Blog

Split-screen photograph showing raw white engineering resin pellets on the left alongside a finished medical diagnostic device and a rugged electrical connector housing on the right, set against a blurred laboratory background.

Beyond Name Brands: Alternatives to Cycoloy, Noryl, Valox & Xenoy for Medical and Electrical Applications

For decades, the engineering resin market has been dominated by a few household names. If you design medical devices or electrical components, you know the list: Cycoloy, Noryl, Valox, and Xenoy. These SABIC products have set the standard for performance. However, relying exclusively on global giants for your supply chain comes with risks. In today’s manufacturing landscape, agility is just as critical as mechanical properties. Engineers are increasingly facing extended lead times, restrictive Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs), and a lack ...
Shipping containers in the ocean at night.

The Tariff Landscape: How to Select Cost-Effective Engineering Resins Under Rising Import Duties

The U.S. resin market is entering a new era of cost pressure. Actually, we’re in the midst of it, reasonably speaking. With tariffs of 10–25% imposed on imported plastics and engineering resins from countries such as China, Canada, and Mexico, many manufacturers are reevaluating their sourcing strategies.  For OEMs, molders, and procurement teams, the difference between domestic and imported resins in 2025 could mean the difference between protecting margins or facing unexpected cost spikes. Polymer Resources, with all manufacturing based ...
Medical chair that appears to be for a dental exam.

Selecting PEI & PPO Resins for Non‑Invasive Medical Devices

When it comes to patient safety and device reliability, few people ever talk about the materials used to manufacture widely used non-invasive medical devices. But, they should. From diagnostic housings to reusable handles and even connectors, every component in a medical device needs to balance mechanical performance, biocompatibility and regulatory compliance. And all while meeting the design and sterilization demands prioritized in clinical environments. While there are a number of engineering resins available, polyetherimide (PEI) and polyphenylene oxide (PPO) stand ...
Makrolon vs. LEXAN

Makrolon vs. LEXAN: Finding the Right Polycarbonate Alternative

When you are choosing a material for tough, high-impact applications, polycarbonate is often at the top of the list. It is strong, lightweight, and versatile, making it a go-to option in industries ranging from medical devices to construction. Two of the biggest brand names in polycarbonate are Makrolon and LEXAN. Both are well known, and both have built solid reputations for performance. But they’re not the only choices out there. At Polymer Resources, we offer reliable, U.S.-based polycarbonate options that ...
gears for polymer resins applications blog

Beyond the Basics: Engineering Resin Blends for High-Impact Performance

When it comes to high-impact applications, a surface-level understanding of resin properties isn’t enough. Selecting the ideal material is a strategic process, requiring alignment between resin capabilities and the unique demands of the application. This blog delves into these challenges and highlights how innovative resin solutions are paving the way for next-level performance ...