Machinable Plastics
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Materials
Materials
Description
Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Delrin® Acetal Resin
Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Acetal Copolymer
Easy-to-Machine Wear-Resistant Cast Nylon
Moisture- and Wear-Resistant Nylon
High-Temperature Plastic
Clear Scratch- and UV-Resistant Acrylic
Garolite
Hard Fiber
Plastic Molding
Shim Stock
Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Delrin® Acetal Resin
Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Delrin® Acetal Resin
Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Delrin® Acetal Resin Sheets, Bars, and Strips
Delrin® acetal resin, also known as acetal homopolymer, is stronger and stiffer than acetal copolymer.
Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Delrin® Acetal Resin Rods and Discs
Delrin® acetal resin, also known as acetal homopolymer, is stronger and stiffer than acetal copolymer.
Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Delrin® Acetal Resin Tubes
Delrin® acetal resin, also known as acetal homopolymer, is stronger and stiffer than acetal copolymer.
Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Delrin® Acetal Resin Balls
Delrin® acetal resin, also known as acetal homopolymer, is stronger and stiffer than acetal copolymer.
Slippery Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Delrin® Acetal AF Resin Sheets and Strips
The addition of PTFE provides a more slippery, wear-resistant surface than standard Delrin® acetal resin. It’s commonly fabricated into pump components, gears, and bearings.
Slippery Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Delrin® Acetal AF Resin Rods and Discs
The addition of PTFE provides a more slippery, wear-resistant surface than standard Delrin® acetal resin. It’s commonly fabricated into pump components, gears, and bearings.
Slippery Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Delrin® Acetal AF Resin Tubes
The addition of PTFE provides a more slippery, wear-resistant surface than standard Delrin® acetal resin. It’s commonly fabricated into pump components, gears, and bearings.
Rigid Glass-Filled Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Delrin® Acetal Resin Rods
A glass-fiber filler gives this material increased rigidity over standard Delrin® acetal resin. Use it to machine manifolds, impellers, and other parts that require rigidity.
Rigid Glass-Filled Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Delrin® Acetal Resin Sheets
A glass-fiber filler gives this material increased rigidity over standard Delrin® acetal resin. Use it to machine manifolds, impellers, and other parts that require rigidity.
Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Acetal Copolymer
Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Acetal Copolymer
Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Acetal Sheets and Bars
An economical alternative to Delrin® acetal resin, this acetal copolymer offers similar wear resistance.
Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Acetal Rods and Discs
An economical alternative to Delrin® acetal resin, this acetal copolymer offers similar wear resistance.
Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Acetal Tubes
An economical alternative to Delrin® acetal resin, this acetal copolymer offers similar wear resistance.
Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Acetal Film
An economical alternative to Delrin® acetal resin, this acetal copolymer offers similar wear resistance.
Slippery Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Acetal Copolymer
A silicone additive gives this material a self-lubricating surface that reduces friction and extends the life of your parts.
Antistatic Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Acetal Sheets
This material prevents the buildup of static
Antistatic Wear-Resistant Easy-to-Machine Acetal Rods
This material prevents the buildup of static charges.
Easy-to-Machine Wear-Resistant Cast Nylon
Easy-to-Machine Wear-Resistant
MDS-Filled Easy-to-Machine Wear-Resistant Cast Nylon Rods and Discs
The addition of MDS results in a nylon with exceptional wear resistance as well as self-lubricating properties.
MDS-Filled Easy-to-Machine Wear-Resistant Cast Nylon Sheets and Bars
The addition of MDS results in a nylon with exceptional wear resistance as well as self-lubricating properties.
MDS-Filled Easy-to-Machine Wear-Resistant Cast Nylon Tubes
The addition of MDS gives these tubes exceptional wear resistance along with a self-lubricating surface. They’re made of cast nylon 6, making them easier to machine and better electrical insulators than other MDS-filled nylon tubes.
Easy-to-Machine Wear-Resistant Cast Nylon Rods and Discs
This cast nylon 6 material is easier to machine than other types of nylon. It’s comparable to Nylatron and Nycast.
Heat-Stabilized Easy-to-Machine Wear-Resistant Cast Nylon Sheets and Bars
Often used to make gears and wear strips, these cast nylon 6 sheets and bars withstand higher temperatures and are easier to machine than standard nylon 6/6 sheets and bars.
