Engineering Plastics
Engineering Plastics — Machinable Sheets & Rods for High-Performance Parts
Laird Plastics stocks engineering-grade polymers for demanding applications—wear parts, bushings, gears, guards, and chemical-service components. Choose Acetal (POM/Delrin), Nylon, UHMW, PTFE, PEEK, PET-P, and more in sheet, rod, and tube. Cut-to-size and custom fabrication are available nationwide.
Acetal – Precision & Low Friction
Stiff, dimensionally stable resin with low moisture uptake for tight-tolerance parts: gears, bushings, manifolds, and fixtures. Great machinability and creep resistance.
Nylon – Tough & Wear-Resistant
High strength and fatigue resistance for sheaves, wear pads, and bearings. Available with solid lubricants (oil/moly) to lower friction and noise.
UHMW – Ultra-Low Friction
Outstanding abrasion resistance and impact strength. Ideal for chute liners, guides, star wheels, and conveying surfaces in wet/abrasive environments.
PTFE – Extreme Chemical & Release
Near-universal chemical resistance, wide temperature range, and anti-stick surface. Used for seals, gaskets, valve seats, and high-purity components.
PEEK – High Temperature & Strength
Exceptional mechanicals at elevated temperatures, chemical resistance, and wear properties. Choose unfilled or reinforced grades for aerospace and OEM parts.
PET-P – Dimensional Stability
Excellent creep resistance and low moisture absorption for precision components and food-contact parts. Smooth machining and good wear behavior.
Engineering Plastics — Quick Facts
| Forms | Sheets, rods, tubes; near-net blanks and plates |
|---|---|
| Properties | High wear resistance, low friction, chemical & moisture resistance, dimensional stability |
| Processing | Cut-to-size, CNC machining, turning, milling, routing, welding (material dependent) |
| Temperature | From cryogenic (UHMW/PTFE) to high temp (PEEK); verify grade-specific limits |
| Compliance | Food-grade and FDA/NSF options available (SKU dependent); documentation on request |
| Applications | Bearings, bushings, gears, wear strips, guards, manifolds, valves, structural parts |
Which Material Should I Choose?
- Low friction / abrasion: UHMW, Acetal (lubricated), PTFE.
- High temperature: PEEK, PTFE (chem/thermal), filled grades.
- Tight tolerances: Acetal, PET-P; low moisture uptake.
- Impact / toughness: Nylon (oil/moly), UHMW.
Machining Tips
- Use sharp tools, appropriate chip load, and support thin sections to limit chatter.
- Account for thermal expansion; avoid excessive heat buildup during long passes.
- Dry or condition materials where required (e.g., Nylon moisture, PEEK drying).
Engineering Plastics – FAQs
What’s the difference between Acetal and Nylon?
Acetal offers better dimensional stability and lower moisture absorption for precise parts; Nylon delivers higher toughness and fatigue resistance for load-bearing wear components.
When should I specify UHMW instead of Acetal?
Choose UHMW for extreme abrasion and sliding wear with impact or wet conditions; choose Acetal for tighter tolerances, stiffness, and easier machining.
Which plastics handle high temperatures?
PEEK handles sustained high temperatures with excellent strength; PTFE handles broad temperatures with exceptional chemical resistance but lower load-bearing capacity.
Are food-grade options available?
Yes—many Acetal, UHMW, PET-P, and PTFE grades are available with food-contact compliance. Request documentation for your process and region.
Do you provide cut-to-size and machined parts?
Yes—Laird Plastics offers cut-to-size, CNC machining, turning, routing, and assemblies to deliver parts ready for installation. Contact us for a quote.
Need Machined Engineering Plastic Parts?
From wear strips and bushings to high-temp components, Laird Plastics can recommend the right polymer and deliver finished parts to spec.
