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Robotics

Plastic materials for humanoid, service and industrial robot parts

All materials · 10 grades

Parts and materials of the humanoid robot

Pain points and material advice

  • Lightweighting: reinforced plastics instead of some metal parts

    Pain point
    Aluminum alloy structural parts are heavy and costly to machine. The heavier a humanoid robot's legs and arms, the larger the motors and the shorter the runtime.
    Advice
    First screen materials by specific strength and specific stiffness. GREENPOLYMER carbon-fiber-reinforced PA6 grades have a density of 1.25–1.35 g/cm³, against about 2.7 g/cm³ for aluminum alloy. Set wall thickness and ribs by load analysis, and align fiber orientation with the main load direction. Validate impact for fall cases.
    Candidates

  • Joints and drives: fatigue, creep and wear

    Pain point
    Joint housings and brackets carry alternating loads over the long term. Plastic gears lose strength as temperature rises, and wear causes backlash and noise.
    Advice
    Check fatigue and creep against data at the operating temperature. Small-module, low-load gears can use POM; for higher loads, use reinforced PA and consider lubricated compounds. Choose materials around motors by the measured temperature rise.
    Candidates

  • Sensor windows: letting signals through

    Pain point
    Cameras, infrared sensors, LiDAR and millimeter-wave radar all need windows. They should look black yet transmit infrared, and also resist scratches.
    Advice
    First set the wavelength (visible light, near infrared such as 905 nm, millimeter wave) and target transmittance. Use transparent PC with a hard coating for visible-light windows. Use a dedicated IR-transmissive formulation for IR windows. For radar covers, look at dielectric properties and avoid carbon fiber and metallic-effect pigments.
    Candidates

  • Working near people: flame retardancy near batteries, impact and appearance

    Pain point
    Service and humanoid robots carry fairly large lithium batteries and are used in public places. Housings near batteries and power supplies must be flame retardant; other appearance parts mainly need to survive falls and look good.
    Advice
    Use halogen-free flame-retardant grades around batteries and electronic controls, and test at the actual wall thickness. Use low-temperature high-impact PC/ABS for appearance parts, color matched at the compounding stage. Choose weather-resistant materials for models used outdoors or by windows.
    Candidates

  • From prototype to production

    Pain point
    Robots iterate fast. Prototypes are 3D printed and production parts injection molded, and the two materials differ a lot in properties, so everything must be validated again.
    Advice
    At the prototype stage, choose filament of the same family as the production pellets, for example carbon fiber PA6 filament for carbon fiber PA6 pellets. Note that printed part properties are directional and cannot be treated as equal to molded parts.
    Candidates

Material selection for housings, joints, gear and reduction parts, sensor windows, cable carriers, grippers and battery compartments in humanoid, service, collaborative and mobile robots.

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Materials in the humanoid robot

Example grade / typical values — to be corrected by GREENPOLYMER Typical values. Refer to the actual TDS.

  • GRN-PA6-C310

    Carbon-fiber-reinforced PA6 (CFRPA)

    Tensile strengthISO 527-1/-2 · dry
    180–250 MPa
    Flexural modulusISO 178
    13–20 GPa
    Heat deflection temperatureISO 75-1/-2 · 1.80 MPa
    200–215 °C

    Used for

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    Features

    Light, stiff, fatigue-resistant

    Typical values

    Charpy notched impact strengthISO 179-1/1eA · 23 °C; dry
    8–14 kJ/m²
    DensityISO 1183
    1.20–1.28 g/cm³
    Flammability ratingUL 94 · 1.5 mm; design target, subject to test report
    HB

    Processing

    Drying
    80 °C, 4–6 h (desiccant dryer); moisture content 0.05–0.2 % recommended
    Melt temperature
    260–290 °C
    Mold temperature
    80–100 °C; upper end for a better surface

    Why this material

    • Humanoid structural parts (thigh, shank, torso frame, shoulder bracket)Lightweighting; complex structures in one shot
    • Gripper fingers, end effectorsLight and stiff; often needs custom shapes; contact surfaces must be non-slip

  • GRN-PA6-C510

    Flame-retardant carbon-fiber-reinforced PA6 (CFRPA)

    Tensile strengthISO 527-1/-2 · dry
    160–220 MPa
    Flammability ratingUL 94 · 1.5 mm; design target, subject to test report
    V-0
    Flexural modulusISO 178
    12–18 GPa

