Material Selection Guide
Explore engineering plastics by temperature, chemical resistance, mechanical performance, and industrial applications.
Balanced Engineering Performance
→ Advanced Engineering Plastics
Materials:
PPS / PPSU / PET / PA / POM
Cost-Effective Structural Materials
→ Standard Engineering Plastics
Materials:
POM / Nylon / UPE / HDPE
Material Selection Overview
Engineering Plastic Performance Matrix
Compare engineering plastic categories based on temperature resistance, chemical stability, wear performance, and cost efficiency.
| Material Category | Temperature Resistance | Chemical Resistance | Wear Resistance | Mechanical Strength | Machinability | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ultra-High Performance PI / PAI / PEEK / PEI |
★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | $$$$ |
|
Advanced Engineering Plastics PPS / PPSU / PVDF |
★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | $$$ |
|
Fluoropolymers PTFE / PFA / FEP |
★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | $$$ |
|
Standard Engineering Plastics POM / Nylon / UHMW-PE |
★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | $$ |
Engineering Material Guide
How to Select the Right Engineering Plastic
Selecting the appropriate engineering plastic depends on operating conditions, mechanical performance, chemical exposure, and manufacturing requirements.
Operating Temperature
Determine the continuous service temperature and thermal cycling conditions required for the application.
- Above 300°C: PI
- Up to 260°C: PEEK / PAI
- Up to 180°C: PEI / PPS
Mechanical Load
Evaluate load-bearing requirements, impact resistance, dimensional stability, and wear performance.
- High wear resistance: PAI
- Balanced strength: PEEK
- Cost-effective structural use: POM
Chemical Exposure
Consider resistance to acids, solvents, moisture, hydrocarbons, and corrosive environments.
- Extreme chemical resistance: PTFE / PFA
- Semiconductor chemicals: PVDF
- General industrial chemicals: PEEK
Electrical Requirements
Analyze dielectric strength, insulation performance, flame retardancy, and static control requirements.
- Electrical insulation: PEI
- High dielectric performance: PTFE
- Semiconductor fixtures: PEEK
Cost & Machinability
Balance material performance with machining efficiency, production volume, and project budget.
- Best machinability: PEEK / POM
- Highest performance: PI / PAI
- Cost-sensitive projects: Standard engineering plastics