1. What temperature does the material have to take?
Temperature is often the most important factor when choosing a material. Every plastic material has a maximum continuous service temperature. Go above it and the material loses its stiffness and strength.
- Up to 80 °C: PE-HD, PE-1000, PP, PVC
- Up to 120 °C: POM, PA6, PA66, PET
- Up to 170 °C: PC, PPS, PPE, PEI
- Up to 260 °C and above: PEEK, PTFE, PI
Note that the short-term temperature can be higher. Contact us for specific temperature requirements.
2. Is chemical resistance needed?
If the material comes into contact with chemicals, solvents, acids or bases, chemical resistance is critical. Here is an overview:
| Environment | Recommended materials | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Strong acids | PVDF, PTFE, PP, PE | POM, PA |
| Strong bases | PP, PE, PTFE, POM | PC, PET |
| Solvents | PTFE, PVDF, PEEK | PS, ABS, PC, PMMA |
| Oxidizing agents | PTFE, PVDF, PFA | PE, PP (without stabilizer) |
| Food | PE-HD, PP, POM (FDA/EU 10/2011) | PVC (depending on the type) |
Chemical resistance depends on concentration, temperature and exposure time. Contact us for specific combinations.
3. What are the mechanical requirements?
Mechanical properties vary a lot between plastic materials. Choose based on what your application requires:
High wear resistance
PE-1000, PA6G, POM. For conveyor belts, slide rails, bushings and wear parts.
High stiffness
POM, PA66-GF30, PEEK. For precision parts, gears and structural components.
High impact toughness
PA6, PC, PE-1000. For protective structures, machine guards and parts exposed to impact.
4. Special requirements
Food approval
PE-HD, PP, POM and PA are available in food approved grades (FDA, EU 10/2011). Certificates have to be ordered together with the material. See the relevant material page for available grades.
Fire rating
PVC is self extinguishing (UL 94 V-0). PVDF, PEI and PEEK also have excellent fire ratings. Standard materials such as PE and PP burn easily and are normally rated UL 94 HB.
ESD protection
For electronics production and clean rooms there are ESD versions of POM, PE and PA. These materials lead static electricity away and prevent discharge.
Transparency
PC for impact safety. PMMA for optical clarity. PETG for chemical resistance. APET for food use.
Quick overview: the most common materials
| Material | Typical use | Max temp. | Chem. res. | Wear resistance | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE-HD | Cutting boards, tanks, slide rails | 80 °C | Good | Good | Low |
| PE-1000 | Conveyor belts, wear parts | 80 °C | Good | Excellent | Low |
| PP | Chemical tanks, ventilation | 100°C | Excellent | Medium | Low |
| PVC-U | Chemical process, ventilation | 60 °C | Excellent | Medium | Low |
| POM | Gears, bushings, precision | 120°C | Medium | Good | Medium |
| PA6 | Bearings, wear parts, mechanics | 120°C | Medium | Excellent | Medium |
| PA6G | Large dimensions, heavy bearings | 120°C | Medium | Excellent | Medium |
| PC | Protective glazing, lighting | 130°C | Low | Good | Medium |
| PVDF | Chemical process, high purity | 150°C | Excellent | Medium | High |
| PEEK | Aerospace, medical, extreme environments | 260°C | Excellent | Excellent | Very high |
| PTFE | Seals, sliding surfaces, chem. res. | 260°C | Excellent | Low | High |