Plastic Material Type List + Plastic CNC Machining Solution

Plastic machining is one of the most common industrial processes due to the high usage of plastic materials. However, modern plastic CNC machining is not what it used to be. Today’s plastics can be strong enough to withstand the impact of bullets. This requires very strong machining methods.

CNC machining plastics has become an excellent solution to meet these requirements. There are many types of plastics with different physical properties and chemical structures. All of these types are easy to process through CNC machining.

This article will explore the CNC machining applications of plastic materials. It will provide a detailed description of the different types of CNC machined plastic parts and their physical properties. You can decide which plastic material is best suited for your job requirements based on the information provided here.

1.Why Use Plastics for CNC Machining?

First, consider the material itself:

Plastics are lightweight and have a much lower density than metals, making machined parts particularly suitable for applications requiring minimal weight, such as automotive and aerospace. They are also resistant to rust and chemical corrosion, making them safe for use in environments like medical, food processing, and chemical equipment. These are challenges for metal.

Plastics come in a wide variety of shapes, including ABS, nylon, polycarbonate, acrylic, POM (Delrin), PTFE (Teflon), and even PEEK. Depending on the needs, materials can be selected for high strength, electrical insulation, transparency, or chemical resistance, making them versatile.

Second, consider CNC machining technology:

Using CNC for plastic parts offers several advantages: high precision and consistency, achieving tolerances as tight as ±0.01mm, minimizing errors. Complex shapes or unusual structures can also be fabricated using multi-axis CNC machining, eliminating the need for mold costs.

Especially for small and medium-sized batches or prototypes, there’s no need for injection molds. Simply cut the pieces, design the program, and you can produce a prototype in a few hours or days, making it fast and cost-effective.

During CNC machining of plastic, plastic isn’t hard and isn’t prone to damaging the blade (of course, there are issues with heat deformation and tool sticking, but these can be avoided with the right tool selection, controlled cutting parameters, and cooling). It also protects the machining equipment and tooling, and doesn’t wear out as quickly as metal tools do.

To summarize, the reasons for using plastic for CNC machining are:

1. Material: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, rust-resistant, non-conductive (can be insulated), and available in a variety of physical properties.
2. Process: Low mold investment, fast cycle time, and the ability to produce high-precision and complex structures. It’s suitable for panelization, small-batch production, R&D, and customization, and is also adaptable to a wide range of industries.

Precisely because of the advantages of both material and technology, plastic CNC machining is widely used in various industries, including automotive, aviation, medical equipment, electronic housings, and food service. If you need lightweight, precise, and easily adaptable parts, plastic CNC machining is often a cost-effective and effective solution.

Xavier specializes in high-precision plastic CNC machining, supporting both prototyping and mass production. We use materials that meet standards to ensure consistent quality. Our engineering team can assist with material selection and design optimization to improve machining efficiency. Simply upload your drawings for an instant quote and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) analysis, ensuring fast, affordable service.

2.What are the common plastics that are CNC machined?

Any plastic can be CNC machined. Some common plastics that use this process include:

1) Nylon (PA)

Nylon has good chemical and heat resistance. Therefore, nylon is often used in applications such as insulation and jacketing. Nylon gaskets are used in circuit breakers in the electronics industry. Common processes for nylon are CNC milling machines and lathes. There are many different grades of nylon. Nylon 6/6 is a type commonly used in plastic CNC machining.

① Advantages

1. Very cheap cost
2. Lightweight
3. High heat resistance
4. No fire
5. Retains color
6. Durability
7. Good finish

② Disadvantages

1. Easy to melt at high temperature
2. Hygroscopicity

③ Uses

1. Clothes
2. Fishing line
3. Fishing net
4. Conveyor belt
5. Safety belt
6. Parachute
7. Camping equipment

2) Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene is also known as polyethylene. It is the most commonly used and produced type of plastic. The popularity of polyethylene has led to the emergence of several different types. The two common polyethylenes in plastic CNC processing are LDPE and HDPE.

