Our team evaluates the unique demands of your design to suggest material solutions that maximize product longevity and strength while remaining cost-effective for your manufacturing run
What's the difference?
Engineering resins, often referred to as engineering plastics, are a classification of synthetic polymers that exhibit superior mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties compared to “commodity” plastics (such as polyethylene or polypropylene).
While commodity resins are typically used for high-volume, low-cost applications like packaging, engineering resins are selected for structural or demanding technical applications where consistent performance under stress, heat, or environmental exposure is required.
Manterra performs rigorous material analysis to ensure your components achieve the necessary balance of mechanical properties, environmental resistance, and cost-effectiveness. We collaborate with all major resin manufacturers to source certified materials that satisfy your specific design criteria and regulatory mandates.
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Mechanical Strength
High tensile, flexural, and compressive strength, often reinforced with glass fibers or carbon fibers to enhance performance. -
Thermal Stability
The ability to retain structural properties across a wider temperature range (high glass transition temperature or melting point). -
Dimensional Stability
Resistance to creep (deformation under load) and low thermal expansion coefficients, ensuring parts hold tight tolerances. -
Chemical Resistance
Durability when exposed to oils, fuels, solvents, and corrosive environments. -
Impact Resistance
High toughness, allowing materials to absorb energy without catastrophic failure.
PA - Nylon (Polyamide)
A semi-crystalline plastic known for high strength and fatigue resistance. It is often the default choice for mechanical parts (gears, bushings).
PC - Polycarbonate
An amorphous thermoplastic known for being virtually unbreakable. It is used where clarity and impact resistance are paramount. It is inherently UV sensitive, often requiring additives for outdoor use.
POM - Acetal (Polyoxymethylene)
Known as an engineering "self-lubricating" plastic. It has a very low coefficient of friction, making it the industry standard for moving parts.
PMMA - Acrylic
The gold standard for applications where optical clarity and surface aesthetics are non-negotiable. PMMA is engineered for light transmission and scratch resistance.
Polypropylene
PVC
PPS - Polyphenylene Sulfide
A high-performance semi-crystalline resin. It is exceptionally stiff and withstands temperatures that would melt most other plastics. It is favored for under-the-hood automotive components.
PPO/PPE - Polyphenylene Oxide/Ether
Rarely used in its pure form, it is usually alloyed with other resins (like Nylon or PS). It provides excellent heat stability and dimensional consistency.
PEI - Polyetherimide
A high-temperature, high-strength amorphous resin. It is the material of choice for demanding aerospace, medical, and electronic applications.
PSU - Polysulfone
A high-performance transparent plastic that maintains its properties over a wide temperature range and is highly resistant to steam sterilization.
ABS - Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
An amorphous polymer that is a "workhorse" for consumer products. It is cheap, easy to mold, and has good impact resistance, though it lacks the chemical resistance of higher-end engineering resins.
PET - Polyethylene Terephthalate
Often recognized as the material for soda bottles, but in engineering grades, it is used for high-strength, rigid, and chemically resistant parts.
PBT - Polybutylene Terephthalate
Similar to PET but with better molding characteristics and electrical properties. It is widely used in electrical connectors and automotive sensors.
TPU - Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Highly abrasion-resistant and durable. It is the go-to for soft-touch overmolding where the part needs to handle heavy wear (like tool grips).
TPE - Thermoplastic Elastomer
A broad class of materials that can be blended for varying levels of "softness" (Shore hardness). They are generally easier to bond to rigid substrates like PP or ABS during overmolding.
Resin Modifications
These are not resins themselves, but rather states or modifications of the resins listed above.
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Glass Filled (Reinforced)
Adding glass fibers (typically 10%–50% by weight) to a resin drastically alters its mechanical profile. -
Foamed (Structural Foam Molding)
This is a molding technique (often called Structural Foam Molding) where a chemical or physical blowing agent is introduced into the resin.