Thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics are two separate classes of polymers that are widely used in the process of injection molding to create products of various types. Both these categories of plastics possess different properties and characteristics. Hence, choosing the right category of polymer, between the two, is of paramount importance to achieve the expected results when used in applications. Most of the injection molding service providers usually receive a question from their clients about the differences between thermoplastic and thermoset molding process. Here, in this post, let\u2019s see thermoset & thermoplastic injection molding comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before we go deeper into the topic, it is important to understand the two terms thermoset and thermoplastic. Let\u2019s first find out what are thermosets and thermoplastics.<\/p>\n
Thermoset plastics \u201cset\u201d after they cure and are generally stronger than thermoplastic materials. Initially, the polymer is a liquid or soft solid, which becomes rigid later when cured. Owing to their high mechanical and physical strength, resistance to heat, corrosion, and mechanical creep, thermosets are used in a variety of applications. A few amongst the common thermoset materials used in the injection molding process include alkyds, epoxy, phenolic, polyimides, thermoset polyester, and so on.<\/p>\n
In contrast to thermoset, thermoplastics liquefy and become pliable when heat is applied. Thermoplastic polymers can be reheated and reprocessed many times, which is impossible when it comes to thermosets. Usually stored in the form of pellets prior to the molding process, these categories of polymers can withstand multiple re-shaping without causing any damage to the material. They possess high strength, shrink-resistance, flexibility, high-Impact resistance, and chemical resistant, among others. A few amongst the common thermoset materials used in the injection molding process<\/a> include ABS, nylon, PET, polypropylene, polyethylene and TPE, among others. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The way thermosets are molded differs with respect to thermoplastics in several aspects and both the categories require varied treatment during the injection molding process. Let’s check a few differences when molding thermosets and thermoplastics.<\/p>\nDifference between Thermoset & Thermoplastic Injection Molding<\/h2>\n