Plastic material samples reviewed for chemical resistance and compatibility risk

Plastic material samples evaluated for exact resin grade chemical compatibility, moisture absorption profiles, and multi-axis shrinkage data prior to production release.

Plastic Chemical Resistance Chart and Compatibility Cheat Sheet

Use this plastic chemical resistance chart to screen injection molding materials exposed to oils, fuels, alcohols, cleaners, acids, solvents, humidity and industrial fluids. Compare resin families by chemical compatibility, exposure method, service temperature, concentration, contact duration, mechanical load, stress cracking risk, swelling, property loss and dimensional tolerance before material approval or RFQ.

This chemical resistance cheat sheet helps product engineers, equipment part designers and sourcing teams narrow material risks before reviewing ABS, polycarbonate, PC/ABS, nylon, PBT, POM, polypropylene, PPS, PEEK or fluoropolymer options. Final approval should still confirm exact resin grade, supplier data and real exposure conditions.

Pre-Tooling Verification Rule: Before mold steel cut or production tooling release, a DFM & Engineering Review should check chemical name, concentration, exposure method, service temperature, contact duration, mechanical load, wall thickness, gate location, molded-in stress risk and part tolerances to reduce stress cracking, swelling or tolerance drift in production.

Engineering Quick Answer: How to Screen Plastic Chemical Resistance

The Fast Screening Logic for Chemical-Resistant Plastics

Plastic chemical resistance should not be approved by resin family name alone. A resin that works for splash exposure may not work for continuous immersion, hot cleaning cycles or loaded snap-fit features. Engineers should use a chemical resistance chart for early screening, then confirm exact grade data, exposure conditions, supplier compatibility data and stress cracking risk before material approval.

Before RFQ or tool release, engineering teams should review the actual service environment across these core plastic chemical compatibility factors:

Screening Factor	Why It Matters for Plastic Chemical Resistance
Chemical Type	Oils, fuels, acids, bases, solvents and cleaners affect plastics differently and may create stress cracking, swelling or property loss.
Concentration	Diluted and concentrated chemicals may create different stress cracking, swelling or property loss risks.
Exposure Temperature	Higher temperature can accelerate swelling, hydrolysis, softening or mechanical property loss.
Contact Duration	Wipe, splash, vapor and continuous immersion create different levels of chemical exposure risk.
Mechanical Stress	Sustained load, vibration and assembly stress can increase stress cracking risk in chemically exposed areas.
Molded-In Stress	High packing pressure, restricted gates and abrupt wall transitions can create molded-in stress that increases chemical stress cracking risk.
Tolerance Requirements	Chemical absorption or swelling may affect tolerance, gear fit, seal compression or snap-fit clearance.
Surface Finish Targets	Cleaners, solvents or repeated wiping may stain, dull, haze, craze or discolor visible cosmetic surfaces.

Why a Chemical Resistance Cheat Sheet Is Only the First Step

A plastic chemical resistance chart is a preliminary screening reference. Final material approval should confirm the exact commercial grade, filler content, supplier data and real exposure conditions. ABS, polycarbonate and PC/ABS should be checked for chemical stress cracking when cleaners or solvents contact loaded or cosmetic surfaces. Nylon, PBT, POM and polypropylene may need review for moisture-related dimensional change, acid exposure, swelling or warpage risk.

*Sourcing & Engineering Advisory Note

Do not approve a chemically exposed plastic part using only broad material names such as "Nylon" or "Acetal" on the drawing. Before tool steel cut, use the Injection Molding Material Selection Matrix to compare base resin families, then confirm exact grade, filler content and supplier chemical compatibility data.

How to Use Chemical Compatibility Data Correctly

Chemical compatibility charts should be used as preliminary screening references, not as final approval for injection molded plastic parts. Most compatibility tables are based on unstressed test bars under controlled laboratory conditions. In production, molded parts may behave differently because of part geometry, installation force, wall thickness, gate location and molded-in stress.