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE): LDPE has low tensile strength, high ductility, and low density. Common applications of LDPE are in the manufacture of trays and foils for the packaging industry. It has very low hygroscopicity.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE): HDPE has better physical properties than LDPE. The main advantages of HDPE are its high density and high tensile strength. Plastic bottles and plastic tubes are made of HDPE material.

① Advantages of polyethylene

1. Rich variety
2. Very cheap cost
3. Light
4. Waterproof performance
5. Flexible

② Disadvantages of polyethylene

1. Harmful to the environment
2. Made from fossil fuels
3. Produces greenhouse gas emissions

③ Uses

1. Food packaging
2. Bottles
3. Pipes
4. Pallets
5. Food bags
6. Garbage bags
7. Insulation materials
8. Toys

3) Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) belongs to the polyester plastic material subcategory. It is the main component of packaging in the food and beverage industry. It is a hygienic, waterproof and lightweight material. It is also one of the easy-to-process plastics used in plastic CNC machining projects.

① Advantages of PET

1. High strength-to-weight ratio
2. Low cost
3. Hygienic
4. Food grade
5. Recyclable

② Disadvantages of PET

1. Non-biodegradable

③ Uses of PET

1. Water bottles
2. Jars
3. Ropes
4. Auto parts
5. Protective packaging

4) Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

PVC is one of the strongest and most versatile plastics. It is a very durable material with high tensile strength, light weight, and chemical resistance. PVC comes in many forms for different applications.

①Advantages of PVC

1. High chemical resistance
2. Electrical insulation performance
3. Dimensional stability
4. Corrosion resistance
5. Waterproof

②Disadvantages of PVC

1. Easy to crack at high temperature
2. No decomposition

③Applications

1. Drain pipes
2. Water supply pipes
3. Window frames
4. Medical equipment
5. Blood bags
6. Insulation
7. Automotive interior parts

5) Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC)

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride is derived from PVC itself. CPVC is obtained after continuous chlorination of PVC resin. The performance of CPVC is improved over that of PVC plastic. The purpose of CPVC is to eliminate the disadvantage of PVC being easily affected by temperature during plastic CNC processing.

①Advantages of CPVC

1.High temperature resistance

2.High flexibility

②Disadvantages of CPVC

1.Brittle

2.High thermal expansion coefficient

③Applications

1.Cold water delivery system

2.Hot water pipes

3.Pipes

4.Vents

6) Polycarbonate (PC)

Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic polymer. More than one billion kilograms of polycarbonate are produced each year. This is because polycarbonate has excellent physical properties and a wide range of applications.

①Advantages of PC

1.High strength

2.High toughness

3.Can be a transparent thermoplastic

② Disadvantages of PC

1.Scratches easily

2.Not cheap

③Applications

1.Safety glass

2.Bulletproof glass

3.Room dividers

4.Electronics

5.Construction

7) Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene, also known as polypropylene, is a thermoplastic polymer with slightly improved performance over polyethylene.

①Advantages of PP

1. Cheap price
2. High bending strength
3. Good chemical resistance
4. Moisture resistance
5. Repairable
6. Low friction coefficient

②Disadvantages of PP

1. Flammable
2. Difficult to paint
3. Degrades under UV light
4. High thermal expansion coefficient

③Uses of PP

1. Mechanical parts
2. Soft packaging
3. Hard packaging
4. Handbags
5. Bottle caps
6. Medical equipment

8) Polyphenylene sulfone (PPSU)

Polyphenylene sulfone is an aromatic ring polymer. It is an easy-to-process plastic. It can also be injection molded. It is a high-performance thermoplastic.

① Advantages of PPSU

1. Highly impact-resistant
2. High temperature resistance
3. Sterile material
4. High chemical resistance
5. Food grade
6. Washable
7. Durable

② Disadvantages of PPSU

1. High tendency to scale

③ Applications

1. Water bottles
2. Baby bottles
3. Aircraft frames
4. Sterilization trays
5. Medical equipment

9) Polysulfone (PSU)

Polysulfone is another high-performance thermoplastic like PPSU. PSU parts can be used in a wide temperature range. Common temperature range is -100°C to 200°C. This temperature range makes it one of the highest use temperatures among plastics.

