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Robotics

Plastic materials for humanoid, service and industrial robot parts

All materials · 10 grades

Pain points and material advice

    • Joint / actuator housing

      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 · Candidates
      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

    Parts of the humanoid robot

    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

    • 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.

    Send an inquiry

    1. 01 / 09Head · Head shell

      GRN-PCA-H320

      Low-temperature high-impact PC/ABS

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

      Tensile strength
      48–56 MPaISO 527-1/-2
      Heat deflection temperature
      95–110 °CISO 75-1/-2 · 1.80 MPa

      Typical values

      Material card

    2. 02 / 09Sensor window · LiDAR window / radar cover

      GRN-PC-L120

      IR-transmissive black PC

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

      Tensile strength
      60–68 MPaISO 527-1/-2
      Heat deflection temperature
      125–135 °CISO 75-1/-2 · 1.80 MPa

      Typical values

      Material card

    3. 03 / 09Left shoulder and arm · Shoulder bracket

      GRN-PA6-C310

      Carbon-fiber-reinforced PA6 (CFRPA)

      Lightweighting; complex structures in one shot

      Tensile strength
      180–250 MPaISO 527-1/-2 · dry
      Heat deflection temperature
      200–215 °CISO 75-1/-2 · 1.80 MPa

      Typical values

      Material card

    4. 04 / 09Right shoulder and arm · Shoulder bracket

      GRN-PA6-C310

      Carbon-fiber-reinforced PA6 (CFRPA)

      Lightweighting; complex structures in one shot

      Tensile strength
      180–250 MPaISO 527-1/-2 · dry
      Heat deflection temperature
      200–215 °CISO 75-1/-2 · 1.80 MPa

      Typical values

      Material card

    5. 05 / 09Torso · Torso frame

      GRN-PA6-C310

      Carbon-fiber-reinforced PA6 (CFRPA)

      Lightweighting; complex structures in one shot

      Tensile strength
      180–250 MPaISO 527-1/-2 · dry
      Heat deflection temperature
      200–215 °CISO 75-1/-2 · 1.80 MPa

      Typical values

      Material card

    6. 06 / 09Battery compartment · Battery hatch

      GRN-PCA-N510

      Halogen-free flame-retardant PC/ABS

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

      Tensile strength
      55–65 MPaISO 527-1/-2
      Flammability rating
      V-0UL 94 · 1.5 mm; design target, subject to test report

      Typical values

      Material card

    7. 07 / 09Hips · Hip cover

      GRN-PCA-H320

      Low-temperature high-impact PC/ABS

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

      Tensile strength
      48–56 MPaISO 527-1/-2
      Heat deflection temperature
      95–110 °CISO 75-1/-2 · 1.80 MPa

      Typical values

      Material card

    8. 08 / 09Hands · Dexterous-hand phalanges

      GRN-POM-G110

      General-purpose copolymer POM

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

      Tensile strength
      60–68 MPaISO 527-1/-2
      Heat deflection temperature
      90–105 °CISO 75-1/-2 · 1.80 MPa

      Typical values

      Material card

    9. 09 / 09Legs · Leg cover

      GRN-PCA-H320

      Low-temperature high-impact PC/ABS

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

      Tensile strength
      48–56 MPaISO 527-1/-2
      Heat deflection temperature
      95–110 °CISO 75-1/-2 · 1.80 MPa

      Typical values

      Material card

    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

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      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
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      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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