Do Not Approve a Resin by Material Name Alone

A broad polymer family name such as "polycarbonate," "nylon," or "acetal" is not enough for chemical resistance approval. Chemical resistance can change by exact commercial grade, filler content, stabilizer package, color package and supplier compatibility data. For example, an unfilled grade and a 30% glass-filled grade may respond differently to the same cleaner, oil or solvent.

When evaluating POM or nylon for oil, grease or hydrocarbon exposure, review moisture absorption, swelling, friction, wear and dimensional stability before material approval. Use the POM (Acetal) vs Nylon guide for a focused comparison instead of expanding this chemical compatibility page into a material-versus-material article.

Check Exposure Method: Wipe, Splash, Vapor or Immersion

The way a chemical contacts the molded part changes the risk level. A resin that works for maintenance wiping or occasional splash exposure may still show environmental stress cracking or swelling under continuous vapor exposure or immersion. Engineers should match the exposure method with supplier datasheet conditions and the required validation method. Review how standard contact configurations change screening and approval risks:

Exposure Method	Screening Meaning	Verification Action Before Material Approval
Wipe Cleaning	Short contact during cleaning with a cleaner, disinfectant or alcohol wipe.	Check gloss change, surface crazing and stress cracking near molded-in stress areas.
Splash Exposure	Intermittent chemical contact with drying or evaporation between exposure cycles.	Check staining, color change, local swelling and cracking near stressed features.
Vapor Exposure	Continuous exposure to volatile chemical vapor around the component.	Check long-term surface degradation, weight change and mechanical property retention.
Continuous Immersion	Continuous liquid contact or long-term immersion in the target fluid.	Use immersion testing, weight change checks, dimensional checks and mechanical property review.
Hot Fluid Contact	Chemical exposure at elevated service temperature or during hot cleaning cycles.	High-risk condition; validate chemical resistance at the highest service temperature and expected contact time.

Match Chemical Resistance Data to the Actual Service Environment

A useful plastic material compatibility guide should combine chart data with actual application conditions. Before material approval, engineering teams should document the exact chemical name or mixture, concentration, normal and peak service temperature, exposure method, contact time, mechanical load and dimensional tolerance.

Defining these values early helps reduce later field risk caused by unconfirmed exposure variables. If a part combines tight tolerance fits with an aggressive fluid environment, review swelling and dimensional change against supplier TDS data before releasing production drawings.

Plastic Chemical Resistance Chart by Resin and Chemical Type

Quick Chemical Resistance Cheat Sheet for Common Injection Molding Resins

This plastic chemical resistance chart helps engineers quickly compare common injection molding resin families against oils, cleaners, fuels, acids, bases and solvents. Use this table for early screening only; final material approval should confirm the exact commercial resin grade, filler content, color package, chemical concentration, service temperature, contact time and mechanical load on the molded part.

Plastic Resin Family	Oils & Lubricants	Alcohols & Cleaners	Fuels & Hydrocarbons	Acids & Bases	Solvents	Main Risk to Check Before Resin Approval
ABS	Fair to Moderate	Poor to Limited	Poor to Limited	Poor to Limited	Poor to Limited	Solvent attack, environmental stress cracking, surface crazing and cosmetic surface damage.
Polycarbonate	Fair to Moderate	Poor to Limited	Poor to Limited	Poor to Limited	Poor to Limited	Chemical stress cracking, surface crazing, cleaner haze and molded-in stress sensitivity.
PC/ABS	Fair to Moderate	Poor to Limited	Poor to Limited	Poor to Limited	Poor to Limited	Cleaner compatibility, surface cracking, weld line strength and molded-in stress near loaded features.
Nylon / Polyamide	Good for Many Oils	Fair to Moderate	Fair to Good	Poor to Limited	Poor to Limited	Moisture absorption, acid exposure, mechanical property changes and long-term dimensional stability.
PBT	Good for Many Oils	Fair to Good	Fair to Moderate	Poor to Limited	Poor to Limited	Hydrolysis under warm moisture or hot water, alkali exposure and weld line strength loss.
POM / Acetal	Good for Many Oils	Fair to Good	Good for Selected Grades	Poor to Limited	Poor to Limited	Strong acid exposure, oxidation risk, localized volumetric swelling and grade-specific chemical limits.
Polypropylene	Good for Selected Grades	Good for Selected Grades	Fair to Moderate	Good for Selected Grades	Fair to Moderate	Lower stiffness at elevated temperature, creep risk and limited load capacity.
PPS	Very Good	Very Good	Very Good	Very Good	Very Good	Strong chemical resistance, but still confirm thin-section brittleness, exact grade, filler content, molding window, load condition and cost target.
PEEK	Very Good	Very Good	Very Good	Very Good	Very Good	High structural chemical compatibility, but still verify high material cost, higher molding pressure, tool wear risk in filled grades, and load condition.
Fluoropolymers	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Premium universal resistance, but still track lower stiffness, cold flow under load, molding process limits and cost targets.

