Thermoplastic resins can be arranged into three basic categories based on their cost: low cost/commodity resins that typically have large volume market costs of less than $1.50/lb, medium cost/engineering resins that typically fall between $1.50-$3.00/lb, and the high cost/high temperature resins that usually cost above $3.00/lb.
If one compares the costs of all thermoplastic resins, they see a direct correlation between the cost and the temperature resistance of the resin.
of the composite that can meet these requirements.
If you are ever outbid by a competitor in a situation where the competition has a higher specific gravity material, calculate the $/in3 and you may be surprised to find that you actually have the better price.
By combining the morphology, cost, and thermal requirements (as depicted in the following chart), one can see that you can quickly zero in on your choices to two or three resins that will best meet your application.