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Explore Performance Plastics Materials

Performance plastics offer a wide range of properties that make them suitable for applications where strength, durability, chemical resistance, wear resistance, temperature performance, electrical insulation or low friction may be required. From widely used engineering plastics to advanced high-performance polymers, each material brings its own combination of characteristics. Explore the materials used across industries and learn how the right material can improve performance, extend service life and help solve complex design challenges.

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performance-plastics-materials-components
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Performance plastics are engineered to meet specific operating requirements. This materials guide provides an introduction to commonly used engineering and high-performance plastics, their key properties and the applications where they are often used, helping engineers, designers and manufacturers better understand the options available.

acetal-key-features

Acetal is a strong, dimensionally stable engineering plastic commonly used for precision parts, gears, bearings, bushings and other components that require low friction and consistent performance. It machines well and is a popular choice for replacing metal in many mechanical applications.

Key features: Low friction, good wear resistance, high stiffness, dimensional stability, good machinability, low moisture absorption.

nylon-key-features

Nylon is one of the most widely used engineering plastics because of its strength, toughness and wear resistance. It is commonly used for gears, rollers, bearings, wear pads, structural components and material-handling applications.

Key features: High strength, excellent wear resistance, good impact resistance, low friction, good fatigue resistance, broad application range.

uhmw-key-features

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene is known for its exceptional abrasion resistance and very low coefficient of friction. It is widely used in conveyor systems, wear strips, liners, guides and other applications where sliding performance and impact resistance are important.

Key features: Outstanding abrasion resistance, very low friction, excellent impact strength, chemical resistance, moisture resistance, FDA-compliant grades available.

hdpe-key-features

High-density polyethylene is a versatile material used in tanks, cutting boards, piping, liners, fabricated components and many industrial applications. It offers a strong combination of chemical resistance, durability and affordability.

Key features: Chemical resistance, moisture resistance, good impact strength, lightweight, easy to fabricate, economical.

polypropylene-key-features

Polypropylene is widely used where chemical resistance, low weight and moisture resistance are important. It is common in chemical processing, laboratory, food processing, medical and industrial environments.

Key features: Excellent chemical resistance, lightweight, low moisture absorption, good fatigue resistance, weldable, cost-effective.

polycarbonate-key-features

Polycarbonate combines transparency with outstanding impact strength, making it useful for machine guards, windows, shields, enclosures and safety-related applications. It can provide far greater impact resistance than traditional glass while remaining lightweight.

Key features: Exceptional impact resistance, optical clarity, lightweight, good dimensional stability, thermoformable, available in UV-resistant grades.

acrylic-key-features

Acrylic is a transparent plastic valued for its optical clarity, weatherability and attractive appearance. It is commonly used for displays, viewing windows, signage, lighting applications and protective barriers.

Key features: Excellent optical clarity, UV resistance, weather resistance, good surface hardness, lightweight, easy to fabricate.

ptfe-key-features

PTFE is a high-performance fluoropolymer known for its extremely low friction and exceptional chemical resistance. It is used in seals, gaskets, bearings, electrical insulation and applications involving aggressive chemicals or demanding operating conditions.

Key features: Extremely low friction, exceptional chemical resistance, broad temperature range, excellent electrical insulation, non-stick properties.

pvdf-key-features

PVDF is a high-performance fluoropolymer used in applications requiring strong chemical resistance, purity and temperature performance. It is commonly found in chemical processing, semiconductor, pharmaceutical and fluid-handling systems.

Key features: Excellent chemical resistance, high purity, good temperature resistance, UV resistance, good mechanical strength, strong electrical properties.

peek-key-features

PEEK is one of the highest-performing thermoplastics available and is used in demanding aerospace, medical, semiconductor, energy and industrial applications. It maintains strength and dimensional stability at elevated temperatures and can perform in environments where many conventional plastics cannot.

Key features: High-temperature performance, excellent mechanical strength, chemical resistance, wear resistance, dimensional stability, low outgassing, available in reinforced grades.

pps-key-features

Polyphenylene sulfide is a high-temperature engineering plastic known for its chemical resistance, dimensional stability and inherent flame resistance. It is used in electrical, automotive, aerospace and industrial components exposed to demanding environments.

Key features: High-temperature resistance, excellent chemical resistance, dimensional stability, flame resistance, low moisture absorption, good electrical properties.

pei-ultem-key-features

Polyetherimide is a high-performance thermoplastic used where heat resistance, dimensional stability and flame performance are important. It is commonly used in aerospace, electronics, medical equipment and other technically demanding applications.

Key features: High heat resistance, inherent flame resistance, good strength and stiffness, dimensional stability, good electrical properties, transparent amber appearance in natural grades.

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