For broader material screening before RFQ or tool release, use the Injection Molding Material Selection Matrix to compare resin families by mechanical performance, heat resistance, molding risk and documentation needs.

Which Resins Fail by Stress Cracking, Swelling or Property Loss Under Chemical Exposure?

Chemical compatibility failure in molded plastic parts is often seen as stress cracking, swelling, crazing, softening, embrittlement or mechanical property loss. These risks increase when chemical exposure is combined with molded-in stress, press-fit load, snap-fit deflection, screw boss stress or tight dimensional tolerance. Chemical failure should be reviewed with visual inspection, weight change, dimensional checks, CMM measurement when needed and mechanical retesting after exposure.

Plastic samples inspected for stress cracking swelling and chemical exposure damage

Plastic samples inspected for stress cracking, localized swelling, and weight gain behavior following controlled chemical media exposure cycles.

Stress Cracking Risk in ABS, Polycarbonate and PC/ABS

ABS, polycarbonate and PC/ABS should be checked for chemical stress cracking when cleaners, alcohols, solvents or hydrocarbons contact loaded or cosmetic surfaces. Some solvents or cleaners may not visibly dissolve the resin, but they can still trigger cracking in stressed areas. When chemical exposure combines with molded-in stress, press-fit load, sharp corners or snap-fit deflection, cracking risk increases around screw bosses, clips, latch roots and assembly features.

Swelling Risk in Fuel, Oil and Solvent Exposure

Long-term exposure to fuels, industrial oils or selected solvents may cause swelling, weight change or dimensional drift in some plastic materials. The main review points are weight change, dimensional change, hardness shift and whether the part still fits after exposure. For swelling risk, check weight change, dimensional change, seal compression, gear movement, terminal fit and CMM dimensions after exposure, as even small dimensional changes may affect terminal fit or clip engagement.

Property Loss from Acids, Bases, Cleaners and Long-Term Fluids

Strong acids, alkaline solutions and reactive chemicals may reduce resin strength through hydrolysis, chemical attack or aging. Property loss may appear as lower tensile strength, reduced elongation or lower notched impact toughness before visible erosion or discoloration appears. Load-bearing brackets, hinges, tabs and internal supports should be checked for property retention when chemical exposure is part of the service environment.

