Expert guidance on selecting the right thermoplastic for your application
Choosing the right material is crucial for product performance, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness. Every resin has trade-offs — strength vs flexibility, heat resistance vs processability, performance vs price. Our materials engineers help you navigate these decisions so your parts perform reliably from day one.
Tapi Plastics has extensive experience processing a wide range of thermoplastics. The table below summarises the materials we work with most frequently, along with their key characteristics and typical applications.
| Material | Key Properties | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Impact-resistant, rigid, excellent surface finish | Electronic housings, automotive trim, consumer goods |
| Polypropylene (PP) | Chemical-resistant, lightweight, fatigue-resistant | Packaging, automotive parts, living hinges |
| Polyethylene (HDPE/LDPE) | Flexible, moisture-resistant, low cost | Containers, bottles, industrial components |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | High impact strength, transparent, heat-resistant | Safety equipment, lighting, medical devices |
| Nylon (PA6, PA66) | Strong, wear-resistant, high heat tolerance | Gears, bearings, mechanical components |
| Polystyrene (PS/HIPS) | Cost-effective, easy to process, rigid | Disposable items, packaging, housings |
| TPE / TPU | Flexible, rubber-like, overmoulding-compatible | Grips, seals, soft-touch surfaces |
| Acetal (POM) | Low friction, dimensionally stable, stiff | Precision gears, clips, fasteners |
| PC/ABS Blends | Balanced strength, heat resistance, finish | Automotive interiors, laptop housings |
| Recycled Resins (rPP, rPET) | Sustainable, cost-effective, growing availability | Non-critical packaging, consumer products |
Material selection should be driven by the functional requirements of your part and the conditions it will operate in. We evaluate six key factors when recommending materials for a project:
Tensile strength, impact resistance, and rigidity for structural performance
Operating limits and heat deflection under load
Resistance to solvents, oils, acids, and UV exposure
Aesthetic quality, texture options, and colour stability
Raw material pricing, cycle time, and waste reduction
Recyclability and recycled-content alternatives
The right material balances these factors against your production volume, regulatory requirements, and budget. The guides below explore the most common material decisions in detail.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is one of the most widely used plastics in injection moulding — and for good reason. It combines impact resistance, rigidity, and an excellent surface finish at a competitive price point. It's the go-to material for parts that need to look good and perform reliably.
In-Depth Guide
Everything you need to know about ABS — properties, design advantages, processing considerations, common applications, and limitations engineers should understand.
Read Guide →Choosing between two materials that both seem suitable? These side-by-side comparison guides break down the real-world differences in strength, cost, processability, and application fit — so you can make a confident, informed decision.
ABS delivers rigidity and surface finish; PP offers chemical resistance and flexibility. Compare strength, cost, and applications to find which suits your part.
Read Comparison →Nylon excels in wear resistance and heat tolerance; ABS wins on cost and processability. A practical comparison for engineering applications.
Read Comparison →PC offers superior impact strength and transparency; ABS is more cost-effective. Compare performance for safety, lighting, and structural parts.
Read Comparison →Not sure which material is right for your project? Our materials engineers work with you to match resin selection to your functional requirements, manufacturing constraints, and budget.
Our materials engineers can help you choose the optimal thermoplastic for your application based on performance requirements, environmental conditions, and budget.