Heat-Stabilized Easy-to-Machine Wear-Resistant Cast Nylon Sheets and Bars
Often used to make gears and wear strips, these cast nylon 6 sheets and bars withstand higher temperatures and are easier to machine than standard nylon 6/6 sheets and bars.
Heat-Stabilized Easy-to-Machine Wear-Resistant Cast Nylon Tubes
A good choice for making sprockets and pulleys, these cast nylon 6 tubes withstand higher temperatures and are easier to machine than standard nylon 6/6 tubes.
Heat-Stabilized Easy-to-Machine Wear-Resistant Cast Nylon Rods
Use these cast nylon 6 rods to make sheaves, bushings, and pulleys. All withstand higher temperatures and are easier to machine than standard nylon 6/6 rods.
Oil-Filled Easy-to-Machine Wear-Resistant Cast Nylon Sheets and Bars
This nylon stays lubricated over time because it’s filled with oil. Use it to fabricate parts for hard-to-reach places where adding lubricants would be difficult.
Oil-Filled Easy-to-Machine Wear-Resistant Cast Nylon Rods
This nylon stays lubricated over time because it’s filled with oil. Use it to fabricate parts for hard-to-reach places where adding lubricants would be difficult.
Oil-Filled Easy-to-Machine Wear-Resistant Cast Nylon Tubes
This nylon stays lubricated over time because it’s filled with oil. Use it to fabricate parts for hard-to-reach places where adding lubricants would be difficult.
Moisture- and Wear-Resistant Nylon
Moisture- and Wear-Resistant Nylon
Moisture- and Wear-Resistant Nylon Rods
Because this 6/12 material absorbs less water than standard nylon 6/6, it holds its shape better. It’s often machined into hose fittings and valve components.
Moisture- and Wear-Resistant Nylon Sheets
Because this 6/12 material absorbs less water than standard nylon 6/6, it holds its shape better. It’s often machined into hose fittings and valve components.
High-Temperature Plastic
High-Temperature Plastic
Chemical-Resistant PPS Sheets
When excellent chemical resistance is combined with an ability to hold tight tolerances, the result is PPS—a material that’s widely machined into parts for chemical-processing applications. It is comparable to Techtron and Ryton.
Chemical-Resistant PPS Rods
When excellent chemical resistance is combined with an ability to hold tight tolerances, the result is PPS—a material that’s widely machined into parts for chemical-processing applications. It is comparable to Techtron and Ryton.
Rigid Polysulfone Sheets
Widely used to make parts that require autoclaving, polysulfone is a hard, rigid material that’s easy to machine and thermoform. It maintains its physical properties when heated, even when exposed to steam.
Rigid Polysulfone Rods
Widely used to make parts that require autoclaving, polysulfone is a hard, rigid material that’s easy to machine and thermoform. It maintains its physical properties when heated, even when exposed to steam.
Machinable Ceramic-Filled Wear-and Chemical-Resistant PEEK
These PEEK sheets can be machined to tight tolerances for use in electrical and semiconductor parts, such as test sockets.
Clear Scratch- and UV-Resistant Acrylic
Clear Scratch- and UV-Resistant Acrylic
Clear Scratch- and UV-Resistant Cast Acrylic Sheets, Bars, and Cubes
Cast acrylic is easier to machine than extruded acrylic. It’s comparable to Lucite and Plexiglas® Acrylic.
Clear Scratch- and UV-Resistant Cast Acrylic Rods and Discs
Cast acrylic is easier to machine than extruded acrylic. It’s comparable to Lucite and Plexiglas® Acrylic.
Clear Scratch- and UV-Resistant Cast Acrylic Tubes
Cast acrylic is easier to machine than extruded acrylic. It’s comparable to Lucite and Plexiglas® Acrylic.
Clear Scratch- and UV-Resistant Acrylic Film
Laminate or mold this plastic film onto credit card signing screens, signs, and other surfaces for a see-through protective layer that won’t scratch.
Garolite
Hard Fiber
Multipurpose Flame-Retardant Garolite G-10/FR4 Sheets and Bars
A good all-around choice, Garolite G-10/FR4 is strong, machinable, and electrically insulating. It meets UL 94 V-0 for flame retardance.
