Plastic | Characteristics / Properties |
ABS | Rigid, low-cost thermoplastic, easily machined and thermo-formed. |
Acetal | Engineering thermoplastic with good strength, wear resistance, and dimensional stability. More dimensionally stable than nylon under wet and humid conditions. |
Acrylic | Clear, transparent, strong, break-resistant thermoplastic with excellent chemical resistance and weatherability. |
CPVC (Chlorinated PVC) | Thermoplastic with properties similar to PVC, but operated to a 40-60°F higher temperature. |
Fiberglass | Thermosetting composite with high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent dielectric properties and unaffected by corrosion. |
Nylon | Thermoplastic with excellent impact resistance, ideal for wear applications such as bearings and gears; Self-lubricating under some circumstances |
PEEK (Poly-ether-ether-ketone) | Engineering thermoplastic, excellent temperature resistance, suitable for continuous use above 500°F, excellent flexural and tensile properties. |
PET (Poly-ethylene-terephthalate) | Dimensionally stable thermoplastic with superior machining characteristics compared to acetal. |
Phenolic | Thermosetting family of plastics with minimal thermal expansion, high compressive strength, excellent wear and abrasion resistance and a low coefficient of friction. Used for bearing applications and molded parts. |
Polycarbonate | Transparent, tough thermoplastic with high impact strength, excellent chemical resistance and electrical properties, and good dimensional stability. |
Polypropylene | Good chemical resistance combined with low moisture absorption and excellent electrical properties. Retains strength up to 250°F. |
Polysulfone | Durable thermoplastic, good electrical properties, operates at temperatures in excess of 300°F. |
Polyurethane | Thermoplastic, excellent impact and abrasion resistance, resists sunlight and weathering. |
PTFE (Poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene) | Thermoplastic with a low coefficient of friction, withstands heat up to 500°F, inert to chemicals and solvents, self-lubricating with a low thermal expansion rate. |
PVC (Poly-vinyl-chloride) | Thermoplastic, resists corrosive solutions and gases both acid and alkaline, good stiffness. |
PVDF (Poly-vinyl-idene-fluoride) | Thermoplastic, outstanding chemical resistance, excellent substitute for PVC or polypropylene. Good mechanical strength and dielectric properties. |