    Used for

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    Features

    Stiff, heat-resistant, flame-retardant

    Typical values

    Heat deflection temperatureISO 75-1/-2 · 1.80 MPa
    190–210 °C
    Charpy notched impact strengthISO 179-1/1eA · 23 °C; dry
    6–10 kJ/m²
    DensityISO 1183
    1.25–1.35 g/cm³

    Processing

    Drying
    80 °C, 4–6 h (desiccant dryer); moisture content 0.05–0.2 % recommended
    Melt temperature
    260–290 °C
    Mold temperature
    80–100 °C; upper end for a better surface

    Why this material

    • Contains motor, encoder and reducer; needs stiffness, heat dissipation and dimensional stability

  • GRN-POM-G110

    General-purpose copolymer POM

    Tensile strengthISO 527-1/-2
    60–68 MPa
    Flexural modulusISO 178
    2.4–2.9 GPa
    Heat deflection temperatureISO 75-1/-2 · 1.80 MPa
    90–105 °C

    Used for

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    Features

    Self-lubricating, wear-resistant, low noise

    Typical values

    Charpy notched impact strengthISO 179-1/1eA · 23 °C
    5–8 kJ/m²
    DensityISO 1183
    1.39–1.42 g/cm³
    Flammability ratingUL 94 · 1.5 mm; design target, subject to test report
    HB

    Processing

    Drying
    Usually not needed; if damp, 80 °C, 2–3 h
    Melt temperature
    190–210 °C; do not exceed 230 °C
    Mold temperature
    60–90 °C; upper end for precision parts, for more stable dimensions

    Why this material

    • Plastic gears, worm wheels, reducer internals (planet carrier, cage)Self-lubricating, low noise; small-module gears can be injection molded
    • Dexterous-hand phalanges, tendon guidesSmall, high-precision parts; wear resistant, low friction
    • Gripper fingers, end effectorsLight and stiff; often needs custom shapes; contact surfaces must be non-slip

  • GRN-PCA-H320

    Low-temperature high-impact PC/ABS

    Tensile strengthISO 527-1/-2
    48–56 MPa
    Charpy notched impact strengthISO 179-1/1eA · 23 °C; −30 °C: 25–40 kJ/m²
    45–65 kJ/m²
    Heat deflection temperatureISO 75-1/-2 · 1.80 MPa
    95–110 °C

    Used for

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    Features

    Light, scratch-resistant, tough at low temperature

    Typical values

    DensityISO 1183
    1.12–1.15 g/cm³
    Flammability ratingUL 94 · 1.5 mm; design target, subject to test report
    HB

    Processing

    Drying
    100–110 °C, 3–4 h
    Melt temperature
    250–280 °C
    Mold temperature
    60–90 °C

    Why this material

    • Appearance close to consumer electronics; must be light; protects the interior in falls

  • GRN-PC-L110

    Transparent PC

    Tensile strengthISO 527-1/-2
    60–68 MPa
    Light transmittanceISO 13468-1 · 3 mm; design target
    ≥ 88 %
    Charpy notched impact strengthISO 179-1/1eA · 23 °C
    60–80 kJ/m²

    Used for

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    Features

    Light-transmitting, impact-resistant

    Typical values

    Heat deflection temperatureISO 75-1/-2 · 1.80 MPa
    125–135 °C
    DensityISO 1183
    1.19–1.21 g/cm³
    Flammability ratingUL 94 · 1.5 mm; design target, subject to test report
    HB

    Processing

    Drying
    120 °C, 3–4 h; moisture content ≤ 0.02 % recommended
    Melt temperature
    280–310 °C; for flame-retardant grades keep within the TDS upper limit
    Mold temperature
    80–110 °C

    Why this material

    • Transmits light or infrared; impact resistant; the sensor should be "invisible" from outside

  • GRN-PC-L120

    IR-transmissive black PC

    Tensile strengthISO 527-1/-2
    60–68 MPa
    Charpy notched impact strengthISO 179-1/1eA · 23 °C
    60–80 kJ/m²
    Heat deflection temperatureISO 75-1/-2 · 1.80 MPa
    125–135 °C

    Used for

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    Features

    Black, IR-transmissive

    Typical values

    DensityISO 1183
    1.19–1.21 g/cm³
    Flammability ratingUL 94 · 1.5 mm; design target, subject to test report
    HB

