Choosing an Engineering Plastic
The right plastic is chosen by in-service demand: temperature, chemicals, friction, electrical behaviour and dimensional stability. Machining is then the practical route for prototypes and mid volumes where moulding is not justified.
We supply and machine these materials with the process control they require. Machining Engineering Plastics (capability) · Special Alloys
Property Comparison
| Material | Temp resistance | Chemical | Friction | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEEK | Very high | Excellent | Low | Bearings, seals, semiconductor |
| PVDF | High | Excellent (purity) | Low | Fluid handling, semiconductor |
| PTFE | High | Inert | Very low | Seals, insulators, liners |
| POM | Medium | Good | Low | Gears, bushings, fixtures |
| Ultem | High | Good | Medium | Aerospace, electrical housings |
Selection Guide
- High temperature + chemicals → PEEK or PVDF
- Lowest friction / inert → PTFE
- Gears, bushings, stable dimensions → POM
- Strength + flame resistance → Ultem
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.
Stress Relief
Prevents post-machining movement.
Tolerances
Held despite thermal expansion.
Traceability
Certified material and inspection.
One Partner
Plastics and metals together.
Low Volume
Prototypes to mid volume.
Related Industries
Technical Resources
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