Although thermoset and thermoplastic are often described as one, they are also very different. Some people wonder, What is the difference between thermoset and thermoplastic?
Thermoset vs. thermoplastic: Thermosetting plastics and thermoplastics are polymers but behave differently when exposed to heat. Thermoplastics can melt after curing, while thermoset plastics retain their form and stay solid under heat once cured.
Thermoset injection molding uses a resin that sets after it is injected into the mold, while thermoplastic injection molding uses a resin that remains liquid until heated. This makes thermoplastic injection molding a more versatile option, as products can be changed or updated without having to remake the entire part. Thermosetting plastics are more durable than thermoplastics, but both have advantages and disadvantages. Which one is right for your business? Keep reading to find out!
Thermoset vs thermoplastic-The difference in plastic injection molding
Thermoset vs thermoplastic plastic
Now that we know the difference between Thermoset and Thermoplastic, it’s time to move on to plastic injection molding. As you can expect, there are differences between the plastic injection molding of thermosets and thermoplastics. Let’s take a closer look!
Thermosets in plastic injection molding
Thermoset plastics are made from polymers. These polymers are in a liquid or soft solid form, and when they are heated, they react with each other to form a stronger material or solidify. One of their main features is that they are heat resistant. Thermosets are more resistant to higher temperatures to maintain their solidified state.
Thermoset injection molding is when heated material is injected into a cool mold in reverse with thermoplastic molding. Afterward, the material is cooled to maintain its final shape as the part is assembled. The polymers from thermosets possess a cross-link that makes them strong, heat-resistant, and chemical-resistant, and stable. Thermoset injection molding is in demand in the automotive, electronics, and home appliance industries. It is suitable for high-heat temperature applications and can quickly produce a high volume of thermosets.
Its application:
- In automotive manufacturing, high-end vehicle manufacturers use composite materials such as carbon fiber for enhanced finishes, and lightweight materials are made by thermoset molding.
- Because thermosets have corrosion-resistant properties, they are extensively used in chemical processing plants with low—and high-pH levels.
- It has various applications in appliances, such as motor housings, instrument panels, handles, doorknobs, external vents, and side trims.
- Thermoset molding makes microwave antennae, circuit breakers, and lighting equipment. Due to their fundamental properties, thermoplastics are ideal for oil refineries and drilling components.
Advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Thermosets do not soften when heated, so they are unsuitable for high-temperature applications.
- They have good dimensional stability and can be molded into a complex shape.
- Strong and durable. They resist impact, abrasion, and chemicals.
- Can resist high temperature.
- They are rigid, lightweight, and flexible
- Cost-effective
Disadvantages:
- Thermosets cannot be remelted, remolded, and reused.
- It cannot be recycled.
- It isn’t easy to have a surface finish.
Thermoplastics in plastic injection molding
Thermoplastics are the opposite of Thermosets. They are made from polymers that liquefy when heated and harden once cooled. These polymers can be processed repeatedly, are lightweight, and can be reshaped without damaging the materials. They are usually in a solid pellet shape before being heated. The injection molding process of thermoplastics involves melting the plastic pellets, pouring the melted pellets into the mold, and rapidly cooling them into their final shape.
Its application:
There are many applications for thermoplastics injection molding, including:
- Consumer Goods
- Machine Parts
- Medical Equipment
- Packaging and Storage Materials
Advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Eco-friendly
- Can be recycled
- High-impact resistance
- Lightweight materials
- Good surface finish
- Resistant to deformation
- Chemical resistant.
Disadvantages:
- Low melting point
- Can be brittle
- Degrades over time
- They are more expensive than Thermosets.
In conclusion, thermosets and thermoplastics injection molding have advantages and disadvantages. Knowing the difference between the two is important before choosing the right one for your project. Thermosets are better in high-temperature applications and can resist chemicals, while Thermoplastics are more lightweight and eco-friendly.
FAQS
Which of the two is better to use: thermoset vs thermoplastic?
It depends on the project. Both are beneficial and disadvantageous when used together, so it is better to know what is more comfortable for you to use and your specific product goal.
Thermosets vs thermoplastics: what are the materials used?
Materials for Thermosets:
- Phenolics
- Silicone
- Melamine
- Polyurethane
- Epoxy
Materials for Thermoplastics:
- Acrylic
- Nylon
- Polyvinyl
- Teflon
- Polystyrene
- Polypropylene
- Polyethylene
Which is commonly used between the two: thermoset vs thermoplastic?
Out of the two types of plastic injection molding, the most commonly used is Thermoplastic injection molding. Considering their low melting point, thermoplastics are an excellent material for recycling applications. In contrast to Thermosets, they are not commonly used unless they are used in electronic applications.
Is thermoset injection molding more difficult than thermoplastic injection molding?
Thermoset vs thermoplastic plastic
Yes, Thermosets are more challenging to manufacture than Thermoplastics. The reason behind that is that Thermosets’ polymers need cross-links to be created for strong durability and heat resistance (to know more about cross-links, read Thermosets in Plastic injection molding).
Why should I use the thermoset injection molding of Go4mould?
Go4mould’s Thermoset injection molding materials can withstand extremely high temperatures and are often more firm, dimensionally stable, and heat-resistant than other injection molding materials. In addition, our injection molding is made of thermal and electrical insulators, and there is less corrosion risk associated with these materials.
Why should I use the thermoplastic injection molding of Go4mould?
With high accuracy and surface polish, Go4mould’s thermoplastic injection molding can make anything from plastic bottles to sports equipment. The high production rate of thermoplastic injection molding, which makes the process quicker than other plastic manufacturing techniques, is a significant benefit. In other words, our thermoplastic injection molding is a very effective and reasonably priced method of producing plastic.
