Most plastic materials have their strengths and weaknesses. This can prove to be a challenge for machine operations. Some plastics can have low thermal resistance, which results in a high risk of overheating and thermal damage, high material costs, and more machining restrictions.

Regardless of all this, there is a reason that plastic is so heavily used in the industry today. Compared to metal and other materials, plastics offer a few great advantages such as better strength to weight ratios, greater resistance to chemicals and corrosion, and broader insulating properties. Like every other material, specific plastics have their own advantages compared to the rest. Let’s look at these plastic materials and their benefits.  

Plastic Materials For CNCUltra-high molecular polyethylene (UHMW)- The main advantage for UHMW is it’s high machinability, which is how easy a material can be cut with a tool at a low cost. It is a very tough plastic, and can be used in places that require durability, chemical resistance, and low friction.

Nylon- The top benefits for nylon is its affordability, strength, durability, corrosion, and chemical resistance. Nylon is mostly used to make insulators, bearing, and products made for injection molding. It is also used a lot in the toy and automotive industries. This is due to the low-friction properties it contains.

PVC- If you work in the construction industry or know someone in the construction industry, you know about PVC. PVC is cost-effective, durable, and strong. On top of that, it is a very light material.

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK)- PEEK has an extremely high resistance to chemicals. It also has great wear resistance, is very strong, and has excellent dimension stability. Because PEEK is a high-performing plastic, it’s used in the following industries: automotive, aerospace, medical, and electrical. PEEK plastic contains such amazing properties that it is even beginning to replace metals like stainless steel and aluminum.

At Gerber Wood Products, our goal is to add value to your product with precision and efficiency. If you’d like to learn more about a service or machine that we offer, contact us by phone or e-mail and we will serve you to the best of our capabilities!