Multipurpose Flame-Retardant Garolite G-10/FR4 Rods
A good all-around choice, Garolite G-10/FR4 is strong, machinable, and electrically insulating. It meets UL 94 V-0 for flame retardance.
Multipurpose Flame-Retardant Garolite G-10/FR4 Discs
A good all-around choice, Garolite G-10/FR4 is strong, machinable, and electrically insulating. It meets UL 94 V-0 for flame retardance.
Multipurpose Flame-Retardant Garolite G-10/FR4 Tubes
A good all-around choice, Garolite G-10/FR4 is strong, machinable, and electrically insulating. It meets UL 94 V-0 for flame retardance.
Multipurpose Flame-Retardant Garolite G-10/FR4 Angles
A good all-around choice, Garolite G-10/FR4 is strong, machinable, and electrically insulating. It meets UL 94V0 for flame retardance.
Multipurpose Flame-Retardant Garolite G-10/FR4 Rectangular Tubes
These rectangular tubes are flame retardant, machinable, and electrically insulating.
Static-Dissipative Multipurpose Flame-Retardant G10/FR4 Garolite Sheets
With a coating that reduces static electricity , these sheets are good for use in solder pallets, automated test equipment, electronic assembly workstations, and other applications where static buildup could damage your equipment.
Economical Garolite CE Sheets and Bars
These Garolite CE sheets and bars are often fabricated into parts where high strength is not required.
Economical Garolite CE Rods
Garolite CE is often fabricated into parts where high strength is not required.
Economical Garolite CE Tubes
Garolite CE is often fabricated into parts where high strength is not required.
Slippery Conductive Garolite CE
Graphite is added to this Garolite CE to provide a slippery surface that reduces friction and makes this material conductive.
Easy-to-Machine Garolite LE Sheets and Strips
Using nothing more than standard high-speed steel tooling, Garolite LE can be machined into intricate parts.
Easy-to-Machine Garolite LE Rods
Using nothing more than standard high-speed steel tooling, Garolite LE can be machined into intricate parts.
Easy-to-Machine Garolite LE Tubes
Using nothing more than standard high-speed steel tooling, Garolite LE can be machined into intricate parts.
Easy-to-Machine Garolite LE Rectangular Tubes
Easily turn these rectangular tubes into parts for transformers and switchgears using high-speed tooling.
Halogen-Free Garolite G-10 Tubes
Use Garolite G-10 in place of Garolite G-10/FR4 for applications that are sensitive to halogen, such as in nuclear plants. It’s strong, machinable, and electrically insulating.
Halogen-Free Garolite G-10 Rods
Use Garolite G-10 in place of Garolite G-10/FR4 for applications that are sensitive to halogen, such as in nuclear plants. It’s strong, machinable, and electrically insulating.
Halogen-Free Garolite G-10 Sheets and Bars
Use Garolite G-10 in place of Garolite G-10/FR4 for applications that are sensitive to halogen, such as in nuclear plants. It’s strong, machinable, and electrically insulating.
Ultra-Low-Temperature Garolite G-10 CR Tubes
Rated for temperatures down to -450° F, this Garolite G-10 CR performs better in cryogenic applications than other glass epoxies.
Ultra-Low-Temperature Garolite G-10 CR Sheets
Rated for temperatures down to -320° F, this Garolite G-10 CR performs better in cryogenic applications than other glass epoxies.
Flame-Retardant High-Temperature Garolite G-11/FR5 Tubes
A flame-retardant version of Garolite G-11, these tubes are commonly used to make bushings, standoffs, and spacers for areas with high temperatures. All are stronger and resist heat better than Garolite G-10/FR4.
Impact-Resistant Garolite E-Glass
A combination of high impact strength and extreme hardness makes Garolite E-glass very difficult to penetrate. It is often used for machine guards.
Flame-Retardant High-Temperature Garolite G-11/FR5 Angles
Good for use as structural mounting brackets, components, and electrical housings in high temperatures, these angles are a flame-retardant version of Garolite G-11. All are stronger and resist heat better than Garolite G-10/FR4.
Hard Fiber
Hard Fiber
Easy-to-Machine Hard Fiber Sheets
Hard fiber is the easiest composite to machine, making it good for creating custom parts. Also known as vulcanized fiber.