**Stress Cracking, Swelling and Property Loss Cheat Sheet for Plastic Materials**
Failure Mode	What It Looks Like	Common Resin Risk Areas	What to Check Before Material Approval
Stress Cracking	Fine cracks or local fissures near loaded assembly areas.	ABS, Polycarbonate, PC/ABS, and acrylic-type materials.	Check molded-in stress, cleaner wipe frequency, corner radius and snap-fit deflection.
Crazing	Fine white or cloudy surface lines on visible walls.	Polycarbonate grades, unfilled amorphous resins, and clear faces.	Review solvent wipe exposure, cleaner formula, surface stress and molded-in stress.
Swelling	Dimensional growth, weight change or swelling at walls and features.	Fuel-contact parts, oil-exposed seals, and fluid-handling fittings.	Measure weight change, dimensional change, service temperature and tolerance stack.
Softening	Loss of stiffness, local deformation or lower load capacity.	Thin enclosures, mechanical gaskets, and structural snap latches.	Confirm chemical formula, service temperature, contact time and load condition.
Property Loss	Reduced notched impact strength, tensile strength or latch ductility.	Load-bearing structural brackets, functional hinges, and assembly tabs.	Test mechanical property retention after exposure using coupons or sample parts.
Surface Dulling	Gloss loss, staining or discoloration on cosmetic faces.	Cosmetic exterior enclosures, visible equipment bezels and textures.	Check cleaner formula, wipe frequency, surface texture and visual acceptance criteria.
Embrittlement	Cracking along thin sections or features under normal assembly load.	Screw bosses, assembly clips, interlocking tab zones and fins.	Review long-term chemical aging, service temperature, weld line location and installation load.

Why Temperature, Concentration and Load Change Plastic Chemical Resistance

Standard plastic chemical resistance charts are often based on unstressed test samples under controlled conditions. In real production assemblies, temperature, concentration, contact time and load can change how the material performs. Selecting a resin grade only from room-temperature chart data may create risk when the part sees hot cleaning cycles, concentrated chemicals, continuous contact or loaded features.

Temperature Can Accelerate Chemical Attack

Higher service temperature can accelerate swelling, softening, hydrolysis or mechanical property loss. A resin that works with a chemical at room temperature may show different behavior during hot exposure or thermal cleaning cycles. Service temperature should be reviewed with the exact resin grade, supplier compatibility data and part function before drawing release.

Concentration Can Change Compatibility

A resin that works with a diluted cleaner may not work with a higher-concentration chemical or full-strength solvent. Chemical compatibility reviews should record the exact concentration instead of relying only on a general chemical family name.

Mechanical Load Can Trigger Chemical Stress Cracking

Mechanical load can increase environmental stress cracking risk when the part is exposed to cleaners, solvents or fuels. Press-fit features, loaded snap-fit roots, high-torque screw bosses and molded-in stress areas should be checked for cracking after chemical exposure. An unloaded sample may show no visible damage, while the same feature under assembly load may crack after exposure.

Contact Time Changes the Risk Level

Short splash exposure or quick wipe cycles create a different risk level than long-term vapor exposure or continuous immersion. Defining contact time helps decide whether a standard resin is enough or whether a more chemical-resistant grade and lab validation are needed.

**Exposure Condition Variables That Change Plastic Chemical Resistance**
Environmental Variable	Low-Risk Screening Example	Higher-Risk Exposure Example	Engineering Review Action Before Tool Release
Operating Temperature	Room-temperature wipe or short handling exposure.	Hot cleaner exposure, heated fuel vapor or hot oil contact.	Review service temperature, HDT if relevant, and grade-specific supplier chemical compatibility data.
Chemical Concentration	Diluted cleaner or low-concentration chemical solution.	Concentrated acids, high-alcohol solvents or full-strength cleaners.	Verify supplier compatibility data for the exact concentration and confirm grade, filler and color package limits.
Contact Time	Short wipe exposure or intermittent splash.	Continuous immersion or long-term chemical vapor exposure.	Measure swelling, weight change, hardness change and mechanical property retention.
Mechanical Stress	Unloaded covers, spacers or non-structural panels.	Loaded snap fits, mounting clips, torqued screw bosses or tight press-fit pins.	Review gate location, flow length, local radii and stress concentrations near chemical contact areas.
Molded-In Stress	Low packing pressure and uniform wall transitions.	High packing pressure, abrupt thick-to-thin wall transitions or restricted gates.	Optimize the filling window, mold temperature and venting to reduce molded-in stress.
Surface Cosmetics	Hidden internal frames or non-cosmetic supports.	Visible high-gloss housings, transparent windows or custom textured surfaces.	Check crazing, gloss stability and visual acceptance criteria using control coupons or molded samples.

