Synthetic glossary
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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
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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
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PC Polycarbonate
+ high transparency
+ good toughness
+ high stiffness
+ high accuracy to gage
+ high dimensional stability
+ low water absorption
- tends to form stress cracks
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PE Polyethylene
+ low density
+ high toughness and elongation at break
+ good chemical resistance
+ low water absorption
- low thermostability
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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
+
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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
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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
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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
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PVC Polyvinylchloride
+ good resilience
+ low cold flow
+ high toughness
+ high resistance to chemicals
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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.
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