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CNC Manufacturing Materials

Choosing the wrong injection molding material may causes 23% of product failures. Fortunately, TDB Tech has rich manufacturing experience in material application, so this percentage can be further reduced.

We provides a full range of injection molding materials for production. You pick the materials, we craft masterpieces.

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Material Basics

What Are CNC Manufacturing Materials?

Metal is a common material with polymer synthetic resin as its main component. They are plastic and fluid under certain temperatures and pressures, can be molded into specific shapes, and can maintain their shape under certain conditions. Most plastics can be injection molded, so injection molding materials are often referred to as those plastics that can be used in injection molding production.

Product designers need to rely on material properties to ensure design feasibility and performance. Injection molding engineers need to precisely regulate process parameters based on the thermal behavior of the material to optimize production. Mold designers need to design the mold structure with the material fluidity and shrinkage. Quality control personnel need to trace the root cause of the problem through material defect analysis.

If you are a beginner in injection molding, we recommend that you first click on “What is Injection Molding” to gain a comprehensive basic understanding of the process.

How Many Types?

CNC Manufacturing Materials Classification

CNC Manufacturing Materials are usually divided into the following 5 categories according to the scientific classification system:

  • Commodity Thermoplastics (PP, PE, PS): Cost-effective solutions for high-volume applications
  • Engineering Plastics (ABS, PC, Nylon, POM): Enhanced mechanical/thermal properties
  • High-Performance Polymers (PEEK, PPS, PEI): Extreme temperature/chemical resistance
  • Thermosetting Polymers(Epoxy, Silicone): - Irreversible curing for electrical insulation
  • Modified Compounds: Custom blends with additives (e.g. glass-filled nylon)
High gloss pvc pellet injection molding material
Modified PC materials for injection molding
Engineering Thermoplastics ABS for injection molding
Thermoplastic Elastomers Material For Injection Molding Service (1)
Moldified Plastic Injection Molding Materials PP

CNC Manufacturing Materials Library

This knowledge base covers most commonly used plastics (including some modified plastics). You will be able to get a basic understanding of each plastic’s properties, applications, as well as its key advantages and disadvantages. If you are interested in a specific material, you can try clicking on the link under that material to access very detailed in-depth material knowledge.

AllEngineering PlasticsGeneral Purpose Plastics

P20 (1.2311)

Function
Characteristics
Advantage
Disadvantage
View Details

PA6

Function
Gears, bearings, automotive parts, textiles
Characteristics
High strength, wear resistant, good fatigue resistance
Advantage
Excellent mechanical properties and wear resistance
Disadvantage
Hygroscopic and can absorb moisture
View Details

ASA

Function
Used in outdoor applications, automotive exterior parts
Characteristics
UV resistant, good impact strength, weatherable
Advantage
Excellent weatherability and UV resistance
Disadvantage
Higher cost than standard ABS
View Details

ABS

Function
Used in automotive parts, electronics, and consumer goods
Characteristics
Good impact resistance, rigid, dimensionally stable, paintable
Advantage
Excellent balance of strength, toughness and processability
Disadvantage
Poor chemical resistance and flammable without additives
View Details

How to Choose the Right CNC Manufacturing Materials for Your Product?

For most established products like water bottles or electronic device casings, material choices usually follow industry norms. For example, PP plastic works well for containers because it resists chemicals. ABS plastic, on the other hand, is good for consumer electronics casings. It balances strength and looks nicely. These material picks have stood the test of time, backed by decades of manufacturing experience.

But your product might not be one of those common items. Or maybe it’s an innovation based on an established product. In those cases, you’ll need to choose materials. There are several factors you’ll have to weigh:

Total Cost Analysis

Material cost per kg plus processing expenses and tooling impact.

Functional Performance

Mechanical, thermal, and electrical material properties required for product operation.

Environmental Resistance

Resistance to chemicals, UV, moisture, or extreme temperature conditions.

Manufacturing Feasibility

Injection molding process compatibility including flow behavior and cooling rates.

Aesthetic Requirements
Surface finish quality, color stability, and optical clarity characteristics.
Regulatory Compliance

Certifications for food-grade, medical, or flame-retardant plastics.

