The most common distinction in the plastic raw material world is between commodity plastics and engineering plastics. Both are thermoplastics; the difference shows up in performance, price and typical applications.
Commodity plastics
Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and PVC belong to this group. They are produced in the highest volumes worldwide, are easy to process and cost less. They are widely used in packaging, film, pipes, crates and everyday products. Their mechanical and thermal performance is sufficient for many applications, but they reach their limits quickly under high loads and temperatures.
Engineering plastics
Materials such as polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), POM, ABS, ASA, SAN and PMMA offer higher strength, better heat resistance, dimensional stability and wear resistance. They are preferred for gears, housings, automotive interior and exterior parts and electrical and electronic components. Their unit cost is higher.
How to choose
- Operating temperature: If the part runs continuously at high temperature, an engineering plastic is usually required.
- Mechanical load: With impact, friction or sustained load, consider PA, POM or PC.
- Cost and volume: For high-volume parts with simple geometry, commodity plastics are often more economical.
- Environment: UV, chemicals and moisture influence the choice.
Every application is different. Choosing the right material means evaluating service conditions and the processing method together.