① Advantages of PSU

1. High thermal stability
2. Chemical inertness
3. Non-flammable
4. High hydrolysis stability

② Disadvantages of PSU

1. Not resistant to solvents
2. Hydrophobicity

③ Applications

1. Wastewater recovery system
2. Hemodialysis system
3. Gas separation
4. Food and beverage equipment

10) Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)

PPS has many different names due to the many brands that produce it. Some common brand names include Durafide, Petcoal, Ecotran, and Fortron. It is a high-temperature thermoplastic polymer.

① Advantages of PPS

1.High temperature resistance
2.Flowability
3.Chemical corrosion resistance
4.Dimensional stability
5.Good electrical insulation

② Disadvantages of PPS

1.Notch sensitivity
2.Poor tracking resistance

③ Applications

1.Coal-fired boiler filter cloth
2.Film capacitors
3.Gaskets
4.Specialty films
5.Packaging

11) Polyetherimide (PEI) – Ultem

PEI is an amorphous thermoplastic. Its color spectrum ranges from amber to transparent. It is a cheaper alternative to PEEK thermoplastic with similar properties.

① Advantages of PEI

1.Transparency
2.Adhesion properties

② Disadvantages of PEI

1.Low impact resistance

③ Applications

1.3D printer bed

12) Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW)

UHMW is a subtype of thermoplastic polyethylene. It is also known as high modulus polyethylene (HMPE). Since it is a long-chain polymer, it has good load handling capabilities.

① Advantages

1. Highest impact strength among all thermoplastics
2. High wear resistance
3. High toughness
4. Odorless
5. Non-toxic

② Disadvantages

1. Low melting point (about 130°C)
2. Creep deformation under long-term stress

③ Uses

1. Bearing material
2. Idler
3. Chain guide
4. Mechanical parts
5. Gear

13) Polyoxymethylene (POM or Acetal)

Polyoxymethylene is one of the most commonly used plastics in CNC machining. It also has another name, Delrin. It is a very easy to process plastic.

① Advantages

1. It may be visually appealing
2. Heat resistance
3. Abrasion-resistant surface
4. Weather resistance
5. Chemical resistance
6. Impact resistance

② Disadvantages

1. Poor acid resistance
2. Difficult to bond

③ Uses

1. Seat belt parts
2. Electronic cigarettes
3. Insulin pens
4. Water meters
5. Guitar picks

14) Polystyrene (PS or Styrofoam)

Polystyrene is a foam polymer solid. The foam variety is patented and traded under the name Styrofoam. Styrofoam is actually an extruded polystyrene (XPS). DuPont owns the trademark for Styrofoam and produces it worldwide. Styrofoam is 98% air, giving it a foamy nature.

① Advantages

1. Lightweight
2. Buoyancy

② Disadvantages

1. Harmful to the environment

③ Uses

1. Building materials
2. Insulation boards
3. Arts and crafts

15) Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

ABS is another popular plastic for CNC machining. It is a thermoplastic polymer. It has a wide range of applications in different industries due to its impressive physical properties.

① Advantages

1. Good impact resistance
2. Toughness
3. High rigidity
4. Good stability under load

② Disadvantages

1. Low melting point
2. Poor response to UV exposure
3. Poor weather resistance

③ Uses

1. Hard hats
2. Helmets
3. Vacuum cleaners
4. Printers
5. Musical instruments
6. Kitchenware

16) Carbon fiber (CF)

Carbon fiber is basically carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). It is a material in which fine carbon fiber bundles are added to a base plastic to improve performance. It is classified as a composite material.

① Advantages

1. Extremely strong plastic
2. Light
3. High rigidity
4. High strength-to-weight ratio

② Disadvantages

1. Expensive
2. Thermal conductivity
3. Poor electrical insulation

③ Applications

1. Aerospace
2. Machine tool spindle
3. Robotic arm
4. Power transmission shaft

17) Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon)

Teflon is the brand name of polytetrafluoroethylene. It is patented by Chemours. Interestingly, Teflon was also discovered by DuPont, which already owned the trademark for polystyrene foam. Chemours, which branched out from DuPont, is the global manufacturer of Teflon.

