1. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Milky white, semi-transparent, non-toxic, and odorless with a low shrinkage rate of 0.4–0.7%.

Characteristics

Hard, shatter-resistant, but may develop sharp edges when broken.

Advantages

• High strength, lightweight, high surface hardness, easy to clean.
• Fatigue-resistant, performs well between –25 °C and 60 °C.
• Resistant to acids, alkalis, and other chemical corrosion.
• Products have a smooth surface, easy to dye and electroplate; offers the best electroplating among all plastics.

Disadvantages

• Poor weather resistance.
• Suboptimal heat resistance.
• Low elongation rate.
• Good flow properties can lead to molding defects like flash.

Toy Applications

Commonly used for toy shells, action figure bodies, and components that do not bear significant stress.

2. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Soft PVC has a high shrinkage rate (1–2.5%).

Characteristics

Soft, tough, and elastic. Without plasticizers, it is hard; plasticizers adjust softness.

Advantages

• Good dimensional stability.
• Low cost.
• Excellent weather resistance.

Disadvantages

• Poor chemical resistance.
• Poor thermal stability.
• Higher density than most plastics.
• Releases hydrogen chloride upon thermal decomposition.

Toy Applications

Widely used for cartoon figurines, collectible dolls, and parts requiring shock absorption or vibration damping.

3. PP (Polypropylene)

Semi-transparent, non-toxic, and odorless with a high shrinkage rate of 1%–3%.

Characteristics

Cannot be glued; floats on water.

Advantages

• Rigid yet tough; fatigue-resistant and stress-crack resistant.
• Lightweight, high-temperature resistant, excellent electrical insulation.
• Glossy surface, easy to color.

Disadvantages

• Becomes brittle below 0 °C; difficult to bond.
• Poor weather resistance; prone to UV degradation and oxidation.
• High shrinkage; poor dimensional stability; unsuitable for high-precision parts.

Toy Applications

Often used in toy components that must withstand drop tests, such as building blocks and interactive parts.

4. PE (Polyethylene)

Non-toxic, semi-transparent, milky white with a high shrinkage rate: HDPE 1.5%–3.5% (average 2%); LDPE 1.5%–3% (average 1.5%).

Characteristics

Transparency decreases with increased density.

Advantages

• Soft, easy to dye.
• Impact-resistant, good insulation, chemically stable.

Disadvantages

• Difficult to bond.
• Prone to thermal deformation.
• Surface easily scratched.

Toy Applications

Suitable for blow-molded toy products like hollow balls, inflatable toys, and lightweight components.

5. PC (Polycarbonate)

Non-toxic, odorless, with a low shrinkage rate (0.5%–0.7%).

Characteristics

The most impact-resistant plastic.

Advantages

• High impact resistance and toughness.
• Highly transparent, easy to dye.
• Good weather and heat resistance; excellent electrical insulation.
• Good dimensional stability.

Disadvantages

• Sensitive to notches; prone to stress cracking.
• Poor fatigue strength.

Toy Applications

Ideal for transparent toy components such as lenses, windows in toy vehicles, and protective screens.

6. POM (Polyoxymethylene)

Milky white, glossy, with a high shrinkage rate (1.8%–2.6%).

Characteristics

Properties closest to metal.

Advantages

• High hardness and rigidity; good impact resistance.
• Excellent dimensional stability, elasticity, self-lubrication, and wear resistance.
• Good temperature resistance (–40 °C to 120 °C); excellent dielectric properties; good resistance to organic solvents.

Disadvantages

• Prone to thermal decomposition at high temperatures.
• Non-self-extinguishing; poor acid resistance.
• High molding shrinkage rate.

Toy Applications

Used for mechanical toy parts like gears, axles, and moving components requiring high precision and durability.

7. PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate)

Also known as acrylic or plexiglass.

Characteristics

High transparency; molding defects are easily noticeable, leading to a lower yield of acceptable parts.

Advantages

• Excellent optical transparency.
• Good weather resistance; rigid; easy to dye.
• Lightweight; resistant to deformation.

Disadvantages

• Poor impact resistance; low surface hardness.
• Easily scratched; requires careful packaging.

Toy Applications

Used for transparent toy parts like display cases, toy windows, and decorative elements requiring clarity.

8. PS (Polystyrene)

Transparent, with a shrinkage rate less than 0.6%; its low-density characteristic increases yield by 20% to 30% over typical materials.

Advantages

• Low cost.
• Transparent; easy to color.
• Low molding shrinkage; good dimensional stability.

Disadvantages

• Poor acid resistance; susceptible to stress cracking when exposed to acids, alcohols, and fats.
• Brittle; not impact-resistant; surface easily scratched; requires careful packaging.

Toy Applications

Suitable for low-cost toy components, disposable toy parts, and packaging materials.

9. HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)

Slightly yellowish, ductile, easy to mold.

Characteristics

Improved impact resistance over general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS). Higher GPPS content results in better surface gloss and flow properties.

Toy Applications

Used in toy housings, electronic toy casings, and parts requiring better impact resistance than regular polystyrene.

PU Resin (Polyurethane)

Polyurethane is a novel organic polymer material known as the "fifth plastic." Renowned for its excellent performance, it is widely used across various industries. It features low viscosity, mild odor, softness, and transparency. Notably, it is resistant to wear, yellowing, and UV aging.

Toy Applications

Commonly used for crafting anime figurines, collectible statues, action figure accessories, and miniature blind box toys.