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The following guide provides a brief description of materials we use to manufacture machined and fabricated parts. This should be used in conjunction with the Property Comparitor to help you select a material.

PEEK (polyetheretherketone)


Also known by the raw material trade name of Victrex®, PEEK is a thermoplastic polymer with excellent mechanical properties at high temperatures. Continues to find new applications replacing metals and thermoset resins in a wide range of demanding environments.

  • Excellent chemical resistance
  • Very low moisture absorption
  • Excellent mechanical strength and stiffness
  • Inherently good wear and abrasion resistance
  • Unaffected by continuous exposure to hot water or steam
  • Excellent high energy radiation resistance
  • Flammaility rating of V-0

PEEK + glass filler


By adding glass filler to PEEK, the properties can be modified to suit more demanding requirements such as for structural applications at elevated temperatures.
  • Increased flexural modulus
  • Reduced expansion rate
  • Improved high temperature strength (above 150°C)
  • Better resistance to creep

PEEK + carbon fibre filler


Carbon fibre filler enhances the compressive strength and stiffness of PEEK and provides optimum wear and load bearing capabilities at elevated temperatures.
  • Better compressive strength
  • Improved wear resistance
  • Higher thermal conductivity
  • Excellent load bearing characteristics

PPS (polyphenylenesulphide)


A high temperature resistant thermoplastic offering broad chemical resistance and minimal moisture absorbtion. Can be machined to close tolerances. Ideal for structural applications in corrosive environments. Good alternative to PEEK at lower temperatures.
  • Resistant to solvent below 200°C
  • Minimal moisture absorbtion
  • Inert to steam, strong bases and acids
  • Very low coefficient of expansion
  • Excellent electrical properties

PPS + glass filler


Most commonly used form of PPS
  • Better dimensional stability
  • Improved strength at elevated temperatures
  • Enhanced thermal performance

PPS + Carbon Fibre


Sometimes referred to as 'bearing grade' is used for thrust and wear applications or when electrical conductivity is required.
  • Lower coefficient of expansion
  • Higher wear resistance
  • Anti-static / electrically dissipating

PI (polyimide)


Also known by trade names such as Vespel®, and Duratron®, polyimide is a high temperature thermoset resin.
  • Very low wear rates and high PV
  • Low abrasion/wear on mating surfaces
  • Very low impurities making it ideal for semi-conductor applications
  • Excellent strength at elevated temperatures

Fillers such as graphite can be added to improve wear resistance, reduce expansion rates and enhance toughness.

PVDF (polyvinylidenefluoride)
A fluoropolymer offering excellent chemical resistance combined with good mechanical and electrical properties.

PFA (perfluoroalkoxy)
First developed as a melt processable version of PTFE. Offering very similar properties to PTFE with less resistance to temperatures above 250°C.

FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene)
A fluorinated polymer for use in aggressive chemical and high purity environments up to 205°C.

PCTFE (polychlorotetrafluoroethylene)
A high performance polymer used extensively in cryogenic applications by retaining properties down to -200°C. Good all round chemical resistance.

ETFE (ethylenetetrafluoroethylene)
A strong and tough copolymer exhibiting good mechanical and chemical resistance properties up to 150°C. Better mechanical and abrasion resistance than PTFE and other fluoropolymers. Also known as Tefzel®.

PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)
A highly crystalline thermoplastic polymer which retains its shape above its melting point. Also known by trade names such as Teflon®, Fluon® and Hostaflon®. See PTFE and PTFE Compounds for more details.

ACETAL (polyoxymethylene / polyformadehyde)
Also known by trade names such as Delrin®, Hostaform® and Kematal®. A strong and rigid thermoplastic suitable for a range of applications including medical and food. Low water absorbtion makes it ideal replacement for nylon in aqueous environments.

UHMWPE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene)
A thermoplastic material offering exceptional resilience, wear resistance and impact strength, even at cryogenic temperatures. Very good electrical insulator and FDA compliant.

HDPE (high density polyethylene)
An engineering polymer used extensively in food processing machines due to its low coefficient of friction and good wear properties. Very good low temperature performance and excellent electrical resistance.

Nylon 6 (polyimide)
Engineering thermoplastic with good strength, stiffness and toughness. High water absorbtion precludes use for precision components in contact with water

Nylon 6,6 (polyimide)
Better mechanical properties than Nylon 6 and more suited to applications requiring dimensional stability to water.

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