Plastic
CNC machining of plastics offers precision, versatility, and efficiency for various industries. Lightweight and chemically resistant, plastics like ABS, PEEK, and Nylon provide excellent strength and durability. Advanced CNC techniques ensure high-quality, complex components that meet strict performance standards.
ABS
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a popular thermoplastic for CNC machining, known for its excellent toughness, impact resistance, and ease of machining. It offers a good balance of strength, durability, and chemical resistance, making it ideal for prototypes, automotive parts, and consumer products. With its smooth surface finish and ability to withstand moderate temperatures, ABS is a versatile choice for various manufacturing applications.
| Mechanical properties | |
|---|---|
| Ultimate tensile strength | 27.6 – 55.2 MPa |
| Yield strength | 18.5 – 51 MPa |
| Young’s modulus | 1.1 – 2.9 GPa |
| Elongation at break | 10 – 50 % |
| Hardness | 5.6 – 15.3 HV |
| Thermal properties | |
|---|---|
| Maximum service temperature | 61.9 – 76.9 °C |
| Thermal expansion coefficent | 84.6 – 234 10^-6/ºC |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.188 – 0.335 W/(m⋅°C) |
PMMA
It offers high impact strength, good machinability, and a smooth surface finish, making it ideal for applications such as display panels, lenses, and signage. With its lightweight nature and resistance to UV radiation, PMMA is a preferred choice for both functional and aesthetic components.
| Mechanical properties | |
|---|---|
| Ultimate tensile strength | 55 – 83 MPa |
| Yield strength | 64 -80 MPa |
| Young’s modulus | 2.76 – 3.3 GPa |
| Elongation at break | 3 – 6.4 % |
| Hardness | 64 – 105 HRM |
| Thermal properties | |
|---|---|
| Maximum service temperature | 70 – 80 °C |
| Thermal expansion coefficent | 50 – 90 10^-6/ºC |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.19 – 0.2 W/(m⋅°C) |
Nylon
Nylon is a versatile engineering plastic widely used in CNC machining due to its excellent strength, durability, and wear resistance. It offers low friction, good chemical resistance, and high impact strength, making it ideal for gears, bushings, and mechanical components. Nylon’s lightweight nature and ability to withstand moderate temperatures make it a preferred choice for various industrial applications.
| Subtypes | Ultimate tensile strength | Yield strength | Young’s modulus | Elongation at break | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon 6 | 64.7 – 79.1 MPa | 51.2 – 63.8 MPa | 1.58 – 1.97 GPa | 200-300 % | Shore D70 |
| Nylon 6 30% GF | 113 – 138.1 MPa | 111 – 137 MPa | 6.5 – 8.1 GPa | 2.81 – 4.05 % | Shore D92 |
| Nylon 66 30% GF | 90 MPa | 90 MPa | 5 GPa | 10 – 14 % | Shore D76 |
| Nylon 6 FR | 82 MPa | 82 MPa | 3.8 GPa | 3 – 6.4 % | Shore D83 |
| Nylon 12 | 80 MPa | 80 MPa | 1.9 GPa | 200% | Shore D78 |
| Nylon 66 | 76 MPa | 50 – 80 MPa | 1.85 GPa | 50% | Shore D82 |
PE
PE offers low friction, high impact strength, and good electrical insulation properties, making it ideal for applications such as packaging, medical devices, and industrial components. With its ease of machining and moisture resistance, PE is a reliable choice for various engineering and commercial uses.
| Subtypes | Ultimate tensile strength | Yield strength | Young’s modulus | Elongation at break | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDPE | 22.1 – 31 MPa | 22.1 – 31 MPa | 1.07 – 1.09 GPa | 500 – 700 % | 7.9 – 9.9 HV |
| UHMW-PE | 38.6 – 48.3 MPa | 21.4 – 27.6 MPa | 0.894 – 0.963 GPa | 200 – 500 % | 3.4 – 8.3 HV |
PC
Polycarbonate (PC) is a strong, impact-resistant thermoplastic widely used in CNC machining for its durability and optical clarity. It offers excellent heat resistance, high toughness, and good dimensional stability, making it ideal for applications such as protective covers, optical lenses, and industrial components. With its lightweight nature and resistance to impact and chemicals, PC is a versatile material for precision-machined parts in various industries.
| Mechanical properties | |
|---|---|
| Ultimate tensile strength | 60 – 72.4 MPa |
| Yield strength | 59- 70 MPa |
| Young’s modulus | 2 – 2.44 GPa |
| Elongation at break | 50 – 120 % |
| Hardness | 17.7 – 21.7 HV |
| Thermal properties | |
|---|---|
| Maximum service temperature | 101 – 144 °C |
| Thermal expansion coefficent | 120 – 137 10^-6/ºC |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.189 – 0.218 W/(m⋅°C) |
PP
Polypropylene (PP) is a lightweight and chemically resistant thermoplastic commonly used in CNC machining. Known for its excellent flexibility, durability, and moisture resistance, PP is ideal for applications such as medical devices, containers, and industrial components. Its low friction and high impact strength make it a reliable choice for precision-machined parts requiring toughness and chemical stability.
