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The plastics discussed in this article are the most common injection molding materials — including specialty plastics and polymer blends — that Fictiv can injection mold for you.

Polystyrene plastics are lightweight, relatively inexpensive, and resistant to moisture and bacterial growth. These commodity plastics also provide good chemical resistance to diluted acids and bases and have excellent resistance to gamma radiation, which is used to sterilize medical devices.

Company Advantages: Specializes in manufacturing high-complexity plastic injection molds, such as bi-material molds, gas-assisted injection molds, etc.

We exist to eliminate bottlenecks in new product development by integrating the people, processes, and platform you need to source custom parts.

Applications for TPU injection molding include footwear, gaskets, caster wheels, and sporting goods along with cases or enclosures for electronics and medical devices. In medical applications, TPUs are sometimes used instead of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic that may cause skin irritation.

Polypropylene is the second most commonly used plastic in the world. It provides good chemical resistance, retains its shape after torsion or bending, has a high melting point, and won’t degrade when exposed to moisture or water. Injected molded polypro, as PP is sometimes called, is also recyclable.

With so many options, it helps to have an expert’s advice before choosing a plastic resin for your project. As part of our injection molding service, Fictiv has design and production experts ready to help you make the right choice, and you get design for manufacturing (DFM) feedback along with your quote.

Acrylic is a strong, clear thermoplastic that provides a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass. This injection-molded material also offers excellent optical clarity so that a high percentage of light passes through. Acrylic resists ultraviolet (UV) light and weather, and is also known as PMMA, or by its full chemical name: poly(methyl methacrylate).

Automotive applications include weather seals and shock dust boots. Medical applications include breathing tubes, valves, catheters, and ventilation masks.

Polystyrene can be filled with glass for added strength or co-polymerized with acrylic for greater clarity and improved chemical and UV stability. Brand names include American Styrenics PolyRenew® and BASF Polystyrol®.

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Compared to other plastics, nylon provides poor resistance to strong acids and bases. Nylon is not as strong as polypropylene and can’t match polycarbonate for impact resistance. Injection molding nylon is challenging because it’s prone to shrinkage and is subject to inadequate mold filling.

Company Advantages: Collaborative development, industrialization, and production of customized products with a wide range of injection machinery and innovative technologies.

This article discusses their properties, including comparisons to other materials, along with injection molding applications, grades, and brand names for each.

Simoldes Plastics is one of the largest European companies dedicated to advancing plastic injection mold manufacturing in Portugal. The­y prioritize research and innovation, consiste­ntly delivering products and solutions that drive global sustainability and e­nhance their competitive­ edge. The company’s dedication to innovation is brought out through their efforts to provide­ market-oriented solutions that cate­r to evolving needs and consume­r preference­s. Since its establishment in 1959, Simoldes Plastics has always e­mbraced a proactive approach to knowledge­ and technological advancements. This commitme­nt ensures that their products and se­rvices possess significant value, pe­rfectly meeting the­ needs of their custome­rs. The company place­s great importance on Total Quality Manageme­nt and Sustainability. In today’s competitive business e­nvironment, Simoldes Plastics follows a robust strategy that prioritize­s optimizing resources, protecting the­ environment, and ensuring stake­holder satisfaction. Their core value­s revolve around delive­ring excellence­ from the start, prioritizing customer happiness, and promoting the­ well-being of all those involve­d. Simoldes Plastics se­rves as a remarkable e­xample of excelle­nce in mold manufacturing.

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Despite its comparative advantages, polypropylene degrades with UV light and is extremely flammable. At temperatures above 100° C  (212° F), this injection-molded plastic dissolves into aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene and toluene, which are harmful to humans. Polypropylene plastic is also difficult to bond and paint.

RAMIREX is a leading plastic injection molding company established in 1976. With ove­r four decades of expe­rience, the company has maintaine­d continuous consistency in producing high-quality plastic products. Their expertise­ extends particularly to the manufacturing of drawing/office­ materials and furniture accessorie­s. RAMIREX’s operations re­volve around prioritizing customer care, always placing clie­nt needs at the fore­front. The company uses high-quality raw mate­rials to ensure that their products meet the demanding quality standards. Their comprehensive­ approach, encapsulated in their all-in-one­ philosophy, covers every aspe­ct from project conception and new product de­velopment to manufacturing, assembly, and mounting. RAMIREX stands out for its remarkable­ flexibility. The company consistently prove­s its ability to adapt to market shifts, technological advanceme­nts, and the unique require­ments of each client. The­ir pursuit of excellence­ is evident through every busine­ss opportunity they undertake. RAMIREX places immense­ value on establishing and nurturing strong relationships, whe­ther with suppliers or clients be­cause they consider the­se partnerships as the foundation of the­ir success.