Starting Resin Families for Oils, Cleaners, Fuels and Harsh Fluids

Selecting a starting resin family requires matching the chemical type with service temperature, contact time, exposure method, mechanical load and dimensional tolerance. General material guidance can narrow the options, but final approval should confirm exact grade data, supplier compatibility information, chemical concentration, exposure method, service temperature, contact time, load condition and dimensional tolerance.

Plastics Commonly Reviewed for Oils and Lubricants

POM, nylon, PPS and PEEK are commonly reviewed for oil-contact components, gears, sliding surfaces and lubricated mechanical parts. Before approval, check oil type, service temperature, contact time, swelling, wear, friction, dimensional change and whether gear fit or bearing clearance remains acceptable after exposure.

Plastics Commonly Reviewed for Cleaning Agents and Alcohol Wipes

Polypropylene, POM, PPS and selected PC/ABS grades are commonly reviewed for equipment housings, bezels and covers exposed to routine cleaning. Polycarbonate, ABS and PC/ABS should be checked carefully because some cleaners, disinfectants or alcohol wipes may cause crazing or chemical stress cracking near molded-in stress, sharp corners, screw bosses or snap-fit features.

Plastics Commonly Reviewed for Fuels and Hydrocarbons

POM, PPS, PEEK and selected nylon grades are common starting options for fuel-adjacent components and fluid-contact plastic parts. Review the exact fuel formulation, aromatic content, service temperature, vapor exposure, immersion time, swelling, weight change and dimensional tolerance before material approval.

Plastics Commonly Reviewed for Acids, Bases and Harsh Fluids

Polypropylene, PPS, PEEK and fluoropolymers are often reviewed when acids, bases or harsh industrial fluids are present. Final screening should confirm acid or base type, concentration, service temperature, contact time, stiffness requirement, wall thickness, molding feasibility and cost target.

**Starting Resin Families for Oils, Cleaners, Fuels and Harsh Chemical Exposure**
Chemical Exposure Scenario	Starting Resin Families Often Reviewed	Main Risk to Verify Before Material Approval
Oils and Lubricants	POM, Nylon, PPS, PEEK	Check swelling, wear, friction change and dimensional tolerance after oil exposure.
Alcohol Wipes & Sanitizers	PP, POM, PPS, selected PC/ABS	Check stress cracking, surface crazing, texture dulling and wipe cleaning frequency.
Commercial Cleaning Agents	PP, POM, PPS, selected PC/ABS	Check cleaner formula, discoloration, surface crazing and molded-in stress near loaded features.
Fuels and Hydrocarbons	POM, PPS, PEEK, selected Nylon grades	Check fuel type, aromatic content, vapor versus immersion exposure, swelling and dimensional change.
Mineral Acids	PP, PPS, PEEK, Fluoropolymers	Check acid type, concentration, service temperature, surface attack and strength retention.
Alkaline Solutions & Bases	PP, PPS, selected POM grades	Check hydrolysis risk, surface attack and load-bearing property retention over time.
Hot Water or Industrial Steam	PPS, PEEK, selected PBT or Nylon	Check hydrolysis risk, impact strength retention and dry-as-molded versus conditioned dimensions.
Aggressive Mixed Fluids	PPS, PEEK, Fluoropolymers	Check chemical mixture, service temperature, mechanical load, material cost and molding feasibility.

When high service temperature, sustained load and aggressive chemical exposure occur together, use the High-Performance Engineering Plastics Selection Guide to review PPS, PEEK, PEI and other higher-performance resin options before material approval.

When a Chemical Resistance Chart Is Enough

A standard plastic chemical resistance chart may be enough for early screening when the exposure is controlled, low severity and short term. For secondary covers, shields or non-load-bearing parts, a chart can help narrow resin options before RFQ, while final approval still depends on grade-specific data and real exposure conditions.

