Plastics |
Characteristics / Properties |
ABS
(Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) |
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. |
