CNC Machining for High Temperature Plastics

In the demanding world of precision engineering, materials capable of withstanding extreme thermal environments are increasingly critical. Hightemperature plastics offer a unique combination of properties that metals often cannot match, including excellent thermal stability, inherent lubricity, and superior chemical resistance. For industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical technology, mastering the CNC machining of these advanced polymers is key to innovation and performance.


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Hightemperature plastics, such as PEEK, PEI (Ultem), PPS, PAI (Torlon), and Vespel, are engineered to perform continuously at temperatures ranging from 180°C to over 300°C. Beyond their thermal capabilities, they are remarkably strong, lightweight, and resistant to a wide range of chemicals and wear. This makes them ideal for components like insulating bushings in jet engines, sterilizable surgical instruments, underthehood automotive sensors, and highload bearings in corrosive environments.

However, the very properties that make these plastics desirable also present significant machining challenges. Their toughness can lead to material flexing and springback, while their low thermal conductivity makes them susceptible to heat buildup at the cutting toolworkpiece interface. If not managed correctly, this can result in melting, poor surface finishes, and residual stresses that compromise the part's dimensional stability.

Successful CNC machining of hightemperature plastics requires a specialized approach. Key considerations include:

Tool Selection: Using sharp, polished carbide tools with specific geometries (often with high rake angles) is crucial to ensure clean shearing rather than smearing the material.

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Coolant Strategy: While some operations use compressed air or mist coolant to manage heat, often a strategic approach with sharp tools and high feed rates is employed to quickly evacuate chips, carrying heat away from the part.
Fixturing: Given that these materials can be less rigid than metals, secure and compliant fixturing is essential to prevent part movement and vibration, which can lead to inaccuracies.
Expertise in Parameters: Our technicians possess the deep knowledge to optimize spindle speeds, feed rates, and depth of cut for each specific polymer, balancing efficiency with impeccable quality.



As your onestop partner for custom components, we leverage our advanced CNC equipment and material science expertise to transform highperformance plastics into precise, reliable, and complex parts. We understand the critical tolerances and surface finish requirements your applications demand. By choosing our services, you gain access to components that reduce weight, eliminate lubrication, and perform reliably in the most challenging conditions, directly contributing to the success and growth of your products. Partner with us to push the boundaries of what's possible with hightemperature plastic machining.