How to cut through the complexity? Start by answering serveral critical questions every designer asks:

How much will my project really cost?

To answer this question, you need to first clarify the cost structure of injection molding production and address the question of how material selection affects each cost element.
What are the main cost components of CNC machining?
Cost ComponentPercentage RangeDetails
Raw Material Costs40-60%Includes base resin prices (subject to crude oil fluctuations) and costs of modifying additives (flame retardants, glass fibers, etc.).
Processing Costs20-35%Includes equipment energy consumption, molding cycle time, and scrap losses.
Mold Costs15-25%Includes initial investment, maintenance costs, and life cycle expenses.
Post-Processing Costs5-20%Includes surface treatments, assembly difficulty, and testing and certification fees.

Tips: Click on injection molding cost to learn more.

How Material Selection Impacts Project Costs
Cost TypeMaterial Impact MechanismOptimization Strategy
Raw Material CostSignificant price gaps exist between specialty plastics and commodity resins.Apply the “fit-for-purpose” principle – avoid overspecification
Processing CostMaterial flowability directly affects cycle time – high MFI materials can reduce production time by 30%.Prioritize high-flow grades for thin-wall designs
Mold CostReinforced materials accelerate mold wear by 3x, shortening tool life.Use hardened tool steel or surface coatings
Post-Processing CostMaterial properties determine secondary operations.Select functionally integrated materials

How can I make my product look better?

Once costs are confirmed as feasible, designers will likely turn their attention to a product’s visual appeal. Choosing the right injection molding material means considering how well it can achieve the desired look. This usually ties to the surface treatments applied after injection molding. Common plastic surface treatment options include:

Processing TechnologyApplicable MaterialsEffect CharacteristicsCost CoefficientDesign Case Examples
In-Mold Decoration (IMD)ABS, PC, PMMA3D graphics/text embedding, seamless touch control★★★☆Automotive center console panel
PaintingGeneral plasticsHigh gloss/matte finish, gradient colors★★☆Appliance housing
NCVM Vacuum PlatingPC, PC/ABSMetallic texture + signal transparency★★★☆Mobile phone antenna cover
Electroplating/Vacuum PlatingElectroplating-grade ABSMirror chrome/gold effect★★★★Bathroom faucet trim
Hydrographics/Heat TransferParts with complex curvatureWood grain/marble/camouflage imitation, seamless curved surface coverage★★☆Gun stock, helmet
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD)Engineering plastics (PA, POM)Nanoscale hard coatings (AlCrN, TiN), high hardness★★★★Wear-resistant gears
Laser EngravingGlass fiber reinforced plastics, dark plasticsPermanent black/white marking, micro-hole engraving★☆☆Medical device labeling
Texture EtchingPP, ABS, TPELeather/grain patterns, geometric etching, anti-slip★☆☆Tool handle
Plasma TreatmentNon-polar plastics (PP, PE, etc.)Increased surface energy (up to 72mN/m), enhanced adhesion★★☆Headlight bonding prep
Surface Activation PretreatmentHard-to-bond plastics (PP, PTFE)Generates polar groups (hydroxyl/carboxyl), chemical modification★☆☆PTFE bonding
Anti-fingerprint/Anti-fouling CoatingTouchscreen panels (PC, PMMA)Hydrophobic angle >110°, wear-resistant (5000+ cycles)★★☆Medical touch screen
IMR Film TransferFlat/shallow curved partsScratch-resistant patterns (100k+ cycles), batch color change capability★★★☆Keyboard keys

TDB Tech Factory's skilled CNC Manufacturing Materials

We sincerely hope that you can have a deeper understanding of injection molding materials, as this will be greatly beneficial for your product design. In fact, many of our clients have varying degrees of understanding of plastic materials, and a small portion of them even specify particular material suppliers for us to purchase from. We highly encourage you to do this. At the same time, we can also provide various purchase verifications and material testing certifications.

PE Injection Molding

abbr PE injection molding material
HDPE, LDPE and LLDPE.

PP Injection Molding

abbr PP injection molding material
Both Homopolymer and Copolymer types.

PS Injection Molding

abbr PS injection molding material
GPPS and HIPS.

