Resins and plastics are two common materials used in modern manufacturing and product design, but they are often confused. Resin usually refers to natural or synthetic polymer materials, while plastics are products formed through processing with synthetic resin as the main component. There are significant differences between the two in terms of composition, performance, application and environmental impact. I will break down the core differences between resins and plastics and guide you on how to choose the right material for different applications.
Was Is Resin?
Resins are a class of materials with a polymer structure that can be naturally formed or manufactured through chemical synthesis. Natural resins such as rosin are extracted from plants and are mainly composed of terpenes; while synthetic resins such as epoxy resins are polymers synthesized through chemical reactions, mainly formed by cross-linking of epoxy groups and hardeners. Resins usually soften or melt when heated and solidify after cooling, showing good adhesion, chemical resistance and mechanical properties.
As part of the manufacturing industry, I found in practical applications that resins are widely used in industrial manufacturing, 3D printing, building materials, electronic packaging, aerospace and medical industries. According to market data, the global resin market is worth about US$560 billion in 2023 and is expected to maintain an average annual growth rate of 5-7% in the next few years , mainly driven by the demand for automobiles, electronics, packaging and sustainable materials.
Type Of Resin
Resins are mainly divided into natural resins and synthetic resins , which differ in their sources , composition and applications.
Natural Resin
Natural resins are sticky substances secreted by plants or insects that form a solid state after natural oxidation and hardening. Common natural resins include:
- Rosin : obtained by distilling the resin secreted by pine trees, it is mainly used in adhesives, paints, printing inks and solder flux. The global rosin market is about US$1.8 billion in 2022 , of which more than 60% is used in adhesive manufacturing.
- Amber : A fossilized resin that has formed over millions of years, it is used primarily in jewelry and high-end decorative items. It is also used in scientific research due to its unique optical properties.
- Shellac : Secreted by lac insects, it is mainly used in food coatings, pharmaceutical coatings and high-end wood paints.
Due to its limited production and high processing costs, natural resins are relatively rarely used in modern industry and are mostly used in high value-added fields.
Synthetic Resin
Synthetic resins are polymer materials synthesized by chemical polymerization or modification. Their properties can be optimized through molecular design to make them more suitable for industrial manufacturing. Common synthetic resins include:
Epoxy Resin
Leistung : high strength, high chemical resistance, good electrical insulation performance
Anwendungen : Electronic packaging, aerospace composites, structural adhesives
Market Size : The global epoxy resin market is estimated to be US$12.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to US$18 billion by 2028 , mainly used in composite materials and the electronics industry .
Unsaturated Polyester resin
Leistung : high corrosion resistance, low cost, easy processing
Anwendungen : FRP products (such as ships, car bodies, pipes), building materials
Market demand : The global UPR market will exceed US$11 billion in 2023 , of which more than 30% will be used in the construction industry
Phenolic Resin
Leistung : high temperature resistance, strong flame retardancy, high mechanical strength
Anwendungen : brake pads, electrical insulation materials, heat-resistant parts
Industrial Impact : Used to make high-temperature refractory materials, especially in the aerospace and automotive industries.
Polyurethane Resin
Leistung : good elasticity, wear resistance, strong weather resistance
Anwendungen : Foam materials (furniture, car seats), coatings, adhesives
Market Size : The global polyurethane market will be approximately US$86 billion in 2023 , of which soft foam accounts for 40%.
Synthetic resins have become core materials in modern manufacturing due to their customizability and wide range of industrial applications. Their mechanical properties, durability, and chemical stability determine their breadth of application in different fields. For example, in the fields of CNC machining and 3D printing, we often use epoxy resins for high-precision parts manufacturing, taking advantage of its low shrinkage and high strength properties to ensure product quality.
Comparison Of Physical Aund Chemical Properties
The physical and chemical properties of different resins directly affect their application scenarios. Here are some key comparison data:
| Charakteristisch | Natural Resin | Synthetic Resin |
| source | Plant or animal secretions | Petrochemical industry synthesis |
| Processing method | Manual extraction, simple refining | Polymerization reaction, chemical modification |
| Mechanical strength | Generally lower | High (such as epoxy resin, phenolic resin) |
| Chemical resistance | Weaker | Depends on type (some highly chemical resistant) |
| Thermal stability | More restrictive | Can be designed to withstand high temperatures (>300°C) |
| cost | Relatively high | Low to medium (depending on the type) |
Based on these characteristics, when selecting materials, we usually consider mechanical requirements, chemical environment and production cost. For example, in applications with high temperature resistance and high strength requirements (such as aerospace), we tend to choose epoxy resin or phenolic resin , while in large-scale low-cost production (such as construction, consumer goods), unsaturated polyester resin and polyurethane resin will be a better choice.