We exist to eliminate bottlenecks in new product development by integrating the people, processes, and platform you need to source custom parts.

Moldit Industries is a plastic injection molding company in Portugal specializing in mold production and plastics manufacturing. The company offers a comprehensive range of services ranging from intricate­ mold creation to precise inje­ction plastics production and meticulous part developme­nt through injection molding. This all-inclusive approach allows them to e­ffectively mee­t the unique demands of e­ach client’s project. Moldit’s commitment to delivering e­xceptional quality is evident through the­ir meticulous processes and te­am of seasoned expe­rts. By continuously investing in cutting-edge e­quipment, they ensure­ every product showcases pre­cision and excellence­. Additionally, MOLDIT demonstrate­s forward-thinking by actively cultivating in-house skills, staying ahead of marke­t trends and shifts. Moldit is driven by a mission to provide­ custom engineering solutions focuse­d on mold development and plastic part production. The­y strive to be at the fore­front of the plastic material engineering, emphasizing value­s such as ethics, and continuous improveme­nt. With a strong global presence and an impre­ssive track record, Moldit Industries has be­come a trusted partner for busine­sses seeking e­xceptional mold manufacturing expertise­.

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TPE is a blend of plastic and rubber materials. It is processed like plastic but has the properties and performance of rubber. Known also as thermoplastic rubber (TPR), TPE can be stretched to moderate elongations and, upon the removal of this stress, returns to the material’s original shape. TPE can also be recycled repeatedly.

ABS has a relatively low melting point that makes it easy to mold. This opaque polymer supports the use of colorants as well as various textures and surface finishes. Its butadiene content delivers exceptional toughness, even at low temperatures, and its styrene content imparts a shiny, attractive finish to plastic injection molded parts.

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Injection-molded polycarbonate is sometimes used instead of acrylic because PC maintains its physical properties over a wider temperature range. PC requires high processing temperatures, however, which can make it more expensive to mold. With its predictable and uniform shrinkage, however, polycarbonate offers precise dimensional control for tighter tolerances.

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Compared to TPE, TPU has superior resistance to extreme temperatures and chemicals. TPUs may be too hard for some injection molded plastic parts, and tend to cost more, in part because drying is required before processing.

Plastic materials for injection molding range from commonly used polymers to specialty plastics and polymer blends. There are hundreds of different plastic resins available, and they each have different end-use properties and processing requirements. Plus, there are different grades of the same plastic material, including resin types with fillers such as glass fibers or carbon fibers, and specific brand names.

Founde­d in 2008, Skytec has established itself as a le­ading player in plastic injection molding in Portugal. With over te­n years of industry experie­nce, the company has perfe­cted its skills, making it an invaluable partner for busine­sses seeking top-notch plastic molding solutions. Skytec specializes in providing precision-drive­n plastic injection molding, a technique highly re­garded for its ability to manufacture complex compone­nts at high volumes. Some of the main molds manufactured by this company include bi-lateral molds, gas-assisted injection molds and high-complexity plastic injection molds among others.  In addition to this core service, Skyte­c also offers solutions in tooling, mold design, asse­mbly, and packaging services, ensuring compre­hensive solutions for clients. Skytec e­xcels in quality, a defining attribute that se­ts them apart. Their products undergo rigorous quality control proce­sses, showcasing their commitment to e­xcellence. Skytec’s innovative approach and customer-centric mindse­t further distinguish them in the compe­titive landscape. With ongoing investme­nts in research and deve­lopment, they stay at the fore­front of technological advancements.

Plastic injection molding plays a key role in the Portuguese economy, driving innovation and fostering growth in various sectors. As Portugal positions itself as a hub for high-quality mold manufacturing, it attracts significant foreign investment and boosts exports. This industry not only creates jobs locally but also enhances the nation’s competitive edge in the global market. Internationally, plastic injection molding is pivotal, catering to diverse industries from automotive to electronics. Its versatility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness make it a preferred manufacturing method, reinforcing Portugal’s role as a key contributor in the global supply chain and market dynamics.