PMMA Injection Molding

abbr PMMA injection molding material
Clarity and resistance to UV light

PVC Injection Molding

abbr PVC injection molding material
Rigid PVC and Flexible PVC.

PA Injection Molding

abbr PA injection molding material
PA6, PA66, and specialty grades like PA12 for flexibility.

PC Injection Molding

abbr PC injection molding material
Standard, UV-stabilized, and flame-retardant varieties.

ABS Injection Molding

abbr ABS injection molding material
High-flow and flame-retardant grades.

POM Injection Molding

abbr POM injection molding material
Copolymer and homopolymer grades.

PBT Injection Molding

abbr TPU injection molding material
Electrical properties and chemical resistance

PEI Injection Molding

abbr PEI injection molding material
High heat resistance and strength.

PEEK Injection Molding

abbr PEEK injection molding material
Standard, UV-stabilized, and flame-retardant varieties.

PPS Injection Molding​

abbr PPS injection molding material
Available in virgin and reinforced grades for increased strength.

TPU Injection Molding

abbr TPU injection molding material 1
Ranging from soft and flexible to hard and rigid grades.

Modified Plastic Molding

abbr modified plastic injection molding material
For increased mechanical strength and thermal resistance.

FAQ on CNC Manufacturing Materials

precision plastic injection molding process faq from first mold
What are the most cost-effective plastics for high-volume production?

Choosing low-cost plastics needs to match the application scenario. HDPE, PP, and PET are the most cost-effective in traditional fields. Starch-based plastics and PBS have the greatest potential in policy-driven biodegradable markets, especially when their costs are further reduced through blending or large-scale production.

If you need good all-around performance, easy processing, and relatively low cost—especially for casings, consumer goods, or car interior parts that require a nice finish and stable dimensions—ABS is usually a good choice.

If you need extremely high impact strength, transparency, or excellent heat distortion resistance—think safety gear, clear covers, or heat-resistant electronic casings—PC works better.

Nylon is the top pick when your application needs high wear resistance, strong mechanical strength, heat resistance, or good self-lubrication. This includes gears, bearings, moving parts, or heat-resistant components near engines.

The final choice between the three depends on a mix of factors. These include mechanical properties, heat performance, chemical resistance, cost, processing difficulty, and whether special modifications (like reinforcement or flame resistance) are needed.

PBI is one type of plastic that maintains performance in extreme temperatures. It stays stable at high temperatures of 300-370°C for long periods. What’s more, it doesn’t break down at 538°C and has high strength.

PEI can work at 170°C for a long time and handle short bursts of 510°C. It also has important properties like resistance to water damage and radiation.

PEEK keeps its mechanical properties stable at 260°C and can handle temperatures over 300°C for short times. It works well in high-temperature fatigue environments.

PI handles a wide temperature range, from -240°C to 290°C, and can even take 480°C for short periods.

PTFE stays chemically inert with low friction between -196°C and 260°C. It remains stable at 280°C for short times too.

UHMWPE keeps its impact resistance even in liquid nitrogen at -269°C. TPU stays elastic at its brittle point of -60°C and retains over 90% of its elasticity at -40°C.

All these materials balance performance in extreme temperatures through molecular designs, such as rigid aromatic ring chains and fluorine atom shielding.

