Plastics differ in their machinability primarily due to their material-specific properties.
For example, PEEK is easy to machine due to its high stiffness and hardness. Hard, stiff plastics such as PEEK, as well as PPS and PEI, are less likely to form burrs and can therefore be machined with a high degree of precision.
POM, as well as PE and PA, often fall somewhere in between in terms of machinability. POM can generally be machined well and with dimensional accuracy. PE and PA, however, behave differently. Their higher toughness and lower stiffness make them prone to burr formation and warping. They therefore require a tailored process.
PTFE, on the other hand, is chemically very resistant, but significantly more difficult to machine due to its extreme softness and toughness.
Fibre-reinforced variants containing carbon or glass fibres are even more challenging. They are mechanically very abrasive, and potential internal material stresses must be taken into account during machining. As a general rule, the higher the proportion of reinforcing or filling materials, the more complex the machining process.
At Ensinger, we have decades of experience in the machining of engineering plastics. We understand the specific characteristics of each material and know how to machine it optimally. We are therefore happy to assist you in selecting the right material so that you can find the ideal polymer for your specific application.
We offer a wide range of standard, engineering and high-performance plastics for machining. From easily machinable thermoplastics to sophisticated high-performance materials. Thanks to our decades of experience across a wide variety of applications, we work with our customers to find the ideal material solution. Many factors influence the choice of machinable polymers, and we take these into careful consideration.
Below you will find a selection of the plastics we offer. We machine plastics manufactured in-house at our sites and, on request, your own external thermoplastic materials too. Please get in touch. Together we will find the right solution.
