Plastic Guide
Choosing the right plastic material can be crucial for your application. Here we guide you through the most important factors so you find the right material for your needs.
1. What temperature should the material withstand?
Temperature is often the most important factor in material selection. Each plastic material has a maximum continuous working temperature. If exceeded the material loses its stiffness and strength.
Up to 80°C
PE-HD, PE-UHMW, PP, PVC
Up to 120°C
POM, PA6, PA66, PET
Up to 170°C
PC, PPS, PPE, PEI
Up to 260°C+
PEEK, PTFE, PI
Note that 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 crucial. 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 type) |
Chemical resistance depends on concentration, temperature and exposure time. Contact us for specific combinations.
3. What mechanical requirements are there?
Mechanical properties vary greatly between plastic materials. Choose based on your application requirements:
High wear resistance
PE-UHMW, 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 resistance
PA6, PC, PE-UHMW. For protective structures, machine guards and parts subject to shocks.
4. Special requirements
Food approval
PE-HD, PP, POM and PA are available in food-approved qualities (FDA, EU 10/2011). Certificates must be ordered with the material. See the respective material page for available qualities.
Flame rating
PVC is self-extinguishing (UL 94 V-0). PVDF, PEI and PEEK also have excellent flame ratings. Standard materials like PE and PP burn easily and are usually classified as UL 94 HB.
ESD protection
For electronics production and clean rooms, there are ESD variants of POM, PE and PA. These materials conduct static electricity and prevent discharge.
Transparency
PC for impact resistance. PMMA for optical clarity. PETG for chemical resistance. APET for food.
Quick overview: Most common materials
| Material | Typical use | Temp. max | Chem. res. | Wear resistance | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE-HD | Cutting boards, tanks, slide rails | 80°C | Good | Good | Low |
| PE-UHMW | Conveyor belts, wear parts | 80°C | Good | Excellent | Low |
| PP | Chemical tanks, ventilation | 100°C | Excellent | Average | Low |
| PVC-U | Chemical processing, ventilation | 60°C | Excellent | Average | Low |
| POM | Gears, bushings, precision | 120°C | Average | Good | Average |
| PA6 | Bearings, wear parts, mechanics | 120°C | Average | Excellent | Average |
| PA6G | Large dimensions, heavy-duty bearings | 120°C | Average | Excellent | Average |
| PC | Protective glass, lighting | 130°C | Low | Good | Average |
| PVDF | Chemical processing, high purity | 150°C | Excellent | Average | High |
| PEEK | Aerospace, medicine, extreme environments | 260°C | Excellent | Excellent | Very high |
| PTFE | Seals, slide surfaces, chemical resistance | 260°C | Excellent | Low | High |
Need help choosing?
Contact us and we will help you find the right material for your application. We have years of experience with technical plastics.
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