In outdoor product design, injection-molded materials can achieve both aesthetics and durability. For example, you can choose weather-resistant resins, like ASA or PC/ABS with UV-resistant additives, to ensure colors stay bright and don’t fade. At the same time, you can ask injection molding factories to use two-color injection molding or textured mold technology to create complex surface effects. This lets the product keep its inherent impact resistance, corrosion resistance, and stability across a wide temperature range (-40°C to 120°C). It’s not too hard for outdoor products to maintain both functional and visual quality over time, even in long-term exposure to sun and rain.
When looking for injection molding suppliers for medical devices, you must check if they have ISO 13485 certification for medical device quality management systems. This system is a core standard. It ensures product design, production and services meet global medical device regulations. What’s more, depending on your country or region, you may need to confirm if the medical parts produced by the supplier have FDA certification (for the U.S. market) or CE certification (for the European market). This is because some regional regulations have mandatory requirements for safety and effectiveness. You can also check if the supplier holds medical device registration certificates and China Compulsory Certification (CCC) based on your own needs.
Material properties like flowability, shrinkage rate and thermal stability directly affect how complex a mold’s structure needs to be. High-viscosity materials, such as PC, require higher injection pressure and precise venting designs. Low-shrinkage materials, like PPS, allow for smaller draft angles but demand mold steel that resists wear. Glass fiber-reinforced materials force molds to use cemented carbide. They also need optimized runners to prevent uneven fiber orientation. Crystalline materials, such as PEEK, have strict temperature control needs. This makes designing the mold’s cooling system much harder. Choosing a material is essentially a balance between mold cost and molding precision.
When designing products, you must balance improved mechanical performance with processing challenges when choosing reinforced plastics. A high glass fiber content in reinforced plastics significantly boosts strength and heat resistance, but it also speeds up mold wear and may cause fiber floating on the surface. The reduced flowability of the material requires higher injection pressure and limits thin-wall designs. Anisotropic shrinkage can lead to dimensional deviations, which need to be compensated for through structural optimization. Higher raw material costs and greater difficulty in recycling also need to be included in the full life cycle assessment. In the end, the specific ratio should be determined based on the product’s function, production scale, and cost structure.

Almost all common plastics can be disposed of in an eco-friendly way through physical recycling, chemical recycling or biodegradation. PET bottles and rigid HDPE/PP plastics are sorted, cleaned, melted and regranulated for use in textiles and packaging. PE, PP and PS can be converted into plastic oil through catalytic cracking or pyrolysis, which is then used to produce primary-grade PE and PP. PU foam recovers polyols through chemical depolymerization, which are reused in mattresses and building materials. In general, single-material designs can improve recycling efficiency.

It’s worth noting that if recycling is not done scientifically, recycled plastics may pose health risks. Microplastics from mechanical recycling can enter the human body through the food chain. Improper temperature control during pyrolysis recycling can release carcinogens like dioxins. When recycled plastics are used in food packaging, residual pollutants (such as heavy metals and plasticizers) may migrate into food, which is why the EU’s EFSA strictly restricts the use of rPET in food contact applications.

Before full production, you can conduct mechanical performance tests, thermal performance verification, weather resistance evaluation and chemical compatibility experiments.

  • Mechanical performance tests include ISO 527 for tensile strength and ISO 180 for impact toughness.
  • Thermal performance verification covers UL 94 for flame retardancy rating and IEC 60068 for temperature cycle testing.
  • Weather resistance evaluation includes ISO 4892 for UV aging and ISO 4611 for salt spray corrosion.
  • Chemical compatibility experiments refer to ISO 175 for reagent resistance testing.

Depending on your needs, you can also verify the injection molding process window (melt flow rate MFR/ISO 1133) and test dimensional stability (ISO 294-4 for shrinkage rate). For medical devices or food contact applications, biocompatibility testing (ISO 10993) and migration analysis (EU 10/2011) are also required.

All these tests need to simulate actual service environment parameters.

Drying plastic materials before processing is mainly to get rid of moisture interference. Hygroscopic materials, like nylon, PC and PET, contain moisture. When processed at high temperatures, this moisture turns to vapor. It can cause injection defects such as silver streaks and bubbles. At the same time, this process triggers polymer hydrolysis. It breaks the molecular chains. This significantly reduces the material’s impact strength and dimensional stability. Drying the material controls moisture content (usually below 0.02%). This ensures the melt flows evenly and keeps its molecular structure intact. It also prevents the injection-molded products from losing mechanical performance or surface smoothness.

TDB Tech provides customers with scientific injection material decision support by integrating material property databases and process simulation analysis.

First, we screen candidate materials based on product functional requirements, such as temperature resistance and impact resistance. Then we use mold runner simulations to predict how material flowability and shrinkage will affect molding quality.

Second, we collect temperature and pressure data during the injection process through a real-time process monitoring system. We also optimize gate designs to avoid silver streak defects in injection molding. In addition, we set up independent drying pipelines for highly hygroscopic materials like PA and PC. This ensures moisture content is ≤0.005%. We also use a closed-loop feeding system to prevent cross-contamination.

Finally, we rely on a full-life-cycle traceability mechanism to ensure material compliance, meeting strict certification requirements across various industries.