    Processing

    Drying
    120 °C, 3–4 h; moisture content ≤ 0.02 % recommended
    Melt temperature
    280–310 °C; for flame-retardant grades keep within the TDS upper limit
    Mold temperature
    80–110 °C

    Why this material

    • Transmits the laser wavelength (such as 905 nm); low millimeter-wave transmission loss

  • GRN-PBT-E510

    Flame-retardant glass-fiber-reinforced PBT (high CTI)

    Tensile strengthISO 527-1/-2
    100–130 MPa
    Comparative tracking index (CTI)IEC 60112 · design target
    ≥ 600 V
    Flammability ratingUL 94 · 1.5 mm; design target, subject to test report
    V-0

    Used for

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    Features

    Heat-resistant, good electrical insulation, flame-retardant

    Typical values

    Flexural modulusISO 178
    8–10 GPa
    Heat deflection temperatureISO 75-1/-2 · 1.80 MPa
    200–215 °C
    Charpy notched impact strengthISO 179-1/1eA · 23 °C
    6–10 kJ/m²
    DensityISO 1183
    1.55–1.70 g/cm³

    Processing

    Drying
    120 °C, 3–4 h (desiccant dryer); moisture content ≤ 0.02 %
    Melt temperature
    240–270 °C
    Mold temperature
    60–90 °C; upper end when surface and dimensional stability matter

    Why this material

    • Flame retardancy needed around lithium batteries and electronic controls; connectors need heat resistance and a high comparative tracking index (CTI)

  • GRN-PCA-N510

    Halogen-free flame-retardant PC/ABS

    Tensile strengthISO 527-1/-2
    55–65 MPa
    Flammability ratingUL 94 · 1.5 mm; design target, subject to test report
    V-0
    Charpy notched impact strengthISO 179-1/1eA · 23 °C
    10–30 kJ/m²

    Used for

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    Features

    Halogen-free, flame-retardant

    Typical values

    Heat deflection temperatureISO 75-1/-2 · 1.80 MPa
    80–95 °C
    DensityISO 1183
    1.17–1.20 g/cm³

    Processing

    Drying
    100–110 °C, 3–4 h
    Melt temperature
    250–280 °C
    Mold temperature
    60–90 °C

    Why this material

    • Flame retardancy needed around lithium batteries and electronic controls; connectors need heat resistance and a high comparative tracking index (CTI)

  • GRN-PA6-E510

    Flame-retardant glass-fiber-reinforced PA6 (GFRPA)

    Tensile strengthISO 527-1/-2 · dry
    130–160 MPa
    Flammability ratingUL 94 · 1.5 mm; design target, subject to test report
    V-0
    Flexural modulusISO 178
    8–10 GPa

    Used for

    Request a sampleGrade details
    MoreLess

    Features

    Stiff, heat-resistant, flame-retardant

    Typical values

    Heat deflection temperatureISO 75-1/-2 · 1.80 MPa
    190–205 °C
    Charpy notched impact strengthISO 179-1/1eA · 23 °C; dry
    8–12 kJ/m²
    DensityISO 1183
    1.40–1.50 g/cm³

    Processing

    Drying
    80 °C, 4–6 h (desiccant dryer); moisture content 0.05–0.2 % recommended
    Melt temperature
    260–290 °C
    Mold temperature
    80–100 °C; upper end for a better surface

    Why this material

    • Joint / actuator housingContains motor, encoder and reducer; needs stiffness, heat dissipation and dimensional stability
    • Cable carrier / drag chainRepeated bending; wear resistance; snap-fit opening and closing; controlled cost

  • GRN-PA66-E510

    Halogen-free flame-retardant glass-fiber-reinforced PA66

    Tensile strengthISO 527-1/-2 · dry
    140–170 MPa
    Flammability ratingUL 94 · 1.5 mm; design target, subject to test report
    V-0
    Flexural modulusISO 178
    8–10 GPa

    Used for

    Request a sampleGrade details
    MoreLess

    Features

    Stiff, heat-resistant, fatigue-resistant

    Typical values

    Heat deflection temperatureISO 75-1/-2 · 1.80 MPa
    230–250 °C
    Charpy notched impact strengthISO 179-1/1eA · 23 °C; dry
    8–12 kJ/m²
    DensityISO 1183
    1.45–1.55 g/cm³

    Processing

    Drying
    80 °C, 4–6 h (desiccant dryer); moisture content 0.05–0.2 % recommended
    Melt temperature
    280–300 °C; do not exceed the TDS upper limit for flame-retardant grades
    Mold temperature
    80–110 °C

    Why this material

    • Self-lubricating, low noise; small-module gears can be injection molded

Industry overview and trends

  • 773,000

    Industrial robots: output in China

    Industrial enterprises above designated size in China produced 773,000 sets of industrial robots in 2025, up 28.0 % on the previous year.