Let’s take a closer look at the details of CNC machining with Teflon.

① Advantages

1. Non-stick
2. Heat resistance
3. Cold resistance
4. Coating form
5. Long service life

② Disadvantages

1. Expensive
2. Difficult to mass produce
3. Deformation under pressure
4. Cannot be welded

③ Applications

1. Non-stick pans
2. Wear-resistant coating for cars
3. Coating for surgical equipment

18) Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or acrylic resin

PMMA has many different names, such as acrylic and acrylic glass. There are many other brand names, such as Lucite, Plexiglass, Perclax, Perspex, etc. Due to its high transparency, acrylic is widely used in machining, replacing traditional glass.

① Advantages

1. Shatter resistance
2. Optical clarity
3. Transparency
4. It can be bonded with strong glue.
5. Heat welding can be performed.
6. Can be mixed with chlorinated solvents.

② Disadvantages

1. Easily scratched
2. Cannot withstand extremely high temperatures

③ Applications

1. Kitchen backsplash
2. Glass cabinets
3. Home decoration
4. Photo frames
5. Wall shelves
6. Tables

19) Polysiloxane (Silicone)

Polysilicone is a colorless rubber-like substance also known as silicone. It is used in many plastic CNC machining applications in the electronics, household, electrical, automotive and aviation manufacturing industries.

① Advantages

1. Anti-wrinkle and wrinkle
2. Thermal stability
3. Low toxicity
4. No microbial growth
5. Waterproof

② Disadvantages

1. Poor tear strength
2. Poor abrasion resistance

③ Applications

1. Lubricant
2. Sealant
3. Adhesive
4. Heat insulation
5. Electrical insulation

20) Poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (Kevlar)

Poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide), commonly known as Kevlar and Twaron, is one of the most popular aromatic polyamides in the world. It is a synthetic fiber developed by DuPont, and its physical properties are comparable to or even better than those of metals and alloys.

① Advantages

1. Extremely high strength
2. High impact resistance

② Disadvantages

1. Hygroscopicity
2. Poor compression resistance
3. Expensive

③ Applications

1. Racing tires
2. Bicycle tires
3. Bulletproof vests
4. Armor

21) Acetal copolymer (Celcon)

Celcon is a high-performance acetal polymer that operates over a wide temperature range. It resists most harsh conditions and has a long service life. Celcon has many subtypes, such as UV resistance, abrasion resistance, glass reinforcement, bleaching resistance, impact resistance, etc.

① Advantages

1. Moisture resistance
2. Fuel resistance
3. Excellent chemical resistance
4. Good dimensional stability
5. Long-term fatigue resistance

② Disadvantages

1. A certain degree of toxicity

③ Applications

1. Fuel system
2. Pipeline applications
3. Gears
4. Springs
5. Clips

22) Polyphenylene oxide (PPO)

PPO is a high-temperature thermoplastic. It is a difficult material to manufacture. Therefore, it is usually used in mixed form. It is also called polyphenylene ether (PPE). It has quite good performance characteristics. It is mixed with polystyrene to improve its physical properties.

① Advantages

1. High-performance plastics
2. Good temperature handling
3. Radiation resistance
4. Low moisture absorption
5. Good dimensional stability
6. Chemical corrosion resistance
7. High wear resistance

② Disadvantages

1. Expensive
2. Difficult to manufacture

③ Uses

1. Electronic products
2. Structural parts
3. Sterilized equipment in healthcare
4. Automotive parts

23) Polyimide

Kapton is a special type of polyamide film. DuPont invented this film. It has the best temperature handling performance of all plastics. It can withstand temperatures between -269°C and 400°C.

① Advantages

1. Extreme temperature handling
2. Good mechanical properties
3. Retains shape at high temperatures

② Disadvantages

1. Susceptible to radiation damage
2. Mechanical properties deteriorate with aging

③ Applications

1. Space blankets
2. Flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs)
3. 3D printing
4. Space applications

24) Polyethersulfone (PES)

PES plastics are available in blocks, sheets, and rods. Sometimes referred to as PESU. These plastics have good physical properties and temperature handling capabilities. PES is reddish brown in color and has high transparency.

