I did a search on Arfcom and on the internet and couldn't find a definitive answer. I would like to know all the differences between a "xxx pts" and a "xxx" product. Thank you.

The PTS parts are made in China I believe and are made of a basic polymer, probably whatever material is cheapest when they are making a run. Whereas, the regular Magpul items are made in America from a specific polymer designed a standard with a much tougher breaking strength. Basically, regular Magpul items are made for hard use and PTS parts are not as strong.

I work with companies that do injection molding for large capacity and high-resolution seismic data acquisition systems designed for marine towed streamers acquisition. Molding is a bunch of beads fed into an ejector, heated, into a sample. The press squeezes the top and bottom molds together, until the timer is released. How much of a difference does a XXX bead cost compared to the pts XXX bead. I will post pics next time I am in that facility.

Not only cost, but wouldn't it be more efficient to do all from the same polymer? I mean you would have to have a different "Millicron" (sp?) press to do pts injections. Is this correct?

So Magpul, has developed a secret blend of polymers (not available to anyone). Why not use it in the pts? They could buy in bulk from the same supplier rather than two suppliers at different rates. Then Magpul could say the airsoft is built to the same standards as firearms and corner the market.

ETA: Off the shelf polys are alot stronger than you would think. Example "A", Injected at 500 degrees, compressed at 3k with a piston diameter of 30''. I am unable to disclose the polys my customer uses...

Because they don't manufacture the PTS line, and they don't care about it. It's simply licensed airsoft copies. Since "they" would make knock-offs anyway, Magpul can at least get some royalties for the airsoft clone stuff.

To further expand upon what Drake said, the primary reason why a different polymer is used is due to ITAR. Secondarily, the Magpul Polymer is a closely guarded secret and is therefore something they quite understandably want to keep 100% in house. While the Magpul PTS polymer is not the same as what is used for real-steel Magpul product line, it is far from cheap polymer. PTS works closely with Dupont Plastics to create a specific blend of polymer that mimics the fit, feel and look of that of the real-steel counterpart, but to work on airsoft replicas. While the PTS polymers are of an extremely high grade, it is very important to note that it is not designed and stress tested to work with real firearms which is a major factor why PTS products should never be used with real firearms. Magpul Industries goes through EXTENSIVE testing to ensure that their products would not result in a catastrophic failure when used with a real gun. Magpul PTS has never had to, and has never needed to do this as the PTS products are purpose built for training and simulation.

All PTS made accessories have a Magpul PTS logo engraving to ensure someone doesn't accidentally use it with a real firearm. When looking to buy Magpul Industries products, make sure that the product is not in fact a PTS product, nor is it a fake clone product (which will not bare the PTS engraving). Your best bet is to buy from a reputable Magpul Industries dealer/retailer.

It's been answered previously. Something made by PTS will clearly have "PTS" engraved on the product somewhere. You wouldn't have hard to look. So if you bought a CTR or other Magpul looking item without PTS written on it, it is either genuine or an unauthorized fake. You don't see too many fakes for sale in the US, but honestly, your best bet is to buy from an established retailer/dealer. You don't have far to look, Magpul, DSGArms, AimSurplus, Brownells, BravoCo. SKDTac, RainierArms ... the list goes on. Buying from an unknown is going to be a gamble. Most Ebay sellers would definitely qualify as unknowns. Maybe you save a few dollars, but what you may also lose is peace of mind that perhaps you bought a fake.

So it is like chicken salad v. egg salad? Same recipe but different ingredients, one is better and more solid?