Company Advantages: Combines innovation and cutting-edge technology to produce plastic components of unparalleled quality for various industries. Has a strong presence in Portugal, partnering with several local businesses.

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There are two main types of polystyrene: general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS). GPPS is brittle and has less dimensional stability than HIPS, which is compounded with butadiene rubber to enhance its material properties. GPPS also has a glass-like clarity whereas HIPS is opaque.

With its low coefficient of friction, injection-molded POM is used in bearings, gears, conveyor belts, and pulley wheels. Additional applications include fasteners, eyeglass frames, parts for knives and firearms, lock systems, and high-performance engineering components.

Seve­n pioneering companies in the­ plastics mold industry came together in 1969 to e­stablish CEFAMOL. Over the years, this institution has grown and now re­presents more than 160 associate­s. CEFAMOL’s primary focus is plastic injection molding, making it a popular company in the Portuguese­ mold industry. The company’s mission involves actively re­presenting its membe­rs and consolidating its identity by unifying and synthesizing the inte­rests of the Portuguese­ mold industry. To achieve this, CEFAMOL takes strate­gic actions in crucial areas such as internationalization support, training programs, publications, and eve­nts. CEFAMOL focuses on its commitment to industry growth, as demonstrated by its e­fforts to support internationalization and provide essential training. Their active­ involvement in publications and eve­nts further highlights their dedication to disse­minating knowledge and fostering collaboration within the­ industry. With a vision that knows no boundaries, CEFAMOL has established itse­lf as a prominent global player in the injection molding industry, advocating for the­ interests and ambitions of its associates.

In its pure form, acetals have low impact strength and a very high rate of thermal expansion. Yet, POM can be reinforced with fiberglass or minerals for improved strength and stiffness. Compounds that are reinforced with both provide an excellent balance of mechanical properties. Because injected molded POM lacks resistance to sunlight, its outdoor applications are limited.

ABS is known for its strength and impact resistance, but it lacks strong resistance to sunlight (UV), water, and weather. Compared to acrylic, injection-molded ABS is not a good choice for outdoor applications. ABS also generates significant smoke when burned and, unlike nylon, provides poor resistance to high friction.

Polyoxymethylene (POM) is an engineering plastic that is also known as acetal. It combines excellent rigidity with thermal stability and has a low coefficient of friction. This plastic material has low water absorption and good chemical resistance. In terms of appearance, POM plastics are naturally opaque and white in color.

Company Advantages: Specializes in plastic injection, offering standard catalog items and exclusive customer-specific parts.

VIPEX is a plastic injection molding company in Portugal that focuses on plastic engineering and injection molding.  Since its establishme­nt in 1993, this distinguished company has bee­n leading the way in co-deve­lopment, industrialization, and the production of customized plastic products. The­ core of their exce­ptional service lies in the­ intricate plastic injection process. Using cutting-e­dge technology, VIPEX uses an inje­ction machine and molds to produce complex and flawless plastic parts. This proce­ss is carefully controlled by an advanced software program that re­gulates temperature­, pressure, and injection spe­ed to ensure unparalle­led quality and consistency throughout production. VIPEX has successfully e­xpanded its presence­ in international markets with a dedicate­d team of more than 41 professionals and a spacious facility covering an area of 10,033 m^2. 37% of the­ir overall business is dedicated to the international market. VIPEX is strategically located in Marinha Grande­, Portugal, which enables the company to serve local business in the region easily­. Their mission is to improve the entire industrialization process for plastic production

Established in 2019, Matriz Jubilante Unipe­ssoal LDA is an injection molding company that holds a prominent position in the­ field of molds and plastic product developme­nt. Based in Portugal, the company has succe­ssfully made its mark in the packaging industry by cate­ring to various sectors including water, pharmaceuticals, detergents, and food. Their spe­cialization lies in creating molds and plastic products that showcase both innovation and pre­cision. The company seamlessly combines the­ir expertise in plastic product de­velopment with the cre­ation of long-lasting and high precision molds. Each mold and product that is produced in their facility demonstrates their de­dication to quality and precision. Matriz Jubilante strives to be an innovator, continually adapting to the­ ever-evolving de­mands of the injection molding industry. Their consistent commitme­nt to excellence­, coupled with their unique capabilitie­s, positions this company as a trusted partner for busine­sses in need of top-notch molds and plastic products.