Low-Risk Screening Situations

A quick compatibility cheat sheet can support early screening when the component is outside major load paths and has no continuous chemical contact. In these low-risk cases, general polymer behavior is usually enough to shortlist resin options before RFQ:

Occasional Splash or Wipe Chemical contact is short wipe or splash exposure with drying time between cycles.

Mild Chemical Concentration The chemical is a mild diluted cleaner or low-concentration fluid with known compatibility history.

Non-Load-Bearing Part The exposed features have no sustained load, snap-fit deflection, screw torque or press-fit stress.

Opaque or Non-Cosmetic Wall The surface is hidden or non-cosmetic, and minor appearance change would not affect product function or customer acceptance.

Loose Fit Clearances Assembly clearance is loose enough to tolerate minor dimensional change without binding, interference or friction change.

Strong Historical Precedent The selected resin family has documented use under similar chemical type, temperature, contact time and load condition.

When Supplier Datasheet Data May Be Enough for Early RFQ

During early RFQ review, supplier technical data sheets (TDS) can support preliminary resin screening and quotation assumptions. Manufacturer compatibility tables can help identify whether the proposed resin is reasonable for early quoting or whether a different resin family or validation plan is needed.

If supplier documentation matches the chemical type, concentration, service temperature, exposure method, contact time and load condition, the resin family can be used as an early RFQ assumption. However, this early assumption should not be treated as final approval. If the part is loaded, cosmetic-critical, tight-tolerance, immersed or exposed to heat, grade-specific testing may still be required.

When Lab Validation Is Still Required

A chemical resistance cheat sheet can narrow early resin options, but it cannot replace grade-specific validation under the actual service environment. General charts may not reflect the combined effect of chemical mixture, service temperature, contact time and mechanical load. Physical component testing is needed when the part is immersed, loaded, exposed to heat, cosmetic-critical, tight-tolerance or used in a safety-related function.

Plastic samples checked for chemical exposure dimensional change and validation

Plastic validation samples measured via high-precision CMM platform to verify exact geometric dimension changes following accelerated chemical exposure aging cycles.

Continuous Immersion or Long-Term Fluid Contact

Continuous liquid contact or long-term chemical vapor exposure should be validated with the exact resin grade and target fluid. Long-term exposure should be checked for weight change, swelling, dimensional change, hardness shift and mechanical property retention. Testing should measure weight change, dimensional change, hardness change and mechanical property retention after the target exposure duration.

Hot Chemical Exposure or High-Concentration Chemicals

Higher service temperature can increase swelling, hydrolysis, softening and mechanical property loss risk. A resin that works with a diluted cleaner at room temperature may show surface damage or property loss during hot cleaning cycles. Lab tests should verify performance at the highest expected chemical concentration, service temperature and contact time defined by the product specification.

Loaded Snap Fits, Screw Bosses, Seals and Tight-Tolerance Features

Chemical stress cracking risk increases when chemical exposure is combined with mechanical strain. Functional features such as snap-fit arms, molded screw bosses, mounting brackets, self-tapping holes and sealing lands can hold localized stress. Prototype or functional exposure tests should be run under actual assembly load or screw torque to check cracking, stress whitening, seal fit and snap-fit retention.

Cosmetic Surfaces Exposed to Cleaners or Solvents

Visible housings, display bezels and handheld enclosures exposed to repeated disinfectant wiping or chemical cleaning may need appearance validation. Cleaners or solvents may change gloss, dull texture, shift color or cause localized crazing on visible surfaces. Sourcing and quality teams should verify visual acceptance criteria using the actual cleaner, wipe frequency and selected color package.