    Source: National Bureau of Statistics

  • about 603,000

    Industrial robots: global installations

    About 603,000 industrial robots were installed worldwide in 2025, up about 11 % on the previous year and above 600,000 for the first time. More than 5 million industrial robots are in operation worldwide. China installed about 354,000, about 60 % of the world total. These are installation figures, measured differently from the output figures above, and must not be added to or compared directly with them.

    Source: International industry statistics

  • 18.581 million

    Service robots have more uses

    Industrial enterprises above designated size in China produced 18.581 million sets of service robots in 2025, up 16.1 % on the previous year. Cleaning, delivery and guide robots are common in malls, hotels, hospitals and factories.

    Source: National Bureau of Statistics

Full text

  • Industrial robots: output in China

    According to the National Bureau of Statistics, industrial enterprises above designated size in China produced 773,000 sets of industrial robots in 2025, up 28.0 % on the previous year.

  • Industrial robots: global installations

    According to international industry statistics, about 603,000 industrial robots were installed worldwide in 2025, up about 11 % on the previous year and above 600,000 for the first time. More than 5 million industrial robots are in operation worldwide. China installed about 354,000, about 60 % of the world total. These are installation figures, measured differently from the output figures above, and must not be added to or compared directly with them.

  • Service robots have more uses

    According to the National Bureau of Statistics, industrial enterprises above designated size in China produced 18.581 million sets of service robots in 2025, up 16.1 % on the previous year. Cleaning, delivery and guide robots are common in malls, hotels, hospitals and factories.

  • Humanoid robots are moving from prototypes to small batches

    In 2025, about 18,000 humanoid robots shipped worldwide, several times more than the year before. Chinese manufacturers shipped the majority. The main uses are exhibitions and performances, research and education, data collection, guidance and factory pilots.

  • Light weight is the core issue

    Every bit of weight saved on a robot lowers motor load, battery consumption and heat. The MIIT Guiding Opinions on the Innovative Development of Humanoid Robots call for work on the key technologies of the robot body and breakthroughs in "lightweight skeletons and high-strength body structures", and list "high-strength lightweight new materials" and "additive manufacturing of complex body structures". Typical industry practice is to mold complex structural parts in one shot from carbon- or glass-fiber-reinforced plastics, reducing machining.

  • Working alongside people, safety and appearance both matter

    Service and humanoid robots work next to people. Housings must be impact resistant and free of sharp edges, and look and feel as good as consumer electronics. Housings near batteries and power supplies are usually made from flame-retardant materials. Sensor windows must let infrared light, lasers or millimeter waves through.

  • Fast development, small volumes

    New robots iterate quickly. During development, 3D printing is often used for prototypes and small batches; production then moves to injection molding. One family of materials covering both stages reduces re-validation.

  • China output, National Bureau of Statistics: in 2025, industrial enterprises above designated size in China produced 773,000 sets of industrial robots, up 28.0 %, and 18.581 million sets of service robots, up 16.1 %. These are production figures.
  • Global installations, international industry statistics: in 2025, about 603,000 industrial robots were installed worldwide, up about 11 % and the first time above 600,000. The operational stock passed 5 million units. These are installation figures and should not be added to or compared directly with the output figures above.
  • Humanoid robots: about 18,000 shipped worldwide in 2025, most of them from Chinese makers.
  • Lightweighting is key: MIIT guidance on humanoid robots calls for lightweight skeletons, high-strength body structures and new lightweight materials.
  • Robots work close to people. Housings need impact resistance and good appearance. Sensor windows must pass IR, laser or millimeter-wave signals.
  • Development is fast and volumes are small. 3D printing is used for prototypes; injection molding for production.

Part-to-material guide

Full list · 13 parts

This table shows common industry practice for first-round selection. The final choice depends on the applicable standards, load analysis and validation results (to be verified by GREENPOLYMER).