Vorteile And Disadvantages Analysis
Advantage
- Suitable Foder Products With Complex Shapes : Resin materials have excellent molding capabilities and are particularly suitable for product designs with complex geometries. For example, in the automotive and aerospace fields, I often use resins for molding precision parts, especially in applications where weight, strength, and design complexity are a consideration. Resins are able to create complex internal structures through precise injection or compression molding processes, which has led to a gradual increase in their use in these industries.
- Strong Chemical Stabilität : Resin materials have excellent chemical resistance, especially epoxy resin and polyester resin, which can withstand the influence of environmental factors such as high temperature, moisture, grease, etc., greatly extending the service life. In practical applications, I often choose resin materials as protective coatings. For example, in electronic product packaging, resin can effectively protect circuit boards from moisture and corrosive substances.
- Strong Adjustability : The hardness, elasticity, toughness and other properties of resin materials can be achieved by adjusting the formula. For example, in the design of aerospace and high-end automotive parts, I use this adjustable property of resin to optimize product performance and ensure that the product can maintain excellent performance under different working conditions.
Shortcoming
- Higher Cost : Some special types of resin materials, such as epoxy resin, are relatively expensive. Taking epoxy resin as an example, the price is usually between $10-$50 per kilogram, and the specific price depends on the type and quality of the resin. In some projects I have participated in, although the resin provides excellent performance, the high cost of the material has put some pressure on the overall budget of the project, so it is necessary to comprehensively consider the balance between cost and performance.
- Strict Curing Conditions : The curing process of the resin needs to be carried out under specific conditions, such as high temperature curing or the use of specific catalysts, otherwise the final performance of the resin may be seriously affected. For example, in some high-precision applications, I have encountered problems where the mechanical strength and dimensional stability of the resin material did not meet the expected standards due to improper curing conditions. Therefore, ensuring precise control of curing conditions is a key challenge in using resin materials.
Common Application Areas Of Resin
- Elektronisch Packaging : Resins are widely used in electronic packaging , especially in PCB protective coating . Epoxy resins and polyester resins are often used to make protective layers for electronic components, which can effectively prevent erosion from the external environment and ensure the long-term stable operation of electronic components. For example, in my past electronic product projects, I used resin encapsulation technology to protect key circuits and ensure the performance of the equipment under extreme temperature and humidity.
- 3D Printing : Resins are increasingly used in 3D printing , especially in SLA (stereolithography) 3D printing technology, where photosensitive resins are widely used. These resins can be quickly cured under UV light to form high-precision prints. Based on my experience in multiple projects, photosensitive resins can achieve a printing accuracy of 0.025mm and are widely used in precision models, prototyping, and small batch production.
- Automotive Manufacturing : Carbon fiber reinforced resin plays an important role in lightweight design , especially in the automotive industry. By compounding resin with carbon fiber, it is possible to manufacture automotive parts that are both lightweight and high-strength. The application of this resin has significantly reduced the total weight of the vehicle, thereby improving fuel efficiency and performance. In the automotive lightweighting project I participated in, carbon fiber reinforced resin helped us successfully reduce the weight of the vehicle body by about 15% while ensuring that the structural strength was not affected.
Was Is Plastic?
Plastic is a type of synthetic material composed of high molecular polymers, usually formed by polymerization of monomers. It is lightweight, easy to process, and corrosion-resistant, and is widely used in many fields, including packaging, construction, automobiles, home appliances, and other industries.
Plastics have become an indispensable material in modern industry due to their good processability, low production costs and physical properties that can be adjusted according to demand. The global plastics market reached approximately $500 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 4-5% in the next few years, mainly driven by consumer goods and sustainable development needs.
Typen Of Plastic
Plastics are mainly divided into two categories: thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics, which have significant differences in processing methods and application range.