**When Lab Validation Is Required for Plastic Chemical Compatibility**
Application Scenario	Why a General Chart Is Not Enough	Suggested Validation Method Before Tool Release
Continuous Immersion	Swelling, weight gain and dimensional change may alter part geometry over time.	Run immersion testing; measure weight change, dimensional change and mechanical properties.
Hot Chemical Fluids	Elevated temperature can increase swelling, hydrolysis, softening or property loss risk.	Run hot-liquid exposure testing at the highest expected service temperature.
Concentrated Formulations	Diluted and concentrated chemicals may create different stress cracking, swelling or property loss risks.	Test the exact production grade against the target chemical concentration.
Loaded Assembly Features	External load and molded-in stress can increase environmental stress cracking risk.	Run stress-cracking testing under actual assembly load or screw torque.
Tight-Tolerance Fits	Chemical absorption or swelling may change fit, causing gears to bind or seals to lose compression.	Use CMM or fixture inspection to document part dimensions before and after exposure.
Cosmetic Enclosures	Cleaners or alcohol solvents may cause gloss loss, surface crazing, color shift or staining.	Run wipe testing on molded samples with the actual texture and color package.
Unknown Chemical Mixes	Unknown or proprietary mixtures may behave differently from generic chemical chart data.	Physical exposure testing using the exact commercial cleaning fluid specified by the end-user.
Safety-Critical Parts	Safety-related or load-bearing parts need documented material traceability and validation evidence.	Use a formal validation plan with COC, material traceability, functional testing and mechanical retesting when required.

What to Send for Chemical Resistance and DFM Review

A chemical resistance review is more useful when the injection molder receives both chemical exposure data and part geometry before RFQ or tool release. Sourcing and product development teams should provide exposure conditions, drawings and CAD files so the engineering review can check resin suitability, stress cracking risk, swelling, tolerance impact and tooling risk before steel cut.

Chemical Exposure Information Required Before Resin Approval

To review whether a resin is suitable for the actual chemical environment, engineers should provide these service conditions:

Exact chemical name or mixture formula
Chemical concentration
Exposure method (wipe, splash, immersion)
Nominal and peak service temperatures
Contact time and exposure cycle
Maintenance cleaning frequencies
Expected service life
Resin family preference (if established)
Known chemical specifications
Required documents: TDS, COC, FAI, CMM or PPAP
SDS or mixture details if available
Actual cleaner or fluid sample if validation is required

Drawing and Manufacturing Information Required Before Tooling

To review molded-in stress, wall thickness, gate location, weld lines, sealing features and tolerance risk, provide these design files:

Current 2D engineering drawings
3D CAD files (STEP, IGES, or native formats)
Nominal and minimum wall thickness
Rib, boss and gusset locations
Active snap-fit arms and clip features
Sealing faces and mating lips
Datum schemes and tight tolerances
Cosmetic texture and surface finish requirements
Expected annual production volume
FAI, CMM inspection or PPAP requirements
Known gate, weld line or cosmetic surface concerns

**Chemical Resistance RFQ Checklist for Injection Molded Plastic Parts**
RFQ Input Parameter	Why It Matters for Chemical-Resistant Injection Molding Materials
Chemical Name	Different chemicals create different stress cracking, swelling or property loss risks; provide the chemical name, SDS or mixture details when available.
Concentration	Diluted and concentrated chemicals may create different compatibility, swelling or stress cracking risks.
Exposure Method	Wipe, splash, vapor and immersion exposure require different material review and validation levels.
Exposure Temperature	Higher service temperature can increase swelling, hydrolysis, softening or mechanical property loss risk.
Contact Time	Short contact and continuous immersion can produce different weight change, dimensional change and property retention results.
Mechanical Load	Sustained load, assembly torque or vibration can increase chemical stress cracking risk.
Target Material	Helps compare the current resin preference with alternative materials during early screening.
2D Drawing and 3D CAD	Allows DFM review of wall thickness, ribs, bosses, gate location, weld lines and stress-sensitive features.
Tolerance Requirement	Chemical swelling or moisture uptake may change fit, clearance, seal compression or gear movement.
Surface Finish Requirement	Cleaners or solvents may affect gloss, texture, color, staining, crazing or cosmetic acceptance.
Required Documents	Defines which documents are needed, such as TDS, COC, FAI, CMM inspection reports or PPAP records.

