Commercial material selector
Materials Guide
Material decisions shape performance, appearance, cost, lead time, and manufacturability. This guide is designed to help customers ask the right questions early.
ABS
Good balance of strength, appearance, and cost
PP
Chemical resistance, fatigue resistance, commercial versatility
HDPE
Toughness and chemical resistance
Nylon (PA)
Strength and wear performance
Acetal / POM
Low friction and dimensional stability
Polycarbonate
Impact resistance and optical potential
PVC
Chemical resistance and specific industrial fit
TPE / TPU
Flexibility and soft-touch performance
Commercial selector, not a datasheet
ABSGood balance of strength, appearance, and costHousings, covers, consumer-facing partsGood all-rounder; appearance-friendly
PPChemical resistance, fatigue resistance, commercial versatilityCaps, lids, general industrial partsLightweight and widely used
HDPEToughness and chemical resistanceUtility components, industrial partsGood durability in many environments
Nylon (PA)Strength and wear performanceMechanical components, structural partsMoisture and grade choice matter
Acetal / POMLow friction and dimensional stabilityGears, moving interfaces, precision partsStrong engineering material option
PolycarbonateImpact resistance and optical potentialCovers, robust housings, technical partsApplication and finish matter
PVCChemical resistance and specific industrial fitTechnical and industrial componentsProcessing expertise required
TPE / TPUFlexibility and soft-touch performanceSeals, grips, over-moulded featuresBest reviewed with end-use details
PMMA / AcrylicClarity and UV stabilityLenses, light-related parts, display-adjacent componentsSurface handling matters
Filled / Engineering GradesEnhanced stiffness, temperature, or wear performanceDemanding industrial and technical applicationsGrade-by-grade review needed
Not sure which material is right?
Send the application details, not just the part file. Environment, load, temperature, chemical exposure, appearance, and assembly method all affect the right choice.