Humanoid structural parts (thigh, shank, torso frame, shoulder bracket)

Typical materials: Carbon-fiber-reinforced PA6 / PA66, glass-fiber-reinforced PA, carbon-fiber-reinforced PPS / PEEK (high end)
Why

Lightweighting; complex structures in one shot

Key requirements

Specific strength and specific stiffness; fatigue resistance; creep resistance; fall impact; dimensions after moisture absorption

Common standards

ISO 527; ISO 178; ISO 179; fatigue tested on your test rig

GREENPOLYMER grade

GRN-PA6-C310 (carbon fiber, non-flame-retardant); GRN-PA6-C510 (flame-retardant carbon fiber); GRN-PA6-E510. PPS / PEEK: Available as a project-based development

Example grade / typical values — to be corrected by GREENPOLYMER

Joint / actuator housing

Typical materials: Glass or carbon-fiber-reinforced PA, PC/ABS-GF, aluminum alloy (traditional)
Why

Contains motor, encoder and reducer; needs stiffness, heat dissipation and dimensional stability

Key requirements

Dimensional accuracy (bearing seats); heat resistance (motor temperature rise); flame retardancy near batteries or power supplies; impact resistance

Common standards

UL 94; ISO 75; ISO 178

GREENPOLYMER grade

GRN-PA6-C510; GRN-PA6-E510; GRN-PA66-E510 (halogen-free flame retardant); GRN-PCA-E510

Example grade / typical values — to be corrected by GREENPOLYMER

Plastic gears, worm wheels, reducer internals (planet carrier, cage)

Typical materials: POM, PA66, lubricated PA, PEEK; harmonic flexsplines are mostly metal
Why

Self-lubricating, low noise; small-module gears can be injection molded

Key requirements

Wear resistance; low friction; dimensional accuracy; fatigue resistance; strength under temperature rise

Common standards

ISO 527; gears tested to VDI 2736 or on your test rig

GREENPOLYMER grade

GRN-POM-G110 (copolymer POM); GRN-PA66-E510 for higher loads. Lubricated PA, PEEK: Available as a project-based development

Example grade / typical values — to be corrected by GREENPOLYMER

Service-robot shell (head, torso, base cover)

Typical materials: PC/ABS, ABS, PC; ASA and PC/ASA for outdoor models
Why

Large appearance surfaces; must be impact resistant with consistent color; flame retardant near the battery

Key requirements

Impact; appearance and color difference; V-0 (near the power supply); UV resistance (outdoor or by windows)

Common standards

UL 94; IEC 62368-1 or IEC 60335-1 (by product); ISO 13482; UL 3300; household robots: GB/T 41527-2022

GREENPOLYMER grade

GRN-PCA-H320 (low-temperature high impact); GRN-PCA-T310; GRN-PCA-N510 (flame retardant); outdoor: GRN-ASA-W110, GRN-PCAS-W310

Example grade / typical values — to be corrected by GREENPOLYMER

Humanoid cosmetic covers (head shell, chest plate, arm covers)

Typical materials: PC/ABS, PC, ABS; thin walls, light weight
Why

Appearance close to consumer electronics; must be light; protects the interior in falls

Key requirements

Impact (including low temperature); scratch resistance; appearance; light weight

Common standards

ISO 179; ISO 13482 (personal care robots, where applicable)

GREENPOLYMER grade

GRN-PCA-H320; GRN-PCA-T310; GRN-ABS-A110 — high-gloss, mold-in-color (paint-free)

Example grade / typical values — to be corrected by GREENPOLYMER

Sensor cover, camera window

Typical materials: Transparent PC, PMMA; IR-transmissive black PC
Why

Transmits light or infrared; impact resistant; the sensor should be "invisible" from outside

Key requirements

Light or IR transmittance; haze; scratch resistance (hard coating often added)

Common standards

ISO 13468; ISO 14782; IEC 60529 (IP protection)

GREENPOLYMER grade

Transparent parts: GRN-PC-L110. Black sensor windows: IR-transmissive black PC is available for sensor and LiDAR windows

Example grade / typical values — to be corrected by GREENPOLYMER

LiDAR window / radar cover

Typical materials: PC (IR-transmissive grade), PMMA; PC, PBT or ASA for millimeter-wave radar covers
Why

Transmits the laser wavelength (such as 905 nm); low millimeter-wave transmission loss

