmental impact. Due to their many advantages, thermoplastics are the most successful plastics worldwide and are used in both everyday objects and high-tech products. They combine advantages that are essential for the lightweight construction of products, but also design elements such as different colors, graining and the possibility of film lamination.

Typical Products Made by Thermoforming

The thermoforming process is used in a variety of industries to manufacture products with different requirements and properties. Typical products include:

  • Cases (case shells)
  • Machine covers
  • Trays
  • Product displays
  • Covers and signs
  • Containers
  • Medical molded parts
  • Lightweight components
  • Leisure products

Product Examples Made of Thermoplastic Materials

Thermoplastics have various positive properties and can be modified to protect against heat, electricity, UV and high loads. They can be soft and malleable like rubber, or hard and resistant like metal. Some thermoplastics withstand extremely high temperatures while others can withstand only low temperatures.

Plastic Materials for Shaped Parts

The thermoforming process enables the processing of a variety of plastics that can be molded due to their thermoplastic properties. Different materials are used depending on the area of application and the desired properties of the end product:

Acrylnitril-Butadien-Styrole (ABS)

Properties: high impact resistance, good surface quality, thermal stability.

Applications: automotive parts, casings for electrical appliances, technical components.

Polystyrole (PS)

Properties: transparency possible, rigid, easy to process.

Applications: disposable packaging, blister packaging, containers for food products.

Polyethylene (PE)

Properties: flexible, good barrier properties, moisture resistant.

Applications: packaging, water tanks, protective covers.

Polypropylene (PP)

Properties: lightweight, chemical resistant, high impact strength.

Applications: food packaging, medical products, containers.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA, Acrylic Glass)

Properties: high transparency, scratch-resistant, weather-resistant.

Applications: displays, lighting covers, medical products.

Polycarbonate (PC)

Properties: very robust, break-proof, heat-resistant.

Applications: protective covers, optical applications, automotive engineering.

Polyethylenterephthalat (PET)

Properties: transparency, strength, barrier properties against gases.

Applications: food packaging, bottles, technical applications.

Thermoplastic Elastomeres (TPE)

Properties: rubber-like flexibility, good formability.

Applications: handle materials, seals, flexible packaging.

Polyvinylchlorid (PVC)

Properties: robust, chemical resistant, good formability.

Applications: advertising panels, packaging, construction applications.