ICOMold can assist you with your custom polypropylene injection molded part, creating a unique product built to your exact specifications. ICOMold can help you select the best material for your project, including jobs that require polypropylene. Our custom plastic injection molds can last over 100,000 cycles. Polypropylene has numerous advantages and applications when used in the injection molding process.
Polypropylene (PP) is the second most widely-produced plastic in the world, after polyethylene (PE). Its behavioral characteristics are similar to PE, but it is slightly harder and more heat-resistant. It is a commodity–grade polymer popular in the packaging and labeling industries. PP is tough, fatigue- and chemical-resistant, vulnerable to UV radiation and is flammable. It is a versatile plastic, as it is easily customized with additives. It is naturally white. Due to the elasticity of PP, it makes a good material for living hinges. It is also used in many everyday items such as buckets, packaging, bottle caps, toys and many other products.
Advantages of Injection Molding Polypropylene
There are multiple advantages to using polypropylene for an injection molding project. Some of the primary benefits of injection molding polypropylene include:
- Lower cost
- Impact strength
- Chemical resistance
- Moisture resistance
- Fatigue resistance
- Heat resistance
- Excellent elasticity
- Toughness
- Food grade
- Medical grade
Injection Molding Polypropylene Specifications
Polypropylene is a customizable thermoplastic to which other materials can be added to create a stronger co-polymer. Copolymerization can change the material’s properties, which is particularly useful for structural or engineering applications. During injection molding, the mold temperature for polypropylene will range from 60-150◦F, hot enough to prevent flow marks, brittle parts, core sticking, warpage, or shrinkage. Minimal back pressure should be used, between 50-100 psi.
Injection Molding Polypropylene Process
Polypropylene begins in pellet form. These resin pellets are fed down a barrel and heated. The melted polypropylene is then injected into a custom mold, which has two sides. Once the polypropylene has cooled, the custom part has been formed. The piece is ejected from the mold and then moved into post-processing for any finishing touches. Once your project’s custom tool has been produced, it can be used repeatedly to create a large number of polypropylene products.
Applications of Injection Molding Polypropylene
Polypropylene has become a popular material because it suits a variety of applications. Containers, medical devices, water bottles, and more are all made from polypropylene. Polypropylene does not contain BPA, which is why it is ideal for food and drink containers. Polypropylene is suitable for structural applications because it can be bent repeatedly without breaking. Some of the products made from polypropylene using the injection molding process include:
- Medical applications
- Food containers
- Plastic containers
- Contact applications
- Sporting goods
- Household applications
- Structural applications
- Buckets
- Packaging
- Bottle caps
- Water bottles
- Luggage
- Toys
- Outdoor furniture
- Living hinges
Get a Quote on Injection Molding Polypropylene Today
At ICOMold, we have used polypropylene for a wide variety of applications. We are ready to work with you on the design and production of your custom polypropylene part. Get an instant quote today.