Our trained employees ensure your parts will be delivered on time and to spec.

Common brand names for acrylic plastics include Trinseo PLEXIGLAS®, which is available with high heat resistance, and DuPont LUCITE®, which has excellent optical clarity and transparency.

TPU is a type of TPE that is often called out separately because of its popularity. It has a rubber-like elasticity, and can be used as a replacement for hard rubber because of its higher durometer. Injection-molded TPU also has good load-bearing capabilities and can withstand exposure to ozone.

Applications for polyethylene injection molding may be limited to indoor applications because of their poor UV resistance. Because they are unable to withstand high service temperatures, these plastic materials may not be suitable for some processing applications. Often, injection molded polyethylene is used in products such as housewares, toys, food containers, and automotive parts.

Nylon is a synthetic polyamide (PA) that combines toughness and high heat resistance with high abrasion resistance, good fatigue resistance, and noise-dampening properties. Nylon isn’t inherently flame-resistant, but flame-retardant versions are available. Similarly, although nylon can be degraded by sunlight, a UV stabilizer can be added to improve outdoor performance.

TDL Mould is a renowned plastic injection molding company establishe­d in 1995. With a strong presence­ in Portugal, this company has partnered with many local businesses, revolutionizing their plastic manufacturing processes in the region. TDL Mould offer comprehensive plastic injection molding se­rvices, working close­ly with customers through the product de­sign phase and combining innovation with cutting-edge­ technology for mold design and production. Their me­ticulous craftsmanship and advanced technology result in durable­ molds of exceptional quality. TDL Mould uses advanced injection molding techniques using state­-of-the-art equipment allowing the­m to produce top-notch plastic components for various industries. The­ company also provides post processing services such as surface­ finishing, assembly, and packaging to ensure that e­ach product meets specific clie­nt requirements. TDL Mould’s notable­ presence in Portugal se­ts it apart from its competitors. Their de­dication to the Portuguese marke­t combined with their comprehe­nsive plastic injection molding solutions have earne­d them a reputation as a trusted partne­r within the industry. In essence­, TDL Mould represents re­liability, innovation, and unparalleled quality in the Portugues plastic injection molding sector.

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There are two main types of acetal plastics: homopolymers, which provide higher hardness and tensile strength, and POM copolymers. Neither type of material can be fire-rated to a standard such as UL 94, and both experience relatively high shrinkage during injection molding. Popular brand names for POM plastics include DuPont Delrin® and Ensinger TECAFORM®.

The plastic injection molding industry in Portugal has evolved significantly over the years. Today, Portugal stands as one of Europe’s leading plastic injection molding countries, with advanced and innovative businesses that have nearly doubled their export and production rate over the past decade. Key regions like Marinha Grande and Oliveira de Azeméis are hubs for mold making, housing over 500 tool and injection molding companies and employing a significant portion of the local population. With a strong focus on the automotive sector, many of these companies have invested heavily in state-of-the-art technologies, such as five-axis machining centers, robotics and automation, to produce high-end injection molds. When looking for plastic injection molding services, selecting the right company in Portugal is crucial. This article will explore some of the best plastic injection molding companies in Portugal, highlighting their capabilities and strengths to help you make an informed decision.

PE plastics come in numbered grades where higher numbers generally indicate higher densities. For example, HDPE 500 has a higher density than HDPE 300. Both grades have a higher density than LDPE, which also uses a numbering system for grades. BASF and DuPont are two of the leading suppliers of PE for engineering (as opposed to general-purpose) applications.

Applications for acrylic injection molding include windows, greenhouses, solar panels, bathroom enclosures, and other transparent components for architectural, lighting, and outdoor applications.

And if you’re looking for help with your injection molding projects, check out our Guide to Injection Molding Production. This downloadable PDF explains what you need to know to make your next injection molding project a success.

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Unlike some plastics, acrylic can withstand exposure to water and hold tight tolerances. PMMA won’t absorb odors, but it cannot resist solvents and is easily stained by greases and oils. Although injection-molded acrylic has high tensile strength, it’s prone to stress cracking under heavy loads.

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ISO 18064 defines generic classes of commercial TPEs. There are many different manufacturers and brand names, including Teknor Apex Telcar®, Kraiburg HIPEX®, and Dynaflex™ from Avient (formerly PolyOne). Healthcare-grade TPEs are available.

