Why Machine Engineering Plastics
Engineering plastics let you replace metal where weight, friction, chemical resistance or electrical behaviour matter more than raw strength. Machining (rather than moulding) is the right choice for prototypes, low-to-mid volumes, and parts with tight tolerances or complex features.
We machine PEEK, PVDF, PTFE, POM and Ultem, and we understand the behaviours that trip up general shops — stress relief, thermal expansion and burr control. Engineering Plastics (materials) · CNC Machining
Material Selection
| Material | Key property | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| PEEK | High temp, chemical & wear resistance | Bearings, seals, semiconductor parts |
| PVDF | Chemical & purity resistance | Fluid handling, semiconductor |
| PTFE | Very low friction, inert | Seals, insulators, liners |
| POM (Delrin) | Low friction, dimensional stability | Gears, bushings, fixtures |
| Ultem (PEI) | High strength, flame retardant | Aerospace, electrical housings |
Machining Considerations
- Stress relief — especially PEEK and Ultem, to avoid post-machining movement
- Tooling & speeds — sharp tools, appropriate feeds to avoid melting
- Tolerances — account for higher thermal expansion than metals
- Burr control — plastics tear rather than shear cleanly
Quality, Inspection & Traceability
For equipment manufacturers, one failed component can stop a production line or compromise a field product. ProtoTech provides dimensional inspection, inspection reports, material certification and full traceability — so your quality team can qualify us for recurring production with confidence.
Our in-house metrology includes a Zeiss coordinate measuring machine (CMM) for full dimensional inspection and First Article Inspection (FAI), plus a benchtop material spectrometer that verifies incoming stock against the specified grade. Every shipment can be supplied with EN 10204 3.1 material certificates and lot-level traceability, backed by ISO 9001:2015 (AENOR).
Why ProtoTech — A Precision Partner, Not a CNC Shop
Material Expertise
PEEK, PVDF, PTFE, POM, Ultem handled correctly.
Stress Relief
Process control to prevent post-machining movement.
Tight Tolerances
Held despite thermal expansion.
Low Volumes
Ideal for prototypes and mid volumes.
Traceability
Certifiable material and inspection.
One Partner
Plastics and metals in one workflow.
Related Industries
Technical Resources
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