CNC machining has revolutionized manufacturing by allowing for the precise creation of machined plastic parts from various materials, including plastic. As industries demand more lightweight and durable components, custom plastic machining has become increasingly essential.
Plastics offer advantages like corrosion resistance and flexibility, making them ideal for applications in fields such as automotive, medical, and electronics.
This blog will explore the 7 most commonly used plastics in CNC machining, explaining their properties, applications, and why they’re ideal for creating custom plastic components.
Whether you’re looking for materials that are easy to machine or those with high durability, understanding these plastics will help you make informed decisions about the best plastic for machining.
Why Plastics are Important in CNC Machining
Plastics are increasingly used in CNC plastic machining because they offer several advantages over metals. First, plastics are lightweight and more flexible, making them suitable for components that require movement or weight reduction. In high-volume production, plastics are far more cost-effective than metals due to lower material costs and shorter machining times.
Additionally, plastics provide superior chemical resistance and electrical insulation, which is critical in industries like medical, automotive, and electronics. For example, machinable plastic materials such as Nylon or PEEK are ideal for applications where moisture or chemicals may cause metal corrosion. These plastics offer tailored solutions for custom plastic parts, whether you’re creating durable mechanical parts or insulated electrical housings.
These benefits make plastics the preferred material for plastic CNC machine applications where traditional metals may fall short.
7 Most Commonly Used Plastics in CNC Machining
1. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a versatile plastic known for its strength and impact resistance. It’s tough enough to handle heavy use, yet easy to machine, making it a favorite for both prototypes and production parts.
Found in everything from automotive components to electronic housings, ABS strikes a sweet spot between durability and affordability. That balance is why it’s so widely used, especially when rapid prototyping is needed without breaking the bank.
Whether you need ruggedness or flexibility, ABS gets the job done efficiently without costing an arm and a leg.
2. Nylon (Polyamide, PA)
Nylon (Polyamide, PA) stands out for its high strength, flexibility, and impressive wear resistance. This makes it ideal for gears, bearings, and bushings, where reducing friction is key.
Its ability to handle repeated stress and resist abrasion ensures long-lasting performance in mechanical parts. Nylon’s flexibility also means it can absorb shock, a valuable trait in applications requiring durability.
Whether in industrial machinery or everyday devices, nylon steps up to the plate where reliability under pressure is essential. Simply put, it’s a material that keeps things running smoothly.
3. POM (Polyoxymethylene, Acetal)
Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal, is valued for its high stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability. These traits make it a top choice for precision parts in industries like automotive, medical, and electronics.
Whether it’s a gear or a valve, POM holds up under demanding conditions, maintaining its shape and function over time. Its smooth surface and strength allow for tight tolerances, ideal for high-performance applications.
In short, POM gets the job done where precision matters most, ensuring reliability without the fuss. That’s why it’s a go-to material for engineers worldwide.
4. PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene, Teflon)
PTFE, commonly known as Teflon, is recognized for its outstanding properties. It offers excellent chemical resistance, tolerating a wide range of substances like acids, bases, and solvents.
PTFE can handle temperatures up to 260°C (500°F) without losing its strength, and its low friction coefficient (as low as 0.05) makes it ideal for reducing wear in demanding environments.
These traits make PTFE a preferred material for seals, gaskets, and components exposed to corrosive substances.
Its non-stick surface and ability to maintain performance under high heat and harsh chemicals ensure smooth, reliable operation in industrial settings.
5. PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone)
PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is known for its remarkable tensile strength of up to 90-100 MPa, and it retains mechanical properties at temperatures as high as 250°C (482°F).
This makes it a prime choice for aerospace components like seals, bearings, and insulation parts, where both strength and heat resistance are critical. Its chemical resistance is outstanding, withstanding aggressive substances such as strong acids and organic solvents.
In the medical field, PEEK is widely used for implants due to its biocompatibility and resistance to body fluids, ensuring long-term reliability in spinal and dental implants.
6. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
7. Acrylic (PMMA)
Acrylic, or PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), offers 92% light transmission, making it one of the clearest plastics available. Its weatherability is excellent, maintaining its clarity and strength even after prolonged UV exposure.
Acrylic is 17 times more impact-resistant than glass, yet weighs about half as much, making it a practical alternative in many applications. Because of these properties, acrylic is widely used in display cases, lenses, and light fixtures, where both durability and aesthetic quality are important.
Its high rigidity (with a tensile strength of 65-70 MPa) ensures structural stability while preserving a sleek, polished appearance.
Key Factors in Choosing the Right Plastic for CNC Machining
When selecting the right machinable plastic for CNC machining, several factors come into play:
- Strength and durability are crucial—if the part needs to handle high loads or frequent impact, opt for a material that can stand up to the wear and tear.
- Consider the chemical and thermal resistance. Will the part be exposed to harsh chemicals or extreme heat? If so, choose a plastic designed to handle those challenges.
- Machinability is another big one—some materials are easier to work with, making it simpler to maintain tight tolerances or achieve a smooth finish.
- Always factor in cost. Balancing the material’s performance with your budget can make or break a project, especially for larger production runs.
Keep all these factors in mind, and you’ll be on the right track!
Conclusion
Choosing the right plastic for CNC machining is crucial for achieving the best results in any project. Each plastic offers unique properties that cater to specific applications, whether it’s durability, chemical resistance, or machinability. For expert advice and custom solutions, trust HDC to handle your plastic CNC machining needs with precision and care.
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