What are plastic pump heads made of?

Plastic pump heads are constructed from multiple components, each serving specific functional roles. Here’s a breakdown of their material composition:

1. Primary Casing & Body
Polypropylene (PP): Most common; resists chemicals (oils, alcohols), durable, and lightweight.
Polyethylene (PE): Used for softer parts like dip tubes; flexible but less rigid than PP.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS): For premium pumps; offers high gloss/shock resistance.

2. Internal Mechanisms
Springs: Stainless steel (rust-proof) or coated metal; provides recoil action.
Piston/Valve: Usually PP or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE); creates suction/seal.

3. Sealing Components
Gaskets & Seals:
Silicone: Heat/chemical-resistant; used in food/pharma pumps.
Rubber (EPDM): Flexible and low-cost; common in cosmetics.
TPE: Hybrid plastic/rubber properties; recyclable alternative.

4. Dip Tubes
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): Flexible, transparent tubes that bend without cracking.
Polypropylene (PP): Stiffer tubes for thicker liquids.

5. Nozzles & Actuators
PP or ABS: Rigid enough to maintain spray pattern shape.
TPE/Soft-touch coatings: Added for ergonomic press comfort.

6. Specialty Materials
Chemical-resistant polymers (e.g., PTFE-lined) for industrial solvents.
Glass-reinforced plastics for heavy-duty applications.

Critical Material Selection Factors

Material Limitations by Use Case