Plastics & Composites Machining
Engineering plastics including ABS, acrylic, Delrin, nylon, polycarbonate, PEEK, PTFE, and composite materials.
Material Properties
1.0-1.5
g/cm³
150-300
°C
30-100
MPa
Excellent
0.2-0.5
W/m·K
Excellent
Machining Recommendations
Recommended Methods
CNC milling, turning, drilling, threading
Tool Materials
Carbide or high-speed steel
Cutting Speeds
150-500 m/min (higher than metals)
Feeds
0.1-0.5 mm/rev
Coolant
Minimal coolant needed (dry machining preferred)
Machinability
Excellent - very easy to machine
Surface Finish
Ra 0.2-0.8 μm easily achievable
Application Case Studies
Medical Device Components
Industry: Medical
Challenge
Biocompatible plastic components for diagnostic devices requiring FDA approval
Solution
Selected FDA-approved materials and implemented biocompatibility testing
Result
Achieved FDA clearance and supplied 10,000+ components annually
Electrical Insulation Components
Industry: Electronics
Challenge
Plastic housings and insulators for electrical equipment requiring high dielectric strength
Solution
Optimized design for electrical performance and manufacturability
Result
Improved dielectric strength by 30% while reducing cost by 20%
Precision Optical Components
Industry: Optics
Challenge
Acrylic and polycarbonate lenses for cameras and sensors
Solution
Implemented precision polishing process for optical clarity
Result
Achieved optical transmission of 99.5% and supplied 50,000+ lenses annually
Automotive Interior Components
Industry: Automotive
Challenge
Plastic trim pieces and interior components requiring UV resistance
Solution
Selected UV-resistant materials and implemented protective coatings
Result
Extended component lifespan by 5+ years in outdoor environments
Industrial Equipment Covers
Industry: Industrial
Challenge
Polycarbonate protective covers for machinery requiring impact resistance
Solution
Optimized thickness and design for maximum impact resistance
Result
Reduced breakage rate by 90% compared to standard acrylic covers
Technical Specifications
Available Forms
- Sheets
- Rods
- Tubes
- Blocks
1mm to 300mm diameter/width
Tolerances±0.01mm to ±0.05mm
Lead Times1-2 weeks for standard orders
Quality StandardsFrequently Asked Questions
Can you machine all types of plastics?
Yes, we have experience with most engineering plastics including ABS, acrylic, Delrin, nylon, polycarbonate, PEEK, PTFE, and PVC.
What's your lead time for plastic parts?
Typically 1-2 weeks for standard orders, with rush services available for urgent requirements.
Can plastic parts achieve tight tolerances?
Yes, we can achieve ±0.01mm tolerances on plastic parts using precision CNC machines and advanced fixturing techniques.
Do you offer surface treatments for plastics?
Yes, we offer polishing, coating, and UV protection treatments for plastic parts to enhance appearance and durability.
Can you machine composite materials?
Yes, we have experience with fiber-reinforced composites and can machine them to tight tolerances while minimizing fiber breakout.
Are your plastic parts FDA compliant?
Yes, we can provide FDA-compliant plastic parts for medical and food applications using appropriate materials and processing methods.
What's your experience with optical-grade plastics?
We have extensive experience machining optical-grade acrylic and polycarbonate with surface finishes suitable for optical applications.
Can plastic parts be sterilized?
Yes, most engineering plastics can be sterilized using various methods including autoclaving, EtO, and gamma radiation depending on the specific material.
Related Services
CNC Milling
Learn more about our cnc milling capabilities
CNC Turning
Learn more about our cnc turning capabilities
CNC Drilling
Learn more about our cnc drilling capabilities
Advanced Machining
Learn more about our advanced machining capabilities
Ready to Get Started?
Contact our engineering team to discuss your metals machining requirements.