Compared to metal, plastic materials are cost effective, lightweight, corrosion resistant and offer good heat insulating performance. The right choice depends on temperature, chemical exposure, mechanical load and whether transparency matters.
Plastic Materials and Their Properties
| Material | Properties |
|---|---|
| PTFE (Teflon) | High temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, high lubrication, non toxic and electrically insulating. |
| PC (Polycarbonate) | A strong thermoplastic resin with excellent mechanical properties, high transparency, dyeing freedom, and aging and heat resistance. |
| Nylon | High mechanical strength, high softening point, heat resistance, low friction coefficient, wear resistance, electrical insulation, self extinguishing, non toxic, odourless and weather resistant. Glass fibre addition roughly doubles tensile strength. |
| ABS | The most widely used polymer. Impact resistant, heat resistant, low temperature resistant, chemically resistant, with good electrical properties and easy machining. |
| Acrylic (PMMA) | Transparency, chemical stability, weather resistance, dyeing ease, processability and aesthetic appeal. |
Main Applications
Because plastics are cost effective and lightweight they are used mainly in construction, automotive, industrial, medical, transportation and electronic applications. We manufacture plastic parts using machining, milling, turning, drilling, laser cutting, EDM, stamping, sheet metal, casting, forging and more.
Plastic Parts We Machine
Plastic Parts FAQ
Which plastic for a transparent part?
Polycarbonate where impact strength matters, acrylic where optical clarity and appearance matter. Acrylic is more brittle, so the choice depends on how the part is handled.
Do machined plastics hold tight tolerances?
Tighter than most people expect, but plastics move with temperature and humidity more than metals do. Tell us the working environment so tolerances are set realistically.
Can nylon be strengthened?
Yes, adding glass fibre roughly doubles the tensile strength of nylon, at the cost of some toughness and increased tool wear.
Related Pages
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Send the drawing with the polymer, tolerance and working temperature.