ABS & PE & PP Plastics Machining
Common thermoplastics including ABS, polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) for consumer and industrial applications.
Material Properties
1.04-1.07
g/cm³
220-230
°C
40-50
MPa
0.92-0.97
g/cm³
120-130
°C
0.90-0.91
g/cm³
160-170
°C
Machining Recommendations
Recommended Methods
CNC milling, turning, drilling, threading
Tool Materials
Carbide or high-speed steel
Cutting Speeds
200-500 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
Consumer Product Housings
Industry: Consumer Electronics
Challenge
ABS housings for consumer electronics, power tools, and appliances
Solution
Optimized design for manufacturability and aesthetic appeal
Result
Supplied 100,000+ housings annually with premium finish
Medical Device Components
Industry: Medical
Challenge
PE and PP components for medical devices requiring biocompatibility
Solution
Selected FDA-approved materials and implemented biocompatibility testing
Result
Achieved FDA approval and supplied 50,000+ components annually
Food Packaging Equipment
Industry: Food
Challenge
PE and PP components for food processing and packaging equipment
Solution
Implemented food-grade processing and cleaning protocols
Result
Achieved FDA compliance and supplied 10,000+ components annually
Automotive Interior Components
Industry: Automotive
Challenge
ABS components for automotive interiors including dashboard trim
Solution
Optimized design for durability and UV resistance
Result
Extended component lifespan by 10+ years in automotive environments
Industrial Equipment Components
Industry: Industrial
Challenge
PE and PP components for industrial equipment
Solution
Selected materials for chemical resistance and durability
Result
Improved component lifespan by 40% in harsh industrial environments
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
What's the difference between ABS, PE, and PP?
ABS is rigid and durable (best for structural parts), PE is flexible and chemical resistant (best for containers), and PP is lightweight and heat resistant (best for automotive and appliances).
Can these plastics be machined to tight tolerances?
Yes, we can achieve ±0.01mm tolerances on all these materials using precision CNC machines and advanced fixturing techniques.
What's your lead time for plastic parts?
Typically 1-2 weeks for standard orders, with rush services available for urgent requirements.
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 these plastics be sterilized?
Yes, ABS, PE, and PP can all be sterilized using various methods including autoclaving, EtO, and gamma radiation depending on the specific application.
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.
Can you machine recycled plastics?
Yes, we can machine recycled ABS, PE, and PP materials for sustainable manufacturing applications.
What's your experience with consumer product manufacturing?
We have extensive experience manufacturing consumer product components with high volume capacity and rapid turnaround times.
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.