What term refers to materials that can be reshaped or molded multiple times?

The term that refers to materials that can be reshaped or molded multiple times is plastics. Plastics are a broad category of synthetic materials made from polymers and can be molded into various shapes when heated. This property is known as plasticity, which allows them to be reshaped or formed without losing their structural integrity.

One of the key characteristics of plastics is their ability to undergo manufacturing processes such as injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion. These processes enable the production of complex shapes and designs, making plastics highly versatile for a wide range of applications, from packaging to automotive components.

In contrast, while metals can also be reshaped through processes like forging or machining, they typically undergo changes in their properties and structure upon repeated reshaping due to factors like work hardening. Composites are materials made from two or more constituents and may not retain the same reshaping capabilities depending on their components. Elastomers, while flexible and able to return to their original shape after deformation, do not embody the same ease of reformation as plastics do when molded.