The most important factors concerning the resistance to temperature of plastics are: the duration of exposure to the heat source and the presence of applied forces. In fact, softening is the greatest risk in the presence of heat. In this phase, if a force (locking) is applied it is easier to break the bond between the plastic and the moulded-in metal inserts. Notwithstanding the fact that the inserts are designed for strong adhesion to the plastic material, if certain temperatures are exceeded the use of the part is affected.
| Material | Continuous use (+ 8 hours) |
Continuous use (+ 8 hours) under force HDT/A |
Brief use (60/120 sec.) |
Continuous use (+ 8 hours) Minimum temperature |
| Thermohardened | 200°C | – | 200°C | -40°C |
| Reinforced polyamide PA6+GF | 110°C | 100°C | 160°C | -10°C |
| Polyamide PA6 | 80°C | 80°C | 120°C | -10°C |
| Polycarbonate PC | 120°C | 120°C | 140°C | -40°C |
| ABS | 85°C | 100°C | 100°C | -40°C |
| Polystyrene PS | 75°C | 75°C | 90°C | -10°C |
| Polyethylene PEHD PELD | 75°C | 40°C | 85°C | -50°C |
| Reinforced copolymer polypropylene PP | – | 90°C | – | -50°C |
| Vulcanised rubber NBR | 100°C | – | 130°C | -30°C |