Key requirements

Transmittance at specific wavelengths; dielectric constant and loss (radar covers); scratch resistance; weather resistance

Common standards

Optical and dielectric properties per customer specification; IEC 60529

GREENPOLYMER grade

IR-transmissive black PC is available for sensor and LiDAR windows. Protective covers without an IR transmission requirement: GRN-PC-L110

Example grade / typical values — to be corrected by GREENPOLYMER

Cable carrier / drag chain

Typical materials: Glass-fiber-reinforced PA6 / PA66, PA6
Why

Repeated bending; wear resistance; snap-fit opening and closing; controlled cost

Key requirements

Fatigue resistance; wear resistance; snap-fit toughness; dimensions after moisture absorption

Common standards

Life tested over the travel you specify; UL 94 (as required)

GREENPOLYMER grade

GRN-PA6-E510; GRN-PA66-E510. Non-flame-retardant glass-fiber-reinforced PA6: GRN-PA6-E310 (to be verified by GREENPOLYMER). Unreinforced high-toughness PA6: Available as a project-based development

Example grade / typical values — to be corrected by GREENPOLYMER

Gripper fingers, end effectors

Typical materials: Carbon-fiber-reinforced PA, POM, PA12; TPU pads on contact surfaces
Why

Light and stiff; often needs custom shapes; contact surfaces must be non-slip

Key requirements

Stiffness; wear resistance; light weight; does not scratch the workpiece

Common standards

ISO 527; ISO 178

GREENPOLYMER grade

GRN-PA6-C310; GRN-POM-G110. Small-batch custom grippers: 3D printed in GRN3D-PA6-C20, GRN3D-PA12-C10

Example grade / typical values — to be corrected by GREENPOLYMER

Dexterous-hand phalanges, tendon guides

Typical materials: PA12, POM, carbon-fiber-reinforced PA, PEEK
Why

Small, high-precision parts; wear resistant, low friction

Key requirements

Dimensional accuracy; wear resistance; low friction; fatigue resistance

Common standards

Life per customer testing

GREENPOLYMER grade

GRN-POM-G110; GRN-PA6-C310. PA12 molding compound, PEEK: Available as a project-based development

Example grade / typical values — to be corrected by GREENPOLYMER

Battery compartment, control box, charging port

Typical materials: Flame-retardant PC/ABS, flame-retardant PC, flame-retardant PA66-GF / PBT-GF (connectors)
Why

Flame retardancy needed around lithium batteries and electronic controls; connectors need heat resistance and a high comparative tracking index (CTI)

Key requirements

V-0; halogen-free; impact; CTI (connectors); dimensional stability

Common standards

UL 94; IEC 62133-2; UL 2271 (light electric vehicle batteries, where applicable); IEC 60112

GREENPOLYMER grade

GRN-PCA-S520 (halogen-free, without PTFE anti-drip agent); GRN-PCA-N510; GRN-PC-N510; connectors: GRN-PBT-E510

Example grade / typical values — to be corrected by GREENPOLYMER

Bumper, safety edge, soft skin

Typical materials: TPU, TPE, PC/ABS (rigid bumpers)
Why

Absorbs energy in collisions; reduces injury on contact with people

Key requirements

Rebound; wear resistance; low-temperature flexibility; impact resistance of rigid parts

Common standards

ISO/TS 15066 (collaborative robot contact forces); ISO 13482

GREENPOLYMER grade

Rigid bumpers: GRN-PCA-H320. Soft TPU parts: Available as a project-based development; samples in GRN3D-TPU-F95 / GRN3D-TPU-F85

Example grade / typical values — to be corrected by GREENPOLYMER

Mobile-robot chassis, wheel hub

Typical materials: Glass-fiber-reinforced PA, PP-GF, PC/ABS-GF; TPU or rubber for tires
Why

Load bearing; impact resistance; dimensional stability

Key requirements

Stiffness; creep resistance; impact; wear resistance

Common standards

ISO 178; ISO 179; ISO 3691-4 (industrial mobile robots, where applicable)

Example grade / typical values — to be corrected by GREENPOLYMER

Notes

  • Nylon absorbs moisture. Conditioned strength and modulus are lower than the dry values. Use values for the actual service condition in design.
  • Fiber reinforced materials are markedly anisotropic. Design gate position and fiber orientation together with the load direction.
  • Carbon-fiber-reinforced materials may conduct electricity and may block signals. Do not use them for insulating parts or near antennas or radar unless validated.
  • ISO 10218, ISO 13482, ISO/TS 15066, UL 3300 and similar are robot or system standards; what they certify is not the material itself.
  • Chinese counterparts: GB 11291.1-2011 is a mandatory national standard, identical to ISO 10218-1:2006, and is under revision. GB/T 36530-2018 is identical to ISO 13482:2014. For household service robots, see GB/T 41527-2022.

