Abbreviation Full name Strength Weakness Manufacture Example ...
Abbreviation
LDPE
HDPE
PP
PS
HIPS
Full name
Low density Polythene
High density Polythene
Polypropylene
Polystyrene
High Impact Polystyrene
Strength
Weakness
Manufacture
Example
Lightweight Resistant to chemicals Cheap to produce Translucent
Low stiffness
Rotational moulding
Plastic bags Toys Gas pipes
Very strong Easy to clean Very stiff
Expensive to produce
Injection moulding Extrusion
Bulletproof vest inserts Containers
Does not absorb water Easy to colour Lightweight Food safe
Not very flexible Stiff
Blow moulding Injection moulding Rotational moulding
Re-usable food boxes Rope
Cheap to produce Lightweight Floats Insulates sound and heat
Colourless Not very strong
Injection moulding
Packaging Disposable cups Styrofoam Insulation
Not as durable as other polymers
Injection Moulding Vacuum Forming Line bending Press moulding
Toys Packaging Fridge lining
Available in many colours Light weight Strong
uPVC
PVC
PMMA
Ultra Violet Stabilised Polyvinyl-chloride
Polyvinyl-chloride
Polymethyl-methacrylate (acrylic)
ABS
Acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene
NYLON
Nylon
PET
Polyethylene terephthalate
Resistant to weather Durable Cheap Can be coloured
High pollution from manufacture
Extrusion Moulding Replaced many traditional building materials like wood.
Window frames Pipes Shower curtains
Flexible Can be coloured Chemical resistance
Soft High pollution from manufacture
Rotational moulding Extrusion
Cable insulator Flexible hose
Durable Water resistant Available in many colours
Poor solvent resistance Easily scratched Not easily recycled
Injection moulding Compression moulding Extrusion Easily laser cut
Car light lens Glass Alternative
High impact Scratch resistant Lightweight Durable
Not easily recycled Flammable
Injection moulding Vacuum forming
Bathroom panels PC monitor case Car bumper Golf club head
Durable Self lubricating Chemical resistant
Not easily recycled
Extrusion Injection moulding
Clothing Mechanical parts - gears
Light weight Cheap Flexible
Not recommended to be re-used unless thoroughly dried.
Blow Moulding
Water bottles Photography film
LDPE
HDPE
PP
PS
HIPS
Full name
Low density Polythene
High density Polythene
Polypropylene
Polystyrene
High Impact Polystyrene
Strength
Weakness
Manufacture
Example
Lightweight Resistant to chemicals Cheap to produce Translucent
Low stiffness
Rotational moulding
Plastic bags Toys Gas pipes
Very strong Easy to clean Very stiff
Expensive to produce
Injection moulding Extrusion
Bulletproof vest inserts Containers
Does not absorb water Easy to colour Lightweight Food safe
Not very flexible Stiff
Blow moulding Injection moulding Rotational moulding
Re-usable food boxes Rope
Cheap to produce Lightweight Floats Insulates sound and heat
Colourless Not very strong
Injection moulding
Packaging Disposable cups Styrofoam Insulation
Not as durable as other polymers
Injection Moulding Vacuum Forming Line bending Press moulding
Toys Packaging Fridge lining
Available in many colours Light weight Strong
uPVC
PVC
PMMA
Ultra Violet Stabilised Polyvinyl-chloride
Polyvinyl-chloride
Polymethyl-methacrylate (acrylic)
ABS
Acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene
NYLON
Nylon
PET
Polyethylene terephthalate
Resistant to weather Durable Cheap Can be coloured
High pollution from manufacture
Extrusion Moulding Replaced many traditional building materials like wood.
Window frames Pipes Shower curtains
Flexible Can be coloured Chemical resistance
Soft High pollution from manufacture
Rotational moulding Extrusion
Cable insulator Flexible hose
Durable Water resistant Available in many colours
Poor solvent resistance Easily scratched Not easily recycled
Injection moulding Compression moulding Extrusion Easily laser cut
Car light lens Glass Alternative
High impact Scratch resistant Lightweight Durable
Not easily recycled Flammable
Injection moulding Vacuum forming
Bathroom panels PC monitor case Car bumper Golf club head
Durable Self lubricating Chemical resistant
Not easily recycled
Extrusion Injection moulding
Clothing Mechanical parts - gears
Light weight Cheap Flexible
Not recommended to be re-used unless thoroughly dried.
Blow Moulding
Water bottles Photography film