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics are a class of materials that soften when heated and solidify when cooled, a reversible physical change. Common thermoplastics include:
- Polyethylene (PE) : is a very common plastic that is widely used in packaging materials (such as plastic bags) and piping systems.
- Polypropylene (PP) : Commonly used in the manufacture of automotive parts, home appliances and food packaging.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) : Due to its strong chemical resistance and easy processing, it is widely used in cable sheaths and building materials.
The advantage of thermoplastics is that they can be heated and molded repeatedly without changing their chemical structure, making them easy to recycle and reuse.
Thermosetting Plastics
Thermosetting plastics are a type of material that forms a network structure after being heated and cured and cannot be reheated to soften after curing. Common thermosetting plastics include:
- Epoxy Resin : Due to its excellent adhesion and chemical resistance, it is widely used in electronic packaging and aerospace fields.
- Phenolic Resin : High temperature resistant, commonly used in the manufacture of brake pads, electronic components and heat treatment tools.
Although thermosetting plastics are formed in one go during processing, their high strength and heat resistance make them promising in demanding applications.
Comparison Of Physical Aund Chemical Properties
The differences in physical and chemical properties of different types of plastic materials determine their applicability in different fields. Here are some key comparison data between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics:
| Charakteristisch | Thermoplastics | Thermosetting Plastics |
| Processing method | Can be heated and molded multiple times | Irreversible after curing |
| Mechanical strength | Lower, suitable for light products | High, suitable for high strength products |
| Chemical resistance | generally | good |
| Thermal stability | Poor | excellent |
| cost | Low to medium | Medium to high |
In practical applications, thermoplastics are more suitable for products with large-scale production and low-cost requirements, such as packaging, containers, etc., while thermosetting plastics are more suitable for high-strength and high-temperature resistant products, such as aerospace components and high-performance electronic devices.
Vorteile And Disadvantages Analysis
Advantage
- Low Cost : The production cost of plastics is low, especially thermoplastics, which have obvious cost advantages in large-scale production.
- Lightweight : Plastic materials are generally lightweight, making them suitable for applications that require light weight and high performance, such as automotive and consumer electronics.
- Easy To Prozess : Plastics can be processed in a variety of ways, including injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, etc., which can produce products with complex shapes.
Shortcoming
- Poor Thermal Stabilität : Many plastics tend to deform or degrade at high temperatures, limiting their application in high-temperature environments.
- Environmental Issues : Some plastic materials are not easy to degrade, leading to serious environmental pollution problems, especially disposable plastic products.
- Limited Mechanical Strength : Although some plastics have good strength and durability, many still have low mechanical strength compared to metal materials and are not suitable for applications that are subject to large loads.
Common Applikationen Of Plastics
The application of plastics in various industries has penetrated into every aspect of daily life:
- Packaging : Plastics are widely used in the packaging industry, such as food packaging, cosmetic bottles, plastic bags, etc. Thermoplastics represented by PET and PE are the mainstream materials in the packaging industry.
- Autoindustrie : Plastics are widely used in automobile manufacturing to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency. For example, polypropylene is used to make automobile bumpers and interior trims.
- Elektronik Industrie : Plastic materials such as ABS and PVC are often used in products such as mobile phone casings, TV housings, and computer accessories.
- Medizinische : Plastic materials commonly used in medical equipment such as disposable syringes and infusion tubes have good non-toxicity and processability and are widely used in the medical industry.
Through the analysis of these application fields, we can see that plastics not only occupy an important position in daily life, but also play an irreplaceable role in industrial production.
Die CErze Difference Between Resin And Plastic
Resins and plastics differ significantly in many aspects, not only in their origin, composition, properties and processing methods, but also in their application and cost-effectiveness in the market. They each play an important role in different application fields, and the choice of material should be based on specific usage needs, performance requirements and cost considerations.
Origin Aund Ingredients
Resins and plastics differ fundamentally in composition and origin, resulting in them exhibiting different characteristics in terms of functionality and processability.
- Resin : Resin is a class of polymer compounds, which can be either natural (such as rosin resin) or synthetic (such as epoxy resin). Natural resins are usually secreted by plants and become solid or semi-solid through natural chemical reactions, which are used for bonding or coating. Synthetic resins are obtained through chemical synthesis, and common ones include epoxy resin, polyester resin, phenolic resin, etc. Synthetic resins are widely used in industrial production. They are highly customizable and their performance can be adjusted according to needs.
