Material Alternatives for Plastic Injection Moulding
During material supply shortages, consider these resin substitutes for ABS, PC, PP, and other commonly moulded thermoplastics.
16 Mar, 2022.
Navigating supply chain issues is a constant challenge, especially in times of material shortages. So we looked at the more commonly used materials and compiled a list of substitution options that can serve well as replacements.
Choosing which ones to use will depend on material properties and the intended functions of your parts. Each section delves into those material properties and reasoning behind the alternative recommendations to provide insight into additional resin options.
With these options in mind, this guide lists alternative materials for common injection-moulded thermoplastics. Please be advised that we may not stock all of the materials discussed on this list. We are constantly evaluating our supply base, so feel free to contact us for up-to-date material availability.
In addition, 3D printing materials could potentially be an option, though not a 1:1 option of course. Materials must be suited to the application itself in order to have successful results.
For more information on materials generally, including detailed data sheets, visit our Materials Comparison Guide.
Common Thermoplastics and Their Material Alternatives
Plastic: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Trade Names: Lustran, Cycolac, Polylac, RTP
Alternatives: PSU, ASA, COC, PPO
3DP Alternatives: ABS-Like stereolithography
CNC Alternatives: ABS
Plastic: ABS/PC (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene/Polycarbonate)
Trade Names: Bayblend, Cycoloy
Alternatives: PSU, ASA, PPO
3DP Alternatives: ABS-Like and PC-Like stereolithography
CNC Alternatives: ABS or PC (Tecanat)
Plastic: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
Trade Names: Marlex, Hostalen, Petrothene
Alternatives: PP, PPO
3DP Alternatives: PP selective laser sintering
CNC Alternatives: HDPE (Tecafine)
Plastic: HIPS (High-Impact Polystyrene)
Alternatives: PMMA, ASA, PPO
CNC Alternative: PMMA (Tecacryl)
Plastic: PA Nylon (Polyamide)
Trade Names: Hylon, Minion, RTP, Stanyl, Vydyne, Zytel
Alternatives: SPS, PSU, PESU, PPSU, PPA, PPO
3DP Alternatives: PA Nylon selective laser sintering and Multi Jet Fusion
CNC Alternatives: PA6, PA66, PPSU
Plastic: PC (Polycarbonate)
Trade Names: Hylex, Lexan, Makrolon, RTP
Alternatives: PSU, COC, PMMA
3DP Alternatives: PC-Like stereolithography
CNC Alternatives: PC (tecanat), PMMA (Tecacryl), PSU
Plastic: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
Trade Name: Rynite
Alternatives: SPS, PCT, PSU, PPO
CNC Alternatives: PET (Tecapet), PSU
Plastic: PP (Polypropylene)
Trade Names: Thermylene, Polyfort, Pro-fax, Hostacom
Alternatives: PE, PPO
3DP Alternatives: PP selective laser sintering
CNC Alternatives: PP (Tecafine), PE-UHMW
Plastic: PPA (Polyphthalmide)
Trade Names: Amodel, Zytel, HTN
Alternatives: PPS, PEEK, PEI, PSU, PESU, PPSU
CNC Alternatives: PEEK (Tecapeek), PEI, PSU, PPSU
Plastic: POM (Acetal)
Trade Names: RTP, Celcon, Delrin
Alternatives: PP
3DP Alternatives: PP selective laser sintering
CNC Alternatives: POM (Copolymer, Homopolymer), PP