① Advantages

1. Good dimensional stability
2. Good temperature handling
3. Withstands high temperatures for long periods of time
4. High mechanical strength
5. Rigidity
6. Hydrolysis resistance

② Disadvantages

1. Rough surface
2. Hydrophobicity
3. Membrane fouling

③ Applications

1. Dialysis membranes
2. Surgical operating room star
3. Infusion equipment
4. Sterilization boxes

25) Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)

PVDF is a chemically inert thermoplastic. It is a specialty plastic used in very niche applications. The main use of this plastic is when a highly non-reactive material is required. PVDF is resistant to any chemical. It is available in a variety of different forms, such as tubes, sheets, powders, pipes, plates, and films.

① Advantages

1. Weldable
2. High chemical inertness
3. Will not be degraded by acids
4. Solvent resistant
5. Non-toxic within temperature limits

② Disadvantages

1. High dissipation factor
2. Scaling

③ Applications

1. Defense equipment
2. Chemical industry
3. Semiconductor manufacturing
4. 3D printer filament
5. High gloss metallic paint

26) Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)

TPE is sometimes called thermoplastic rubber. It is a mixture of different polymers, usually plastic and rubber. TPE is different from traditional elastomers, which are thermosetting in nature. However, the thermoplastic properties of TPE allow many different manufacturing methods to be applied.

① Advantages

1. Good elongation
2. Return to original shape after elongation
3. Long service life
4. Higher physical range than other plastics

② Disadvantages

1. Below average heat resistance
2. Significant decrease in physical properties when temperature rises

③ Applications

1. Cables and wires
2. Toys
3. Automotive parts
4. Shoes
5. Sports equipment
6. Consumer goods

27) Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)

TPU is a large class of polyurethane (PU). It can exhibit a range of different properties. It is easily processed by CNC, extrusion and injection molding. It can also be calendered. Due to the wide range of manufacturing processes, TPU waste can be recycled repeatedly.

① Advantages

1. Easy to process
2. Wide range of manufacturing processes
3. Recyclable
4. Elasticity
5. Transparency
6. Oil-resistant
7. Grease-resistant
8. Abrasion-resistant

② Disadvantages

1. Some types have a short shelf life
2. Not cost-effective

③ Applications

1. 3D printer filaments
2. Car dashboards
3. Power tools
4. Sports equipment
5. Casters
6. Footwear
7. Inflatable rafts
8. Fire hoses

28) Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)

PEEK is a very popular thermoplastic for CNC machining. It is colorless in its pure state. It has a melting point of 343 °C, making it ideal for high-temperature applications. Many PEEK subtypes can easily reach operating temperatures of 250 °C.

① Advantages

1. Resistant to thermal degradation
2. Good operating temperature
3. Resistant to chemical corrosion
4. Good mechanical properties

② Disadvantages

1. Expensive
2. Degrades under UV light
3. Does not biodegrade

③ Uses

1. Water pumps
2. Aerospace parts
3. Medical implants
4. Bearings

3.Process Options and Considerations for CNC Machining Plastics

CNC machining of plastic parts is similar to machining metal parts. CNC machines also use a machine to chip away at the original plastic block, creating the desired shape. Different plastic materials and part structures require different machining methods, but the following are the most common ones:

CNC Turning

This is similar to machining cylindrical parts on a lathe. The plastic workpiece rotates, and the tool cuts into it, removing excess material. Because plastic is not as hard as metal, specialized tool design is required, such as larger angles and smoother surfaces, to achieve a smoother surface. The tool should move slowly during roughing and finer during finishing to ensure accurate dimensions and a good finish.

CNC Milling

Milling is used when the part is complex or has a non-circular shape. In this process, the tool rotates while the plastic workpiece is stationary. Multi-axis CNC milling machines (such as three- and five-axis) can machine complex structures in multiple directions. Radius cutters are best used to reduce cracking at sharp corners. During machining, maintain a high speed, avoid excessive clamping, and ensure adequate cooling to prevent overheating and deformation.

