When it comes to injection molding large plastic parts, material selection is everything. Two popular choices—ABS and PEEK—offer very different properties, costs, and applications. If you're trying to decide between them for your next project, here's what you need to know.
ABS: The Affordable Workhorse
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is one of the most widely used thermoplastics, and for good reason:
- Cost-Effective – ABS is significantly cheaper than PEEK, making it ideal for high-volume production.
- Good Impact Resistance – It’s tough and durable, great for automotive trim, consumer electronics, and housings.
- Easy to Process – ABS flows well in injection molding, even for large parts, and doesn’t require extreme temperatures.
- Paintable & Glueable – Unlike some plastics, ABS can be easily painted or bonded with adhesives.
PEEK: The High-Performance Titan
PEEK (Polyether Ketone) is a premium engineering plastic used in demanding industries like aerospace, medical, and oil & gas.
- Extreme Heat Resistance – PEEK can handle continuous temps up to 250°C (480°F) and short bursts even higher.
- Super Strong & Stiff – It has excellent mechanical properties, even under heavy loads.
- Chemically Resistant – Stands up to fuels, solvents, and steam sterilization (great for medical devices).
- Lightweight Yet Durable – A top choice when metal replacements are needed.
The catch? PEEK is expensive—sometimes 10x the cost of ABS—and requires high-temperature molding (over 350°C), which can be tricky for large parts.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Pick ABS if you need a low-cost, durable plastic for everyday applications like automotive panels, toys, or enclosures.
- Go for PEEK if your part faces extreme heat, chemicals, or structural stress (think aircraft components, surgical tools, or industrial seals).
Final Tip for Large Parts
Molding large components? ABS is easier to work with, but if PEEK is a must, work with an experienced molder to avoid warping or incomplete fills due to its high melting point.
| | CNC Turning, CNC Milling, Laser Cutting, Bending, Spining, Wire Cutting, Stamping, Electric Discharge Machining (EDM), Injection Molding,3D Printing,Rapid Prototype,Moulds etc. |
| | Aluminum: 2000 series, 6000 series, 7075, 5052, etc. |
| Stainlesss steel: SUS303, SUS304, SS316, SS316L, 17-4PH, etc. |
| Steel: 1214L/1215/1045/4140/SCM440/40CrMo, etc. |
| Brass: 260, C360, H59, H60, H62, H63, H65, H68, H70, Bronze, Copper |
| Titanium: Grade F1-F5 |
| Plastic: Acetal/POM/PA/Nylon/PC/PMMA/PVC/PU/Acrylic/ABS/PTFE/PEEK etc. |
| | Anodized, Bead Blasted, Silk Screen, PVD Plating, Zinc/Nickl/Chrome/Titanium Plating, Brushing, Painting, Powder Coated, Passivation, Electrophoresis, Electro Polishing, Knurl, Laser/Etch/Engrave etc. |
| | ±0.002 ~ ±0.005mm |
| | Min Ra 0.1~3.2 |
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FAQ
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covering 6000 square meters. Complete facilities, including 3D quality inspection equipment, ERP system and 40 machines. If necessary, we can provide you with material certificates, sample quality inspection and other reports.
2. How to get a quote?
Detailed drawings (PDF/STEP/IGS/DWG...), including quality, delivery date, materials, quality, quantity, surface treatment and other information.
3. Can I get a quotation without drawings?
Can your engineering team draw for my creativity? Of course, we are also glad to receive your samples, pictures or detailed size drafts for accurate quotation.
4. Can you provide samples before mass production?
Of course, the sample fee is necessary. If possible, it will be returned during mass production.
5. What is the delivery date?
Generally, the sample lasts for 1-2 weeks and the batch production lasts for 3-4 weeks.
6. How do you control quality?
(1) Material Inspection - Check material surfaces and approximate dimensions.
(2) First inspection of production - ensure
critical dimensions in mass production.
(3) Sampling inspection - check the quality before delivery to the warehouse.
(4) Preshipment inspection - 100% inspection by QC assistant before shipment.
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If you have any problems after receiving the product, you can provide feedback through voice call, video conference, email, etc. within one month. Our team will provide you with solutions within a week.