GREENPOLYMER grades for robotics

GradeMaterialRecommended partsDensityTensileFlexural modulusFlammability (target)
GRN-PA6-C310Carbon-fiber-reinforced PA6 (non-flame-retardant)Humanoid structural parts, grippers, finger joints1.20–1.28 g/cm³180–250 MPa (dry)13–20 GPaHB @ 1.5 mm
GRN-PA6-C510Flame-retardant carbon-fiber-reinforced PA6Joint housings, structural brackets1.25–1.35 g/cm³160–220 MPa (dry)12–18 GPaV-0 @ 1.5 mm
GRN-PA6-E510Flame-retardant glass-fiber-reinforced PA6Cable carriers, chassis, brackets1.40–1.50 g/cm³130–160 MPa (dry)8–10 GPaV-0 @ 1.5 mm
GRN-PA66-E510Halogen-free flame-retardant glass-fiber-reinforced PA66Joint housings, motor brackets, high-load gears1.45–1.55 g/cm³140–170 MPa (dry)8–10 GPaV-0 @ 1.5 mm
GRN-POM-G110Copolymer POMPlastic gears, cages, finger joints, guides1.39–1.42 g/cm³60–68 MPa2.4–2.9 GPaHB @ 1.5 mm
GRN-PCA-E510Flame-retardant glass-fiber-reinforced PC/ABSActuator housings, chassis covers1.25–1.35 g/cm³70–95 MPa4–6.5 GPaV-0 @ 1.5 mm
GRN-PCA-S520Silicone-based flame-retardant PC/ABS (without PTFE anti-drip agent)Battery compartments, control boxes1.15–1.20 g/cm³50–60 MPa—V-0 @ 1.5 mm
GRN-PCA-N510Halogen-free flame-retardant PC/ABSBattery compartments, housings near the power supply1.17–1.20 g/cm³55–65 MPa—V-0 @ 1.5 mm
GRN-PCA-H320Low-temperature high-impact PC/ABS (non-flame-retardant)Head shells, torso housings, bumpers1.12–1.15 g/cm³48–56 MPa—HB @ 1.5 mm
GRN-PC-L110Transparent PC (non-flame-retardant)Camera windows, indicator covers1.19–1.21 g/cm³60–68 MPa—HB @ 1.5 mm
GRN-ASA-W110 / GRN-PCAS-W310Weather-resistant ASA / weather-resistant PC/ASA (non-flame-retardant)Housings of outdoor inspection, lawn mowing and similar robots1.06–1.17 g/cm³40–60 MPa—HB @ 1.5 mm
Aluminum alloy (reference)——About 2.7 g/cm³———
  • Typical values. Refer to the actual TDS. Fatigue, creep and friction and wear data are to be verified by GREENPOLYMER and can be tested per project.
  • For full properties, see Products. For how to choose, see the selection guide.

Why GREENPOLYMER

  • Custom compounding

    GREENPOLYMER does reinforcing, toughening, filling and blending, including carbon fiber and glass-fiber-reinforced PA. Formulations can be adjusted to the part's load, temperature, flammability and appearance requirements. Materials marked "Available as a project-based development" in the table can be developed with GREENPOLYMER engineers.

  • Prototype to production

    GREENPOLYMER makes both pellets and 3D printing filament. During development, prototypes are printed in carbon fiber PA filament; for mass production, they switch to injection molding with the equivalent pellets.

  • Technical support

    Material selection assessment and design advice on wall thickness and ribs; mold flow analysis can be done together with your tooling team.

  • Halogen-free flame retardancy

    GREENPOLYMER's flame-retardant technology focuses on halogen-free and fluorine-free solutions. Silicone-based flame-retardant grades do not use PTFE anti-drip agents.

  • Color matching

    The Shenzhen Color Matching Center works to RAL and Pantone numbers and customer color plaques. Scratch-resistant and UV-resistant compounding can be added for appearance parts.