- Kunststoff : Plastic is a polymer material produced by synthetic polymerization, which is completely artificially synthesized. The basic raw materials of plastic usually come from petroleum or natural gas, and are formed into long-chain molecules through polymerization. According to different needs, various additives are often added to plastics, such as plasticizers, stabilizers, flame retardants, etc., to improve their physical and chemical properties. Common plastics include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), etc.
Resins are usually of higher purity and specificity, and their composition is often optimized for specific applications; plastics, due to their wide range of uses, have more complex compositions and a variety of additives that can give them different properties in various applications.
Material Properties
The differences between resins and plastics are particularly stark when it comes to performance, especially in areas such as strength, toughness and durability.
Resin : The mechanical properties of resin are usually outstanding, especially in terms of hardness, chemical resistance and temperature resistance. Take epoxy resin as an example. It has extremely high compressive strength. The compressive strength of common epoxy resin is as high as 80 MPa. Epoxy resin also has excellent chemical resistance and can resist corrosion from a variety of acids and alkalis. Therefore, it is widely used in aerospace, electronic equipment housings, and high-end industrial components. However, one disadvantage of resin is that it is brittle and prone to breakage. Therefore, in high-impact and wear-resistant application scenarios, resin may not be as durable as plastic.
Kunststoffe : In contrast, plastics are more flexible and impact-resistant, especially materials such as polypropylene (PP), which have very good impact resistance and toughness, and can still maintain stable physical properties in low temperature environments. The tensile strength and bending strength of plastics are usually low, but their ductility and impact resistance make them more advantageous in daily applications. For example, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are widely used in automotive parts, food packaging, and home appliance housings, mainly due to their excellent toughness and impact resistance.
The differences in compressive strength and toughness between resins and plastics make them different in their choice of application. Resins are suitable for applications that require high strength and corrosion resistance, while plastics are more suitable for low-cost applications that require high toughness.
Verarbeitung Method
The processing of resins and plastics varies greatly, which directly affects how efficiently and cost-effectively they can be produced.
Resin : Resins are usually processed by casting or curing. Liquid or viscous resin is poured into a mold and cured by chemical reaction or heating to form the desired shape. The processing of resins is relatively complicated and requires a long curing time. Common resin processing methods include hand pouring, compression molding and 3D printing. Epoxy resins and polyurethane resins are often used to make precision models, especially in the production of parts that require a high degree of customization or complex shapes. The final performance of epoxy resins can be controlled by adjusting the temperature and pressure during the curing process. This flexibility makes it widely used in high-end industries and aerospace industries.
Kunststoffe : Unlike resins, plastics can be processed more efficiently and are suitable for mass production. Plastics can be processed by injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, hot pressing, etc. Through these processes, molten plastic can be quickly injected into a mold and formed after cooling. This processing method of plastic not only improves production efficiency but also reduces costs, making it particularly suitable for mass production. For example, the injection molding process can quickly produce a large number of complex-shaped plastic parts, which are widely used in the production of electronic equipment housings, automotive parts, and daily consumer goods.
Plastics are clearly superior to resins in terms of processing efficiency and cost control, especially in large-scale production. Although resin processing is precise, it takes longer and costs more.
Cost Aund Availability
The cost difference between resins and plastics is very significant and directly affects their market applications.
Kunststoffe Azu Cheaper : Plastics are usually low-cost due to the abundance of raw materials and efficient processing methods. For example, the market price of polyethylene (PE) is usually less than $2/kg, and the price of materials such as polypropylene (PP) is also relatively cheap. The large-scale production and widespread application of plastics have made it dominate industries such as consumer goods, construction, and packaging, and its cost advantage has made it have huge market demand in these fields.
Resins Azu MErze Durable : Although the production cost of resins is relatively high, usually between $10-$15/kg, its durability and special properties make it the first choice for some high-end applications. Epoxy resins, polyester resins, etc. are often used in the production of parts that require high strength and corrosion resistance, such as automotive engines, aerospace parts, and housings of electrical equipment. The durability and high performance of resins make them ideal materials for these high-demand applications. Although it is more expensive, its performance advantages in some key application areas far outweigh the cost considerations.