| Subtypes | Ultimate tensile strength | Yield strength | Young’s modulus | Elongation at break | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PP Homopolymer | 19 – 30 MPa | 0.7 – 1.2 GPa | min. 50 % | ||
| PP | 23 – 33 MPa | 30 – 32 MPa | 0.9 – 1.6 GPa | 8 – 12 % | 65 – 102 HRR |
| PP+GF(30%) | 68 – 85 MPa | 6.5 – 7 GPa | 2.1 – 3.4 % | 110 HRC |
PET
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a strong, wear-resistant thermoplastic widely used in CNC machining for its excellent dimensional stability, low moisture absorption, and chemical resistance. It offers high strength, good machinability, and durability, making it ideal for applications such as food packaging, medical components, and mechanical parts. With its smooth surface finish and resistance to wear and impact, PET is a reliable choice for precision-machined components.
| Mechanical properties | |
|---|---|
| Ultimate tensile strength | 50 – 90 MPa |
| Yield strength | 47 – 90 MPa |
| Young’s modulus | 2 – 3 GPa |
| Elongation at break | 20 – 300 % |
| Hardness | 80 – 96 HRM |
| Thermal properties | |
|---|---|
| Maximum service temperature | 60 – 115 °C |
| Thermal expansion coefficent | 40 – 60 10^-6/ºC |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.15 – 0.28 W/(m⋅°C) |
PEI
PEI offers excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and flame retardancy, making it ideal for aerospace, medical, and industrial applications. With its ability to withstand high temperatures and maintain structural integrity, PEI is a reliable choice for precision-machined components requiring durability and performance.
| Subtypes | Ultimate tensile strength | Yield strength | Young’s modulus | Elongation at break | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEI Ultem 1000 | 125 MPa | 125 MPa | 3.1 – 3.3 GPa | 12 – 35 % | 170 °C |
| PEI Ultem 2300 30% Glass Filled | 135 MPa | 135 MPa | 5.3 GPa | 4 % | 170 °C |
POM
Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as Acetal or Delrin, is a high-performance engineering plastic widely used in CNC machining for its excellent strength, low friction, and dimensional stability. It offers high wear resistance, chemical resistance, and good machinability, making it ideal for precision components such as gears, bearings, and bushings. With its toughness and low moisture absorption, POM is a reliable choice for demanding industrial and mechanical applications.
| Subtypes | Ultimate tensile strength | Yield strength | Young’s modulus | Elongation at break |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acetal Copolymer(POM-C) | 60 – 70 MPa | 60 – 70 MPa | 2.5 – 2.7 GPa | 30 – 32 % |
| Acetal Copolymer (POM-C) FDA | 70 MPa | 66 – 70 MPa | 2.8 – 3 GPa | 32 – 40 % |
| Acetal Homopolymer (POM-H) | 60 – 89.6 MPa | 48.6 – 72.4 MPa | 2.5 – 4 GPa | 15 – 75 % |
| Acetal Copolymer (POM-C) ESD | 39 MPa | 45 MPa | 2.5 – 2.7 GPa | 40 – 50 % |
PTFE
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon, is a high-performance plastic widely used in CNC machining for its exceptional chemical resistance, low friction, and high-temperature tolerance. It offers excellent electrical insulation properties, non-stick characteristics, and durability, making it ideal for applications in aerospace, medical, and industrial sectors. With its superior resistance to heat and chemicals, PTFE is a reliable choice for precision-machined components requiring high performance and longevity.
| Mechanical properties | |
|---|---|
| Ultimate tensile strength | 25 – 31 MPa |
| Yield strength | 14 – 41.4 MPa |
| Young’s modulus | 0.39 – 2.25 GPa |
| Elongation at break | 300 – 450 % |
| Hardness | 50 – 65 Shore D |
| Thermal properties | |
|---|---|
| Maximum service temperature | 250 – 270 °C |
| Thermal expansion coefficent | 7 – 20 10^-6/ºC |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.23 – 0.5 W/(m⋅°C) |
PEEK
Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) is a high-performance engineering plastic widely used in CNC machining for its exceptional strength, heat resistance, and chemical stability. It offers excellent mechanical properties, wear resistance, and dimensional stability, making it ideal for aerospace, medical, and industrial applications. With its ability to withstand extreme conditions while maintaining precision, PEEK is a preferred choice for high-performance machined components.
| Mechanical properties | |
|---|---|
| Ultimate tensile strength | 70.3 – 103 MPa |
| Yield strength | 87 – 95 MPa |
| Young’s modulus | 3.76 – 3.95 GPa |
| Elongation at break | 30 – 150 % |
| Hardness | 26.1 – 28.5 HV |
| Thermal properties | |
|---|---|
| Maximum service temperature | 239 – 260 °C |
| Thermal expansion coefficent | 50 – 60 10^-6/ºC |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.24 – 0.26 W/(m⋅°C) |
How to Choose?
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Mechanical Strength – If high strength and durability are needed, consider POM (Acetal), Nylon, or PEEK, which offer excellent wear resistance and toughness.
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Chemical & Heat Resistance – For applications exposed to harsh chemicals or high temperatures, PEEK, PTFE (Teflon), and PEI (Ultem) are top choices due to their superior thermal and chemical stability.
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Moisture & UV Resistance – PP, PE, and PET are excellent for environments with high humidity or outdoor exposure due to their low moisture absorption and good weather resistance.
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Optical Clarity – If transparency is required, PMMA (Acrylic) or PC (Polycarbonate) are ideal choices, offering high optical clarity and impact resistance.
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Electrical Insulation – For electrical applications, PTFE, PE, and PEEK provide excellent dielectric properties and stability.
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Cost & Machinability – If cost-effectiveness and ease of machining are priorities, ABS, PP, and POM offer a good balance of affordability and performance.
By evaluating these factors, you can choose the best plastic material that meets your specific CNC machining needs.