  • Recycled grades

    Each grade can be customized with recycled content (suffix -R). The recycled share is set per project, with traceability documents. Certificate to be uploaded.

  • Fast sampling

    Free samples of 1–5 kg are available for standard grades, usually shipped in 3–7 working days. Custom formulation samples usually take 1–3 weeks.

  • Sites

    The company headquarters and main plant are in Jiangxi, which is also home to a 3D printing filament industry cluster. GREENPOLYMER also has the Hangzhou Production Base, the Shenzhen Color Matching Center and the Dongguan Development Center. 6,000+ t capacity; 29,000+ m² total plant area.

  • Patents

    8 invention patents.

  • In-house testing

    Test equipment covers melt flow rate, Izod and Charpy impact, horizontal and vertical burning (UL 94 method), heat deflection temperature and Vicat, constant temperature and humidity, UV and xenon-arc weathering, XRF, TGA, DSC, glow-wire, needle flame, comparative tracking index (CTI) and salt spray. In-house tests are for development and quality control and do not replace third-party test reports or UL certification.

  • Customers and partners

    UBTECH.

3D printing in robot development

UseExampleRecommended filament
Structural prototypesAssembly and load validation of legs, arms and joint housingsGRN3D-PA6-C20 (PA6 with 20 % carbon fiber; carbon fiber content to be verified by GREENPOLYMER); GRN3D-PA12-C10 (lower moisture absorption); GRN3D-PA6-G25
Grippers and end effectorsGripper fingers and suction cup brackets customized to the workpieceGRN3D-PA6-C20; GRN3D-PETG-C01; GRN3D-PA12-C10
Appearance samplesAppearance reviews of head shells and torso housingsGRN3D-PLA-M01 (Matte); GRN3D-PCA-E01 (PC/ABS); GRN3D-ASA-S01 (outdoor)
Flexible partsFingertip pads, soft bumper edges, cable jacketsGRN3D-TPU-F95; GRN3D-TPU-F85
Low-volume functional partsReplacement parts during trial production, sensor brackets, cable clipsGRN3D-PA6-C20; GRN3D-PC-E01
  • The properties of printed parts depend on print orientation, layer thickness and infill. Run load tests on joints and structural parts as actually printed.
  • Carbon-fiber-reinforced filament may conduct electricity and may affect wireless signals.

For filament details, see the filament overview, Engineering series, Everyday Functional series and Flexible series. To prototype in filament and then injection-mold the same material family, see From compounding to filament. For more 3D printing applications, see the 3D printing industry page.

Industry FAQ

Q1. Can carbon-fiber PA replace aluminum in robot structures?

In some parts, yes. Our CF-PA6 grade has a density of 1.25–1.35 g/cm³, against about 2.7 g/cm³ for aluminum alloy. CF-PA can mold complex shapes in one step. But its modulus is lower, it absorbs moisture, and its properties depend on fiber direction. It suits medium-load brackets, housings and leg structures. Confirm high-load parts with load analysis and fatigue tests.

Q2. POM or PA for plastic gears in robots?

POM is common for low loads, low noise and stable dimensions. Reinforced or lubricated PA suits higher loads and temperatures. PA absorbs moisture, so allow for dimensional change. Test at the real speed, load and temperature.

Q3. Can a sensor window be black?

Yes. Use clear PC for visible-light cameras. For a black window that passes infrared light, use a dedicated IR-transmissive formulation and define the wavelength and target transmittance first. For radar covers, check dielectric properties and avoid carbon fiber and metallic pigments. IR-transmissive black PC is available for sensor and LiDAR windows.

Q4. How do I move from 3D-printed prototypes to molded parts?

Use the same material family, for example CF-PA6 filament for prototypes and CF-PA6 pellets for production. Fit and assembly results carry over more easily. Printed parts are anisotropic, so re-validate with molded parts before production.

Related products

Customers and partners

  • UBTECH

Request a quote / sample

Please tell us:

  • Part name and drawing or photo
  • Load type (static, impact, fatigue) and working temperature
  • Flammability, appearance and signal transmission requirements
  • Current material
  • Prototype or production; estimated annual volume
  • TDS / SDS: Chinese and English versions are available by email.
  • For samples and the development process, see the FAQ.

Contact us

Tell us about the part, material requirements, equipment and expected volume. We will recommend suitable grades and the validation data you need.

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