Synthetic glossary

• ABS Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

  +  high impact and notched impact strength, even at low temperatures
  +  high mechanical strength and stiffness
  +  high mechanical strength and stiffness
  +  high hardness and scratch resistance
  +  good thermal shock resistance
  +  low water absorption
  +  high dimensional stability
  +  good resistance to chemicals (except for solvents!)
  +  very easy to paint, galvanize, or print on

• PA Polyamide (Nylon)

  +  high strength, stiffness, and hardness
  +  high thermostability
  +  high abrasion resistance, good anti-friction properties
  +  high resistance against solvents, fuels, and oils
  -  moderate dimensional stability and variable hardness

• PC Polycarbonate

  +  high transparency
  +  good toughness
  +  high stiffness
  +  high accuracy to gage
  +  high dimensional stability
  +  low water absorption
  -  tends to form stress cracks

• PE Polyethylene

  +  low density
  +  high toughness and elongation at break
  +  good chemical resistance
  +  low water absorption
  -  low thermostability

• POM Polyoxymethylene, Polyformaldehyde, Polyacetal

  +  high stiffness, strength and hardness
  +  high toughness down to -30 °C
  +  good springiness properties
  +  low water absorption
  +  good resistance to chemicals
  +  good abrasion resistance
  +  good anti-friction properties
  + 

• PP Polypropylene

  +  low density (0,9 g/cm³)
  +  very high resistance to chemicals
  +  well-balanced between hardness, stiffness, and toughness
  +  low water absorption
  -  moderate thermostability

• PSN Polystyrene (crystal clear)

  +  transparent
  +  low water absorption
  +  very stiff
  +  neutral taste and smell
  +  very easy to print on, weld, and paint
  +  low shrinkage and warpage
  -  limited resistance to chemicals

• PSI Polystyrene Impact SB

  +  opaque
  +  impact-resistant
  +  stiff to flexible
  +  low water absorption
  +  very easy to print on, weld, and paint
  +  low shrinkage and warpage

• PVC Polyvinylchloride

  +  good resilience
  +  low cold flow
  +  high toughness
  +  high resistance to chemicals

• TPU Thermoplastic Polyurethane

  +  high wear resistance
  +  high flexibility over a wide temperature range
  +  good resistance against oils, greases, and many solvents
  +  good damping properties
  +  good resilience
  +  good dynamic loading capacity

These specifications are non-binding. The properties can vary depending on the manufacturer, type, or use of fillers.