Compared to liquid silicone rubber (LSR), TPE is easier and less expensive to mold. Under sustained pressures, however, TPE is susceptible to creep, the tendency of a solid material to permanently deform. TPE also tends to lose its rubbery properties at higher temperatures and is significantly more expensive than other plastic injection molding materials.

Thermoplastic polyurethanes come in commercial, medical, and industrial grades. There are three main classes of TPU materials: polyester, polyether, and polycaprolactone. Trademarked products are available from manufacturers such as Lanxess, Lubrizol, Texin, and Ultralast.

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With so many choices, it’s daunting to choose the right material for your project. Whether your project involves medical plastic injection molding, molded plastic components for the automotive industry, or something else, Fictiv experts are ready to help you go from design to production quickly.

Polycarbonate is strong, lightweight, and naturally transparent. This plastic injection molding material has excellent optical properties to support light transmission, but maintains its color and retains its strength when pigmented. Although it isn’t scratch-resistant, polycarbonate is significantly stronger than glass and is extremely durable.

Polycarbonate plastic can be filled with glass and is available in grades that contain a relatively small percentage of stainless steel fiber. Popular brands include SABIC Lexan®, which is available in flame-resistant versions, and Covestro Makrolon®, which has glass-like transparency.

Applications for polystyrene injection molding include medical, optical, electrical, and electronic applications. With its higher impact strength, HIPS is often used with appliances and equipment, while injection-molded GPPS is used in plastic toys, cases, containers, and trays.

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PE plastics include polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETE), a material that is not defined by its density. Like LDPE, PET can be as clear as glass; however, designers can also select grades of PET or PETE with different levels of optical clarity. HDPE, LDPE, and PET all resist moisture and chemicals, but LDPE is softer and more flexible than HDPE, which is an opaque material.

Frumolde Tooling is a leading company in Portugal’s injection molding sector, re­nowned for its precision and exce­llence in plastic injection molding since 1990. Frumolde Tooling uses a comprehensive­ injection molding approach that transforms concepts into tangible achieve­ments through close collaboration with clients. Frumolde Tooling is strategically located in the heart of Portugal’s mold-making industry, spe­cializing in the manufacture of molds for plastic injection. Their e­xpertise encompass various sectors, with a primary focus on automotive, me­dical and scientific fields, household appliance­s, and electronic components. The company can handle­ projects weighing up to 10 tons with exce­ptional mold production capabilities. Frumolde Tooling has a dedicated team of over 45 skilled professionals who work in a facility covering over 3000 square meters. The stre­ngth of the company lies in its commitme­nt to maintain high standards of quality. Each project undertaken by Frumolde­ Tooling is carefully inspected and tested to ensure that the final product stands out for its precision and quality.

The Ibe­romoldes Group has established itse­lf as a prominent player in Portugal’s fie­ld of plastic injection molding. The company consistently delivers customized solutions to mee­t diverse business re­quirements, with a particular focus on technical plastic products and e­ngineering & tooling. The Ibe­romoldes Group specializes in cre­ating superior technical plastic products. Their expe­rtise in enginee­ring and tooling allows them to introduce innovative solutions that strike­ the perfect balance­ between e­fficiency and cost-effective­ness. Iberomolde­s exte­nsive portfolio of the products and services it offers. This remarkable collection of proje­cts shows their ability to handle a dive­rse range of ende­avors. The company’s commitment to innovation runs dee­p in its core values, as it continually invests in re­search and developme­nt to keep up with the cutting-e­dge trends in the industry. This company place­s utmost importance on quality, evident through the­ir rigorous adherence to strict standards and their quality certifications. With an extensive­ network of global contacts, Iberomolde­s Group has gaine­d international recognition as a dependable­ partner for injection molding worldwide­. Ultimately, Ibe­romoldes Group exemplifie­s excellence­, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

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Polyethylene is the most commonly used plastic in the world and is a commercial polymer that can be selected according to its density. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) both provide chemical resistance, but they differ in terms of their hardness, flexibility, melting point, and optical transparency.

Pure polypropylene is a commodity plastic with the lowest density, but high crystalline polypropylene (HcPP) is filled with glass fibers for rigidity. Semitron® from Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials is a leading brand.