Hundreds of different types of materials are used for prototyping, but only some of them will truly be the best choice for your product.

1.What are the materials of plastic?

The universal plastics we used for prototyping include: ABS、PC、PA、PP、PMMA、POM、PVC、PEEK、PU、PBT, Let's take some examples.

ABS: ABS is the most widely used and best material in the prototype production industry. ABS material is a well-known engineering plastic and one of the five major synthetic types of materials. It is now widely used in the field of prototype production. Its surface color is beige or ivory, which is opaque, but it can be colored due to the material characteristics. Therefore, when processing ABS prototype models, the relative density is about 1.05 and it does not absorb moisture.

PMMA: Poly(methyl methacrylate), Poly Methyl Methacrylate. Also known as "acrylic" or "plexiglass". It's a synthetic polymer, commonly known as organic glass, with good transparency and excellent heat resistance. This material has strict processing requirements. It is very sensitive to moisture and temperature, and is prone to "voids". It is processed by "low material temperature, high mold temperature, slow injection". PMMA plastic is a general-purpose plastic. Product features: crystal clear, light and strong, excellent weather resistance, easy to process, good chemical resistance and electrical insulation, etc. Widely used in lampshades, window glass, signs, optical lenses, hard contact lenses, auto parts.

PC: Polycarbonate. It has the strength similar to that of non-ferrous metals, and at the same time has both ductility and toughness. It has extremely high impact strength and cannot be damaged by hammering. It can withstand the explosion of TV screens. It has excellent transparency and can be colored in any way. Widely used in various safety lampshades, signal lights, transparent protective plates of gymnasiums and stadiums, lighting glass, high-rise building glass, automobile reflectors, windshield panels, aircraft cockpit glass, motorcycle driving helmets. The largest market is computers, office equipment, automobiles, replacement glass and sheets, and CD and CVD discs are one of the most potential markets.

PA: Common name nylon, polyamide, polygamist. Unique low specific gravity, high tensile strength, wear resistance. With good self-lubrication, excellent impact toughness, and both rigid and flexible performance, it's easy to process, high efficiency, light weight, can be processed into various products to replace metal. Widely used in the automotive and transportation industries. Typical products include pump impellers, fan blades, valve seats, bushings, bearings, various instrument panels, automotive electrical instruments, hot and cold air control valves and other parts. The automotive industry accounts for the largest proportion of polyamide consumption, followed by the electrical and electronic industries.

POM: Polyoxymethylene, also known as polyformaldehyde. It's an engineering plastic with excellent performance are known as "Super Steel" abroad. A hard and dense material with a smooth surface and good luster, which is light yellow or white in color and has good overall properties. They have metal-like hardness, strength and rigidity and can operate in a wide range of temperatures and humidity. Both have good self-lubricating properties and good fatigue resistance. It is flexible and has good chemical resistance. It has a very low friction coefficient and good geometric stability, and is particularly suitable for making gears and bearings. Because it also has high temperature resistance, it is also used in pipeline components (pipeline valves, pump housings), lawn equipment, etc. At a lower cost than many other engineering plastics, it is replacing some markets traditionally occupied by metals, such as replacing zinc, brass, aluminum and steel in making many parts. Widely used in electronics and electrical, machinery, instruments, daily light industry, automobiles, building materials, agriculture, medical technology, sports equipment, etc.

PBT: Polybutylene terephthalate, a thermoplastic polyester. Compared with other thermoplastic engineering plastics, non-reinforced PBT has better processing performance and electrical properties. PBT has a low glass transition temperature and can quickly crystallize at a mold temperature of 50°C, with a short processing cycle. It is widely used in electronics, electronics and automotive industries. Due to its high insulation and temperature resistance, it can be used as flyback transformers for televisions, automobile distributors and ignition coils, office equipment cases and bases, various automobile exterior parts, air conditioner fans, electronic stove bases, and office equipment cases.

2.What are the materials of metal?
Metal materials include all alloy materials such as iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, brass, steel, manganese, etc.

Aluminum Alloy: This material has low density but high strength. It is similar to high-quality steel. It can be processed into various profiles and has good electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance. It is widely used in various enterprises.

Copper series include: red copper, brass, bronze, cupronickel. Red copper refers to pure copper, the main varieties are oxygen-free copper, red copper, phosphorus deoxidized copper, and silver copper. Brass refers to an alloy based on copper and zinc, which can be further divided into simple brass and complex brass. Complex brass is named nickel brass, silicon brass, etc. after the third component. Bronze refers to copper-based alloys other than copper-nickel and copper-zinc alloys. The main varieties are tin bronze, aluminum bronze, and special bronze (also known as high-copper alloy). Cupronickel refers to copper-nickel alloy.

Steel series include: stainless steel, alloy steel, low carbon steel, high carbon steel, hot rolled steel, cold rolled steel, tool steel.

At Guanjie, we make the decision easy to find your appropriate materials. We offer an extensive list of advanced prototyping materials that bring your prototypes to life. Our team of experienced engineers has a deep understanding of prototyping materials and will offer you valuable advice based on your unique product design.