Top 5 plastics in manufacturing – and their applications

Plastics are incredibly versatile – and that is precisely what makes them so exciting. There is a suitable material for every application that not only meets individual requirements but often even opens up new possibilities. The challenge lies in making a targeted selection from this wide range and processing each material with expertise. That is exactly what we do at Rejlek – every day.

From our practical experience, we have selected five plastics that we work with particularly frequently. Each of them has specific properties – and we show how we use these properties in a targeted manner to create functional, durable and high-quality products.

Polyamide (PA) – the resilient all-rounder

Polyamide (PA) is a versatile engineering plastic, particularly in the engine compartment and in structural vehicle parts. PA6 and PA66 are characterised by high mechanical strength, rigidity and good chemical and heat resistance. Glass fibre reinforced types are particularly dimensionally stable. Flame-retardant PA compounds are also available for the automotive sector, which meet strict fire safety requirements (e.g. UL94 V-0 classification). PA also scores highly with its good impact strength at low temperatures. Applications include air intake systems, brackets, connectors and structural components in the engine compartment.

PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) – robust, dimensionally stable and versatile

PBT belongs to the family of semi-crystalline polyesters and is valued for its high dimensional accuracy, dimensional stability and excellent electrical insulation properties. For automotive engineering, PBT types are often glass fibre reinforced and used in flame-retardant versions in order to meet the strict requirements for fire protection and electrical safety. PBT is particularly suitable for applications in connectors, control unit housings and sensor components. In addition, PBT exhibits good chemical resistance, low water absorption and high surface quality, which also makes it ideal for visible parts.

LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) – the high performer for maximum precision

LCP is a high-performance plastic that is used particularly in electronic applications. Its outstanding properties include very high temperature resistance, excellent dimensional stability and extremely low moisture absorption. LCP demonstrates exceptional performance in the high-frequency range (HF), which is why it is the preferred choice for communication modules, antennas, connectors and printed circuit board components in modern vehicles. Thanks to its outstanding dielectric properties, LCP enables compact design while ensuring functional reliability for 5G, radar and sensor applications in the automotive industry.

Polycarbonate (PC) – crystal clear and impact resistant

Polycarbonate (PC) and PC-ABS blends combine high impact strength, temperature resistance and excellent surface quality. They are used in interior trim, control panels, instrument panels and lighting systems. PC enables transparent components such as headlight covers with excellent UV protection. PC-ABS combines the robustness of PC with the easy processability of ABS and is often used for visible, paintable or structural parts in vehicle interiors. Both materials can be easily coloured, offer high impact resistance even at low temperatures and are suitable for high-quality design applications.

TPU/TPE (thermoplastic polyurethane/elastomers) – flexible and resistant

TPU is one of the most versatile elastomers in automotive engineering. It combines elasticity with high abrasion resistance, good cold flexibility and chemical resistance. TPU is used for soft-touch surfaces, seals, sheathing and hoses. TPE (thermoplastic elastomers), on the other hand, is a collective term for elastic plastics that are flexible like rubber but can be processed thermoplastically. TPE is found in seals, bumper inserts, cable sheathing and handle elements. Both materials offer a pleasant feel, good mechanical strength and design freedom, and are recyclable.

Conclusion: Material expertise that thinks ahead

These five plastics represent only a fraction of what is possible. The world of plastics is vast – and constantly growing. At Rejlek, we understand the strengths of these materials, continuously develop our processes and combine technical expertise with a passion for innovation. This enables us to create solutions that are precisely tailored to our customers’ requirements.

Do you have a challenge? We have the right material – and the right idea to go with it. Write to us right away with your requirements and our team of experts will get back to you promptly with a tailor-made solution – precise, efficient and tailored to your needs.