Low density polymer for consumer product application

[pbiagiola]

As in the subject, I'm looking for a low density polymers to reduce the weight of injected plastic parts, by keeping mechanical properties as much as possible.
I tried carbon fiber application, but it is too expensive.
I actually adopt common polymers like ABS and PS.
Thanks in advance

 

[Pud]

Cheapest polymer at the present time: polypropylene, s.g .98 (ish)

There are metallocene catalysed polypropylenes with similar properties to PS.

Question too vague - what is the application/chemical environment/stresses/temperature?....I could go on...


Cheers

Harry

 

[pbiagiola]

Thanks for your answer.
Application: consumer products plastic case, in particular electronic musical instruments
Finishing: the plastic parts must be painted
Temperature: our standard for the packaged product goes from -30 C to +60 C..I need to check in detail humidity and how many temperature cycles we need to perform
Mechanical properties: we are not talking of structural parts, so mechanical properties like PS will be enough.
Thank again
Paolo

 

[Demon3]

Welcome to Eng-tips pbiagiola, I am the guy who suggested you come here earlier today. There are really experienced people here who can help you. Just to repeat my suggestions:

Try polymethylpentene, the lowest density thermoplastic (0.840g/cc)

Try the MuCell process where you create micro bubbles in the part. The IKV in Aachen Germany has a similar process.

Try low density fillers.

Try

http://www.matweb.com/

to find the properties and to search for low density materials

There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.
- James Branch Cabell

 

[patprimmer]

If you need to paint it, try ABS as it is strong and rigid and takes paint well. You can further reduce weight by gas injection or foaming agents or by using thin section and correct design, depending on design requirements.



Regards

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