Before material approval or tool release, request a DFM & Engineering Review to check molded-in stress, gate location, venting, weld line position, tolerance risk and documentation needs for chemically exposed molded parts.

FAQ: Plastic Chemical Resistance and Compatibility

What is the best plastic for chemical resistance?

There is no single best plastic for every chemical. Polypropylene, PPS, PEEK and fluoropolymers are often reviewed for stronger chemical resistance, while POM, nylon, PBT, ABS and PC/ABS may work in controlled environments. The correct choice depends on chemical type, concentration, service temperature, contact time, mechanical load, exact grade and dimensional requirements.

What is a plastic chemical resistance chart?

A plastic chemical resistance chart compares how different resin families may perform against chemicals such as oils, fuels, acids, bases, solvents, cleaners and humidity. It should be used as an early screening tool, not as final material approval without grade-specific data and real exposure conditions.

Can ABS resist chemicals?

ABS may work in some controlled chemical environments, but it can be vulnerable to solvents, cleaners and stress cracking. Review the exact ABS grade, chemical concentration, cleaning frequency, molded-in stress, screw bosses, snap fits and cosmetic surfaces before approval.

Is polycarbonate chemical resistant?

Polycarbonate may be sensitive to certain solvents, cleaners and stress-cracking conditions, even though it has strong impact performance. Review the exact grade, molded-in stress, part geometry, coating, cleaning frequency and surface appearance requirements before approval.

Is nylon chemically resistant?

Nylon can perform well in many oil-contact and mechanical applications, but it absorbs moisture and may be sensitive to acids or selected chemicals. Engineers should review the exact nylon grade, dry-as-molded dimensions, conditioned dimensions, swelling risk and tolerance requirements before approval.

Which plastic is good for oil resistance?

POM, nylon, PPS and PEEK are often reviewed for oil-contact applications, depending on oil type, service temperature, contact time, load, dimensional tolerance, wear and friction requirements. The exact grade and exposure condition should be confirmed before approval.

Which plastic is good for solvent resistance?

Polypropylene, PPS, PEEK and fluoropolymers are often reviewed when solvent exposure is present. The exact solvent type, concentration, temperature and contact time should be confirmed. ABS, polycarbonate and PC/ABS need careful review because some solvents or cleaners may increase stress cracking or surface crazing risk.

Can chemical exposure cause plastic parts to crack?

Yes. Chemical exposure can cause stress cracking, crazing or brittleness when combined with molded-in stress, assembly load, sharp corners, snap-fit deflection or screw boss pressure. Common risk areas include bosses, clips, latch roots, press-fit features and cosmetic surfaces.

When is lab validation needed for plastic chemical resistance?

Lab validation is needed when the part sees continuous immersion, hot chemicals, high-concentration chemicals, unknown cleaner formulas, mechanical load, tight tolerance, cosmetic surfaces or long-term service exposure. A chart is useful for screening, but it is not enough for these conditions.

Can a chemical resistance chart replace lab testing?

No. A chemical resistance chart is useful for early screening, but it cannot replace lab testing when the part is exposed to hot chemicals, continuous immersion, high-concentration fluids, mechanical load, tight tolerance, cosmetic surfaces or long-term field service.

What information should I send for chemical resistance review?

Send the chemical name, concentration, SDS or mixture details if available, exposure temperature, contact time, exposure method, drawing, 3D CAD, target material, tolerance requirement, surface finish requirement and required documents such as TDS, COC, FAI, CMM or PPAP.

Need Chemical Resistance Review Before Material Approval?

Send the chemical name, concentration, exposure method, service temperature, contact time, target material, drawings, CAD files, tolerance requirements, surface finish requirements and document needs. Our engineering team can review resin suitability, stress cracking risk, swelling, molded-in stress, molding feasibility, inspection requirements and supplier documentation before RFQ or tool release.

Request Chemical Resistance Review

You can send incomplete data first. We will help identify missing exposure details, drawing risks and document requirements before material approval or tooling.