Engineering Grade Materials
HiTech Plastics and Molds has decades of experience in injection molded plastic material selection. We’ve molded hundreds of different resins, including engineering grade materials and commodity based plastic resins. The molding resins range from Homo & Copolymer PP, HDPE, HIPS, and ABS to exotic materials, including Xenoy, Ultem, Faradex, PEEK, and TPU/TPV materials.
We work with major resin suppliers and follow rigid standards in providing material certification and traceability. We work in collaboration with some of the top resin suppliers who help choose material according to mold ability, strength required, and end use of the product. Mold flow analysis is another tool used in choosing the best resin for the end product.
During product design and development, our engineers with customer aproval will determine if color or additives should be used based on end use of the product. Colors can be chosen and matched to the customer’s Pantone color choice by our color house partners. UV screening is often added to many of the resins when a product will be used in an outdoor setting. HiTech also has depth of experience in addition of foaming agents in certain products.
Many times the customer has no plastic knowledge of the tolerances, mold ability, or end cosmetic appearance of an engineered grade plastic raw material. HiTech can guide the customer in material selection for optimum outcome of the molded part.
Recycled materials are available upon request.
US made resins and USDA approved materials are available if required by the customer and/or the product’s end use.
Molding with FARADEX
FARADEX compounds are an engineering grade material used at HiTech Plastics and Molds. The FARADEX compounds provide electromagnetic and radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI) attenuation applications between 40-60 db and higher from 30-1000 MHZ and are utilized in electronics products to material handling products. Conductive stainless steel fibers form a conductive network required for EMI/RFI shielding. These compounds can also be used in applications where electrostatic discharge (ESD) is required.
FARADEX compounds provide mechanical properties, part weight and a design freedom similar to standard unfilled base resins. This avoids costly secondary steps such as secondary spray coating of attachment conductive fabrics offering total system cost reduction. If needed, additional glass or carbon fiber reinforcement is available to enhance strength and stiffnedd and to control mold shrinkage.
Design freedom of injection molding offers advantages for intricate part design, where metallic sprays or conductive netting are far less effective. Because the conductivity permeates the entire part, it is not prone to scratches or gouges.
HiTech Plastics and Molds uses the Faradex Compound in Aerospace products.
Molding of ULTEM
ULTEM is an engineering grade plastic material from the resin family of amorphous thermoplastic polyethermide (PEI). ULTEM offers outstanding elevated thermal resistance, high strength and stiffness, and broad chemical resistance. The resin is available in transparent and opaque custom colors, as well as glass filled grades. Plus, ULTEM copolymers are available for even higher heat, chemical, and elasticity needs. Learn more about how ULTEM is used at HiTech.
Molding of XENOY
XENOY is an engineering grade plastic alloy which blends semi-crystalline polyester and polycarbonate. The XENOY resin family offers good chemical resistance, good temperature performance with great impact resistance even at low temperatures, heat resistance, and outstanding aesthetic and flow characteristics. XENOY alloys offer outstanding performance in applications that are exposed to harsh conditions, or that require a high degree of toughness. Xenoy has a balance of properties one of which is lubricity- smooth part on part- for demanding applications.
HiTech utilizes this rather exotic material in several applications. Typically, you will find Xenoy in injection molded products for aerospace, automotive, electricals, electronics, lighting, transportation, outdoor vehicles, healthcare and water management.
Molding of PEEK
PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) is well suited for high temperature and high wear applications. PEEK mechanical properties and flexural modulus are among the highest of all plastic resins. Outstanding chemical resistance, even at elevated temperatures resist most common organic compounds and PEEK is not attacked by water or pressurized steam. Glass and carbon fillers can increase strength and thermal stability. Unfilled PPEK generates extremely low levels of smoke and toxic gas emission in fire situations. Because of its superior properties, PEEK is actively used in metal replacement applications. AT HiTech PEEK is used mainly in the Aerospace and Electronics fields. PEEK is known for these qualities:
- Excellent friction and wear capabilities
- High tensile strength to the extreme
- Works in Temperatures up to 500⁰ F
- Low absorption of moisture
- FDA Approved
- Meets UL94 V-O Standards
Molding of Acetal
Acetal is an engineering resin which provides superior fatigue resistance, creep resistance, dimensional stability, stiffness and water resistance. It’s among the stiffest and strongest of the thermoplastics used in injection molding. Combined with its superior friction properties, it is ideal in applications where there is friction and abrasion. Products which rely on Acetal for its high friction wear applications include rollers, gears, and switches. Acetals can be modified for specialized applications including Glass Fiber Reinforced, Impact Modified, and Weather Resistant abilities. HiTech Plastics and Molds uses Acetal in many Aerospace products and Irrigation Parts.
Molding of Thermoplastic Vulcanizate Elastomer (TPV)
Thermoplastic Vulcanizate Elastomer (TPV) exhibits a wide hardness range while remaining flexible at low temperatures. On the other hand it has a high temperature resistance and has grades with low conductivity so works well as an electrical insulator. Some grades of TPV have excellent tear resistance, high abrasion resistance, are flame retardant and are 100% recyclable and PVC free, and because of the low toxic potential, many grades conform to FDA regulations. The ability to recycle TPV is becoming an increasingly important benefit in Injection Molding as it reduces costs and waste. TPV can resist UV rays and ozone, and has resistance to bacterial and fungus growth. Colored grades are available and some allow direct coloring during processing by using colored PP and PE master batches. Another distinct advantage is that TPV can be utilized in 2-shot molding and Over Molding creating a bond with other plastics.
Engineering Plastic Molding Services
HiTech Plastics and Molds is a custom injection plastic manufacturer focused on plastic injection molding and mold making. Our team gets involved from the ground up to help you create a molding solution that takes maximum advantage of our processes. We work with your tooling budget to create a custom mold that meets your design needs and are committed to delivering high-quality molds and products on schedule.
Your Trusted Engineering Plastics Experts
For your next injection molding project, please contact our sales team 818-477-2777 for general questions or fill out RFQ and submit information to expedite response.
Made in the U.S.A.