Resins and plastics each have different properties that give them advantages in different applications. Resins are suitable for high-end applications such as aerospace, precision instruments and high-performance electronic devices due to their excellent strength, chemical resistance and high-temperature stability. Plastics, on the other hand, play an important role in consumer goods, packaging and construction due to their low cost, high processing efficiency and wide applicability. The final choice should be based on specific needs, such as strength requirements, cost budget and production efficiency. One of these two materials or a combination of them should be reasonably selected to obtain the best product performance and production benefits.
Wie To Choose Ter Right Material
Selecting the right material is a key step in engineering design and product development. The choice of materials is not only related to cost and production efficiency, but also directly affects the performance, service life and appearance of the final product. When selecting materials, we need to consider multiple factors such as mechanical and thermal properties, appearance requirements, manufacturing process adaptability, and environmental protection and sustainability. As an engineer or designer, I usually use data-based methods to determine the best material based on the specific needs of the project.
Mechanical Aund Thermal Performance Requirements
Mechanical and thermal properties are usually the first considerations when selecting materials, especially in some high-strength and high-temperature resistant applications.
- High-strength applications (such as mechanical parts) : For parts that require high strength and wear resistance, resin materials are often the first choice. For example, carbon fiber reinforced resin (CFRP) is a typical example, which combines the high strength of resin and the lightweight characteristics of carbon fiber and is widely used in aerospace, automobiles and high-end sports equipment. The tensile strength of carbon fiber reinforced resin can reach 1200 MPa and the bending strength can reach 1600 MPa, making it very reliable in environments with large loads.
- High temperature resistance requirements (such as automotive interiors) : In some application scenarios that require high temperature resistance, such as automotive interiors or electronic equipment housings, heat-resistant plastics are more advantageous. For example, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high-temperature resistant plastic that has a maximum temperature resistance of 250°C and can still maintain high mechanical properties at high temperatures. It is suitable for use in aerospace, automotive engine parts and other occasions with extremely strict high temperature requirements.
Taking into account mechanical strength and thermal stability, the selection of resins and plastics needs to be accurately evaluated based on factors such as temperature and load in the actual working environment.
Appearance Requirements
Appearance requirements are also a factor that cannot be ignored in material selection, especially when the product design requires beauty, transparency or a specific color.
- Transparency Requirements : PMMA (acrylic) is a commonly used material for products that require high transparency. PMMA can be as transparent as 92%, and its optical properties are close to glass, but it is lighter and has higher impact resistance. Therefore, it is often used in the production of optical lenses, display screen protection layers, and transparent structural parts. PMMA’s optical transmittance and UV resistance make it widely used in the solar industry and LED lighting.
- Farbe Customization : For products that require customized colors, plastics are more flexible. Plastic materials can easily adjust their colors by adding masterbatches, which makes plastics widely used in home appliances, car shells, toys and other fields. For example, polypropylene (PP) can meet the color requirements of different products by changing the composition of masterbatches, which not only achieves a high degree of color matching, but also ensures the stability of the physical properties of the product under different colors.
When selecting materials, appearance requirements determine parameters such as transparency, color, and optical properties, and they need to be selected based on specific design requirements.
Manufacturing Prozess Adaptability
The processing methods and process requirements of different materials are also very different. The adaptability of the manufacturing process directly affects production efficiency and product cost.
- CNC Machining : Thermosetting resins are particularly suitable for CNC machining because they have stable size and shape after curing, are wear-resistant, and are suitable for precision machining. Epoxy resin is a representative of thermosetting resins and is widely used in electronics, aerospace, and high-end machinery. It has high rigidity and compressive strength, and can maintain good thermal stability during machining. For example, epoxy resin is often used to make molds, wear-resistant parts, and high-precision tools in CNC machining.
- Injection Molding : For mass production, injection molding is a very efficient processing method. Plastic materials, especially thermoplastics, are suitable for injection molding. Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are two common materials suitable for injection molding. They have good melt flowability, can quickly fill the mold and quickly cool to shape, and are suitable for mass production of low-cost plastic parts. Taking polypropylene as an example, its molding cycle in injection molding can reach less than 30 seconds, with high production efficiency and large-scale production of complex shapes.
Therefore, the choice of manufacturing process is determined by production scale, processing accuracy and production cost. CNC machining is suitable for precision parts, while injection molding is suitable for mass production of plastic parts.
