Material Selection

What is PEEK plastic?

PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) is a high-performance semi-crystalline thermoplastic that withstands continuous operating temperatures up to 250°C. It offers excellent mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability, making it ideal for aerospace, medical, semiconductor, and oil & gas applications. Learn more about PEEK →

What is the difference between PTFE and Teflon?

Teflon® is simply the registered brand name created by DuPont (now Chemours) for PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene). They are the same material. PTFE is the generic chemical name used across all manufacturers, while Teflon is one specific trade name. Learn more about PTFE →

How do I choose the right engineering plastic?

Selecting the right engineering plastic depends on several key factors: operating temperature range, chemical exposure, mechanical loads (tensile strength, impact, wear), regulatory requirements (FDA, EU 10/2011), electrical properties, and budget. Start by defining your application requirements and comparing material data sheets. Our material selection guide and materials comparison page can help you narrow down the options.

When should I use POM instead of PA (Nylon)?

Choose POM (Polyoxymethylene) when you need superior dimensional stability, low moisture absorption, and excellent creep resistance. Choose PA (Nylon) when higher impact strength, better wear resistance, and higher temperature capability are required. POM is preferred in precision parts and wet environments, while PA excels in structural and high-wear applications.

Can plastics replace metals?

Yes, engineering plastics can replace metals in many applications. Key advantages include weight reduction of up to 80%, inherent corrosion resistance, self-lubricating properties, electrical insulation, and often lower total manufacturing costs. High-performance plastics like PEEK and PAI approach metal-level strength while being significantly lighter. Read our metal-to-plastic conversion guide →

Technical Properties

What temperature can PTFE withstand?

PTFE has an exceptionally wide operating temperature range from −200°C to +260°C for continuous use. It maintains its properties across this entire range, making it suitable for both cryogenic and high-temperature applications. View full PTFE specifications →

Is PEEK machinable?

Yes, PEEK has excellent machinability and can be precision-machined using standard CNC milling and turning equipment. Proper tooling selection (carbide or diamond-coated tools), controlled feed rates, and appropriate cooling are important for achieving tight tolerances and optimal surface finish. Read our PEEK machining guide →

Which plastics are chemically resistant?

PTFE offers near-universal chemical resistance and is inert to virtually all chemicals. PVDF provides excellent resistance to acids and solvents. PEEK offers broad chemical resistance at elevated temperatures. ECTFE combines chemical resistance with mechanical strength. The best choice depends on the specific chemicals, concentrations, and temperatures involved. See our chemical resistance guide →

What is the friction coefficient of PTFE?

PTFE has a friction coefficient of 0.04–0.10, making it the lowest-friction solid material known. This self-lubricating property makes PTFE ideal for bearings, seals, slide pads, and any application where low friction and non-stick properties are required. Learn more about PTFE →

Commercial & Service

What forms do you supply materials in?

We supply engineering plastics as semi-finished stock shapes including sheets, rods, tubes, and profiles. We also offer custom CNC-machined parts manufactured to your drawings and specifications, from single prototypes to production series. Learn about our machining services →

What is the lead time?

Standard stock items typically ship within 1–3 business days. Custom-machined parts require 5–15 business days depending on complexity, quantity, and material availability. We provide estimated delivery dates with every quotation. Contact us for a quote →

Do you offer custom machining?

Yes, we offer full CNC machining services including milling and turning of engineering plastics. We handle everything from single prototypes to series production, working from your technical drawings or 3D models with tight tolerances. View our machined parts capabilities →

Regulatory & Compliance

Are your plastics FDA approved?

Many of the materials we supply are FDA compliant and EU 10/2011 food contact approved, including PTFE, PEEK, POM, and PE grades specifically manufactured for food contact applications. We can advise on the correct grade for your regulatory requirements. Read about food-grade plastics →

What certifications do food-grade plastics need?

In the US, food-contact plastics must comply with FDA 21 CFR regulations. In Europe, EU Regulation 10/2011 governs plastic materials intended for food contact. Specific requirements vary by application, temperature exposure, and food type. Additional certifications like NSF or 3-A Sanitary Standards may apply in certain industries. Learn more about food-grade requirements →

Do you provide material certificates?

Yes, we provide material certificates and test reports on request. These include manufacturer certificates of conformity, material data sheets, and where applicable, food contact compliance documentation and batch traceability records. Contact us for more information →

Still have questions?

Our engineering team is ready to help you find the right material for your application. Get in touch for expert advice and a free quotation.

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