CNC Drilling

For some plastic parts requiring holes, specialized drill bits are essential. The drill angle is generally between 90 and 150 degrees, resulting in cleaner holes that are less prone to cracking. Drilling too deep can cause the drill bit to jam, so drilling deeper than three or four times the drill bit diameter is generally not recommended. When drilling quickly to create a hole, slow down the speed to avoid cracking. Also, remember to maintain a cooling system; excessive heat can easily cause problems.

CNC Engraving

If you’re machining flat or curved plastic sheets, a CNC engraver is more convenient. It can cut plastic into your desired shape according to a set path, with excellent speed and precision. It is particularly suitable for making housings, panels, and decorative parts.

In addition, there are a few other points you may want to keep in mind:

Plastics don’t conduct heat as well as metals and easily heat up during machining, so cooling is crucial. Air cooling is sometimes used, while water cooling is sometimes used, depending on the situation.

Tools must be specifically designed for plastics, otherwise they will wear quickly and burr easily.

Some plastics generate static electricity, causing cutting chips to stick everywhere during machining. A static-eliminating blower or spray can be used.

Also, be careful when clamping. Plastics are relatively soft, and clamping too tightly can damage the part.

Common plastics suitable for CNC machining include thermoplastics such as ABS, nylon, acrylic (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), POM (Delrin), PTFE (Teflon), and POM. Different materials have different properties; some are suitable for high-strength parts, while others are suited to transparent parts.

In general, there are many different methods for CNC machining plastics. Choosing the right method, tools, and parameters can not only achieve high efficiency but also produce high-precision, high-quality plastic parts. These plastic parts are widely used in industries such as medical devices, electronic housings, and automotive parts. If you have plastic parts processing needs, these processes are worth understanding.

4.Industry Applications of Plastic CNC Machined Parts

With the advent of CNC machining, it has become easier to produce plastic CNC machined parts across industries while ensuring accuracy and durability.

Medical Industry

CNC machining can produce parts such as surgical instruments, prosthetic limbs, and medical device housings.
It can achieve precise dimensions and smooth surfaces while ensuring compliance with strict hygiene and safety standards.

Automotive Parts

In the automotive industry, many dashboards, air vents, and interior trims are CNC-machined plastic parts. Replacing some metal parts with plastic reduces vehicle weight while maintaining strength and functionality, improving performance.

Aerospace Parts

Plastic is used to machine aircraft interiors, prototypes, and some structural components. These parts, produced using CNC machining technology, are lightweight, heat-resistant, and feature high precision, making them ideal for demanding environments.

Electronics Industry

In electronic products, CNC-machined plastic parts are commonly found in connectors, housings, insulators, and buttons. These parts have strict dimensional requirements, and precision machining determines their reliability and durability.

In addition, plastic CNC machining is also used in industries such as robotics, packaging, and instrumentation, meeting the production needs of various customized parts.

5.How to Choose the Right Plastic for Your CNC Project?

No matter what product you are producing, there are many different plastics to choose from. When choosing a plastic, you should evaluate various parameters that influence your decision.

Some of these factors include:

1. Hardness and Strength: Hardness and strength are the primary considerations when choosing a plastic. The plastic should be strong enough to withstand the weight and impact of the specific application of the part.
2. Chemical Resistance: Chemical resistance is very important when the plastic is subjected to harsh conditions.
3. Moisture Resistance: Moisture resistance is a parameter of plastics in high humidity environments. Moisture-resistant plastics are also required for outdoor applications.
4. Appearance: The appearance of the plastic is important when an aesthetically pleasing part is required. This is crucial for use cases such as toys. Sometimes, when visibility is required, transparent thermoplastics are used.
5. Heat resistance: Heat resistance of plastics is important for outdoor applications, thermal applications, and even electrical insulators.
6. Budget: Budgets for plastics range widely. Materials such as polyethylene and nylon can be very cheap. Meanwhile, high-strength plastic composites can be expensive.

6.Summary

When quality and precision are important, CNC plastic machining is the process of choice for plastic materials. Injection molding has major drawbacks in terms of consistency and precision. Furthermore, additive manufacturing technology only works with plastics that can be thermoformed.