Environmental Aund Sustainability Considerations
With the increasing requirements for environmental protection, the sustainability and environmental performance of materials are becoming more and more important factors that must be considered in the design process.
- Degradable Materien : In the field of environmental protection, PLA (polylactic acid) plastic, as a biodegradable material, is gaining more and more attention. The degradation time of PLA is about 6-12 months, and it will not cause serious pollution to the environment during the degradation process. PLA is widely used in food packaging, disposable products and medical fields, and has significant advantages in environmentally friendly design. Because its raw materials come from plants, PLA is also considered a green and environmentally friendly material that meets the requirements of sustainable development.
- Recyclability : Another environmental consideration is the recyclability of materials. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles are one of the most widely recycled plastics. According to statistics, the global recycling rate of PET plastic bottles has reached 29%. PET not only has good weather resistance and mechanical properties, but the resource reuse in the recycling process also helps to reduce carbon emissions in the production process, which is in line with the current trend of green manufacturing.
Choosing degradable or recyclable materials not only complies with environmental regulations, but also helps companies establish a good brand image in the market. With the improvement of social environmental awareness, companies should pay more attention to the life cycle of materials and the environmental management of the entire process from production to disposal.
FAQs
Is Resin Better Than Plastic?
Resins and plastics each have their own advantages, depending on the application requirements. Resins are generally harder and more chemically resistant. For example, epoxy resin has a compressive strength of up to 83 MPa, which is much higher than common plastics (such as ABS’s 55 MPa). Plastics are more flexible and recyclable, with lower production costs and are suitable for large-scale manufacturing. Therefore, I will decide which material to use based on mechanical properties, durability and cost.
Does Resin Last Longer Than Plastic?
Under the right conditions, some resins are more durable than plastics. For example, epoxy resins can last up to 50 years, while ordinary PVC plastics are about 20-30 years. However, plastics are more resistant to UV rays and temperature changes, such as polyethylene (HDPE) can be used outdoors for 30 years. Therefore, in high-load or chemical environments, I prefer resins, while plastics have the advantage in long-term outdoor applications.
What Is the Downside of Resin?
The main disadvantages of resins are their brittleness, high cost, and difficulty in processing. For example, the impact strength of epoxy resin is only 10-15 kJ/m², which is about 60% lower than that of ABS plastic (35-40 kJ/m²), and it is easy to break. In addition, the production cost of synthetic resins is high, about $5-15 per kilogram of epoxy resin, while ABS plastic is only $2-4. In projects that require high cost-effectiveness, I usually choose plastics instead of resins.
How To Tell If Resin Or Plastic?
I usually distinguish between resins and plastics based on density, hardness, processing methods, etc. Resins are usually higher in density (>1.1 g/cm³), such as epoxy resin 1.2 g/cm³, while most plastics such as polypropylene (PP) have a density below 1 g/cm³. In addition, resins are usually more brittle and smoother, while plastics are more elastic and can be bent and are not easy to break. The burning test is also valid. Plastics have a pungent smell when burning, while epoxy resins produce black smoke and charring when burning.
Why Is Resin Toxic?
Some resins contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or bisphenol A (BPA), which are harmful to the human body. For example, uncured epoxy resin releases epoxy compounds, which may cause skin allergies and respiratory irritation after long-term contact. Its TLV (occupational exposure limit value) is 0.1 ppm. Phenolic resin may release formaldehyde when heated, and its exposure limit is only 0.75 ppm. Therefore, when processing resins, I will use ventilation equipment and protective gloves to reduce risks.
Is Resin or Plastic Better for Outdoor Furniture?
I prefer plastics, especially high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP), because they are UV-resistant and not prone to cracking. For example, HDPE has a lifespan of 30 years under UV exposure. In contrast, resins (such as polyester resins) are easily brittle under the influence of sunlight and humidity, and their service life may be less than 10 years. Therefore, when choosing outdoor furniture, I recommend highly weather-resistant plastics rather than resins.
Conschluss
Choosing the right material is a complex decision-making process that requires comprehensive consideration of mechanical properties, thermal properties, appearance requirements, manufacturing process adaptability, and environmental protection. Data analysis and precise performance comparison can help us make the best choice. Whether it is high-strength resin, high-temperature resistant plastic, or recyclable, degradable and environmentally friendly materials, they should be reasonably selected according to actual application requirements to ensure the performance and market competitiveness of the final product.