Plastic resin is a material that is widely used in many industries, from food packaging and construction to transportation and medical devices. It is a versatile, lightweight material that is durable, cost-effective and can be used to create nearly any shape or size of product. But why is plastic resin so widely used? It all comes down to fact that there are so many different types of plastic resins available.

The number of plastic resin types is vast, with more than 30 different types of thermoplastic resins available today. Thermoplastic resins are most widely used form of plastic resin and consist of linear or branched molecules that become soft and malleable when heated or cooled. Thermoplastics can be molded and remolded again and again, making them ideal for applications that require frequent adjustments or tweaks. Polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) are just a few examples of popular thermoplastic resins.

Thermosettings are another type of plastic resin that also has a variety of applications. Unlike thermoplastics, thermosetting plastic resins cannot be melted and re-shaped. They are composed of larger molecules that form a rigid and durable material after being heated and shaped. Bakelite, epoxy, urea-formaldehyde and isoprene rubber are all examples of thermosetting plastic resins. They are commonly used in applications that require strength, such as medical devices and heavy machinery.

In addition to these two types of plastic resins, there are also bioplastics that are derived from renewable resources, such as corn and sugarcane. These bioplastics are gaining traction in world of product manufacturing as they are seen as a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastic resin types.

No matter what your application is, there is sure to be a plastic resin that is best suited for it. With more than 30 types of thermoplastic resins, a few thermosetting resins and several bioplastics on market, there is a wide array of options to choose from. It’s important to familiarize yourself with different types of plastic resins and their properties in order to determine which one is the best fit for your product.