Plastics Used in the PS3 DualShock 3 Controller

Materials in the DualShock 3 (PS3 Controller)

The DualShock 3 uses a blend of engineering plastics for durability, feel, and cost:

Primary Plastics

• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Main shell, button housings—rigid, impact-resistant, easy to mold.
• PC (Polycarbonate): Faceplate, internal brackets—high strength, heat resistance, clear variants for light guides.
• TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) / TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): Analog stick covers, grip inserts—soft, rubbery, tactile.

Minor Components

• POM (Polyoxymethylene / Acetal): Gear teeth in analog sticks, trigger mechanisms—low friction, wear-resistant.
• Silicone Rubber: Button membranes (under face buttons, D-pad, shoulder buttons).

Notes

• Exact grades vary by production batch and revision (e.g., Sixaxis vs. DualShock 3).
• Recycling codes: ABS (7 or 9), PC (7), TPE/TPU (7).

This mix balances structural integrity, button feel, and manufacturing efficiency.