Easy-to-Machine Hard Fiber Rods
Hard fiber is the easiest composite to machine, making it good for creating custom parts. Also known as vulcanized fiber.
Easy-to-Machine Hard Fiber Tubes
Hard fiber is the easiest composite to machine, making it good for creating custom parts. Also known as vulcanized fiber.
Electrically Insulating Hard Fiber
Also known as fishpaper.
Plastic Molding
Plastic Molding
Wear-Resistant Plastic Pellets
With a low coefficient of friction, these pellets won’t wear away from abrasion that’s often caused by contact with moving parts. Melt and mold them into desired shapes.
Impact-Resistant Plastic Pellets
Absorbing impact without cracking or breaking, these plastic pellets are molded into parts that endure bumps, scrapes, and falls.
Moisture-Resistant Plastic Pellets
These pellets resist swelling when exposed to water, making them suitable for use in wet environments. Melt and mold them into desired shapes.
Colorants for Plastic Pellets
Add color when making plastic parts by mixing these colorants with your resin before melting the blend. They’re also known as colorant masterbatches.
Foaming Agents for Plastic Molding Machines
Commonly used in molding applications such as injection molding and extrusion, these foaming agents reduce weight, warpage, and sinks in finished parts.
Shim Stock
Shim Stock
Shim Stock
Cut this stock into custom shapes to fit your application.
A Guide To Machining Plastics And Metals
When creating a part, one of the most important decisions a design engineer must face is what type of material to use. Material selection will determine a great deal about the functionality and appearance of a given component, as well as how well it will hold up over time.
In the past, material options were fairly limited, but in today’s manufacturing environment, the list of available materials can seem endless. New metals and plastics are hitting the market each week, all touting unique benefits in form and function. Because of the daunting array of materials available to designers and engineers, let us discuss some of the most popular varieties used today.
In the past, material options were fairly limited, but in today’s manufacturing environment, the list of available materials can seem endless. New metals and plastics are hitting the market each week, all touting unique benefits in form and function. Because of the daunting array of materials available to designers and engineers, let us discuss some of the most popular varieties used today.
Machining Plastics
Plastics are continuing to grow in popularity. They are light-weight, easy to machine, and are often less expensive than their metal counterparts. Machining plastics come in an endless variety, all with their own strengths and weaknesses. Plastics should be used for light-weight applications and prototyping.
Some of the most common types of plastics used in machining can be found below.
Some of the most common types of plastics used in machining can be found below.
Plastics
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, often abbreviated ABS, is the plastic used in most LEGO toys. This versatile plastic is a well-rounded option that offers high impact strength and toughness relative to its cost. ABS is easy to machine, heat resistant, and lends itself well to finishing (glue, paint, polish, etc.) It is often used in prototyping a part’s functionality prior to mass production.
Nylon
Similar to ABS, Nylon is a robust plastic that performs well in a variety of environments. It is heat and chemical resistant and maintains strength and rigidity in both hot and cold climates. Nylon machines well, but is prone to moisture absorption and warping which can pose challenges when tight dimensional tolerances are required.
Acrylic
Acrylic is also often referred to as Plexiglass. This clear plastic is an inexpensive option for any application that requires a “see-through” component. It can easily be glued and is relatively scratch resistance, but Acrylic does is not as strong as other plastics and will crack or break under too much pressure. Machined Acrylic will also lose its transparency, and would require secondary polishing processes to regain this property.
Delrin
Delrin is a form of Acetal. It is considered the most economic plastic due to its low cost and excellent machinability. Delrin is not prone to moisture absorption and maintains stiffness in a wide range of temperatures which increases its dimensional stability. Delrin has a slippery surface which reduces friction. This is a benefit in certain applications, but it makes it hard to glue/finish in secondary operations.
HDPE
HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is a thermoplastic with a high strength-to-weight ratio. HDPE offers high chemical resistance, electrical insulation, and durability in adverse weather conditions. Similar to Delrin, HDPE has a slippery surface that limits friction and holds up well to high impacts. This plastic is used in outdoor applications, as well as prototyping due to its low cost and weight.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is one of the more durable plastics on the market. This is a tough and rigid material that machines well and holds up better than ABS to high impact. It is generally clear/translucent but can be dyed or colored. Polycarbonate is prone to scratches but can be applied with protective coating to improve wear resistance.
