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®.

FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene)

A fluorinated polymer for use in aggressive chemical and high purity environments up to 205°C.

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.

PAI

Best known as Torlon® it is a high performing thermoplastic with excellent resistance to elevated temperatures. It is capable of performing under severe stress conditions at continuous temperatures to 260°. Parts machined from Torlon ® stock shapes provide greater compressive strength and higher impact resistance than many engineering plastics.

It’s extremely low coefficient of linear thermal expansion and high creep resistance deliver excellent dimensional stability over its entire use range. Torlon ® is an amorphous material with a Tg (glass transition temperature) of 280°C.

PC (polycarbonate)

Polycarbonate (PC) is a clear, colourless polymer used extensively for engineering and optical applications. Outstanding properties include impact strength and scratch resistance. The most serious deficiencies are poor weatherability and chemical resistance.

PCTFE (polychlorotetrafluoroethylene)

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

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 + 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 bearingn characteristics

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

PES (polyethersulphone)

An amorphous engineering plastic with high temperature resistance (+180°c continuous), good mechanical and creep performance at high temps. Excellent hydrolysis resistance and physiologically inert make it suitable for food contact. Very good high energy radiation resistance.

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.

PI (polyimide)

Also known by trade names such as Vespel®, 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.

POM / 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.

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 + 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

PPS + glass filler

Most commonly used form of PPS

• Better dimensional stability
• Improved strength at elevated temperatures
• Enhanced thermal performance

PPSU

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.

PVDF (polyvinylidenefluoride)

A fluoropolymer offering excellent chemical resistance combined with good mechanical and electrical properties.

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.