Selecting the right engineering plastic requires understanding how materials differ in temperature resistance, mechanical strength, chemical compatibility and cost. This comprehensive guide compares the most important industrial polymers side by side, helping you make informed material decisions for your specific application.
The table below compares eight of the most commonly used engineering and high-performance plastics across their key physical, thermal and mechanical properties. Click any material name to view its detailed data sheet.
| Property | PTFE | PEEK | POM | PA | PE | PVDF | PPS | PSU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max continuous temp (°C) | 260 | 250 | 100 | 100 | 80 | 150 | 220 | 180 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 2.15 | 1.30 | 1.41 | 1.14 | 0.95 | 1.78 | 1.35 | 1.24 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 25 | 100 | 65 | 75 | 30 | 50 | 80 | 70 |
| Friction coefficient | 0.04 | 0.40 | 0.30 | 0.35 | 0.29 | 0.40 | 0.45 | 0.43 |
| Chemical resistance | Excellent | Good | Good | Moderate | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| FDA compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Machinability | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Good |
| Relative cost | €€ | €€€€ | € | € | € | €€ | €€€ | €€€ |
Values shown are typical for unfilled, standard grades. Filled and modified grades may differ significantly. Contact us for grade-specific data.
Operating temperature is often the most critical factor in material selection. The table below shows both continuous service temperatures and short-term peak ratings for each material. For applications involving sustained heat exposure, always design to the continuous rating with an appropriate safety margin.
| Material | Min service temp (°C) | Continuous max (°C) | Short-term peak (°C) | Glass transition (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTFE | −200 | 260 | 300 | 127 |
| PEEK | −60 | 250 | 310 | 143 |
| PPS | −40 | 220 | 270 | 85 |
| PSU | −100 | 180 | 200 | 187 |
| PVDF | −30 | 150 | 170 | −40 |
| POM | −40 | 100 | 140 | −60 |
| PA (Nylon 6) | −40 | 100 | 160 | 47 |
| PE (UHMW) | −200 | 80 | 120 | −120 |
For applications above 200°C, PTFE, PEEK and PPS are the primary candidates. PTFE offers the widest overall temperature range (−200 to +260°C) and is the only polymer that maintains useful properties at cryogenic temperatures. PEEK provides the best combination of high-temperature capability and mechanical strength. For moderate heat requirements up to 150°C, PVDF is an excellent fluoropolymer option at lower cost.
Chemical compatibility determines which materials survive in aggressive process environments. The table below gives a general overview — always verify compatibility with the specific chemical, concentration and temperature of your application.
| Material | Strong acids | Strong bases | Organic solvents | Hydrocarbons | Oxidizing agents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTFE | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PEEK | ✓ | ✓ | △ | ✓ | △ |
| POM | ✗ | △ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| PA | ✗ | ✓ | △ | ✓ | ✗ |
| PE | ✓ | ✓ | △ | △ | △ |
| PVDF | ✓ | ✓ | △ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PPS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | △ |
| PSU | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | △ |
✓ Good resistance △ Limited / conditional ✗ Not recommended
PTFE stands alone with universal chemical resistance — it is inert to virtually all chemicals except molten alkali metals and fluorine gas at high temperatures. PVDF and PPS also perform well in most chemical environments. POM should be avoided in strong acid environments, while PA is sensitive to acids and strong oxidizers. For a deeper dive, read our complete guide to plastics chemical resistance.
Different applications demand different property profiles. Below are recommended materials for the most common industrial use cases.
Requires chemical resistance, low friction and temperature stability. PTFE is the default choice for critical sealing applications across all industries.
Demands high tensile and compressive strength with dimensional stability. PEEK for extreme loads, POM for cost-effective structural parts.
Requires FDA compliance, cleanability and hygiene. PTFE, POM and PE are widely approved for direct food contact applications.
Demands resistance to aggressive chemicals at elevated temperatures. PTFE, PVDF and ECTFE dominate chemical processing equipment.
Explore our in-depth material comparison guides for detailed head-to-head analysis.
Detailed comparison of properties, pricing and when to choose each material.
Fluoropolymer comparison covering temperature range, chemical resistance and cost.
When engineering plastics outperform metals in weight, corrosion and cost.
Step-by-step selection methodology for industrial applications.
Comprehensive chemical compatibility data for all engineering plastics.
Our engineers can recommend the optimal plastic for your specific application requirements.