How to choose the right engineering plastic for each application

Selecting the right plastic for an industrial process is essential to ensure efficiency, durability, and safety in production. Each material has specific properties that make it more suitable for certain applications. Below, we explain the key factors to consider and the characteristics of the most commonly used plastics in the industry.

Key factors for choosing an engineering plastic

• Mechanical resistance: It determines the material's ability to withstand loads, impacts, and compression or tensile forces without deforming.
• Operating temperature: Some plastics can withstand extreme temperatures without losing their properties, while others have lower thermal limits.
• Chemical resistance: It is important to evaluate the material's exposure to acids, solvents, oils, or other chemicals that may degrade it.
• Coefficient of friction: If the application requires constant movement, a low-friction material is needed to minimize wear.
• Weight and ease of machining: Some plastics are lighter and easier to work with, which reduces production and maintenance costs.

Main engineering plastics and their applications

✔ Nylon (PA6, PA66)

• High mechanical and impact resistance.
• Good vibration absorption.
• It is used in gears, bearings, pulleys and friction parts.

✔ UHMW polyethylene

• Excellent wear resistance and low friction.
• Ideal for conveyors, guides and protective coatings.
• Withstands constant impacts without fracturing.

✔ Acetal (POM)

• Dimensional stability and machining precision.
• Low coefficient of friction, ideal for moving parts.
• It is used in precision gears, valves and mechanical components.

✔ PTFE (Teflon)

• Maximum chemical and thermal resistance.
• Non-stick, low-friction surface.
• Used in seals, packaging, coatings and electrical insulation.

✔ Polycarbonate

• High transparency and impact resistance.
• Withstands extreme temperatures without breaking.
• Applied in industrial protections, windows and structural components.

Conclusion

Selecting the right plastic depends on the conditions of use and the expected performance of each material. Considering mechanical, chemical, and thermal resistance is key to ensuring durability and efficiency in industrial applications.

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