A plastic materials coefficient of friction is its resistance when sliding over another material. Coefficient of friction is the ratio of resistive frictional force divided by the perpendicular force of the two objects pushing together. In the case of most engineering plastics, the friction is between steel, plastic or rubber. Each material is ranked based on their coefficient of friction.

Please note: other properties may affect the performance of engineering plastics in high stress environments.

Wear resistance is the ability of a plastic to resist the progressive volume from its surface through actions such as scraping, scratching, rubbing or sliding. This is entirely dependent on the type of contact, environmental conditions and the load applied. To form the below index, abrasion, pin on disk and block on ring tests were taken into account. 

Please note: other properties may affect the performance of engineering plastics in high stress environments.

A materials impact resistance is measured through a notched impact test. Plastics are considered impact resistant if it is able to withstand high levels of force without breaking, fracturing or deforming. A truly tough material is resist this force, able to be ductile and stretch under pressure. Choosing materials with a higher impact resistance can have a significant impact on the life of componentry. Each material is ranked based on a notched impact strength (Charpy) test.

Please note: other properties may affect the performance of engineering plastics in high stress environments.

The operating temperature of engineering plastics is often separated into two categories: short time (hours) or continuous use (10,000 hours +). Materials are deemed to have reached their maximum operating temperature if there is a significant and consistent decrease in its mechanical properties.

Please note: other properties may affect the performance of engineering plastics in high stress environments.

A materials density is calculated by the division of the mass of the material by its volume. The ratio of material density and water density is specific gravity. If the specific gravity is less than 1, the polymer will float when submerged in water. Each material is ranked on their material density (g/cm^3).

Please note: other properties may affect the performance of engineering plastics in high stress environments.

When selecting the correct engineering plastic material for your application, it is important to consider whether the plastic is UV resistant. Symptoms of plastics effected by UV include: yellowing, leeching, bleaching, stress cracks / brittleness and diminishing strength. Choosing a inherently UV resistant plastic minimises the aforementioned symptoms. Standard plastic may be made UV stable with the addition of additives and stabilisers. 

Please note: other properties may affect the performance of engineering plastics in high stress environments.

Although chemical resistance can be simplified, the relationship between corrosive chemicals and plastic materials can be complex with elements such as chemical classification, temperature, wear, time in contact and concentration. For the purposes of a concise resistance matrix, this index will account for the quantity of pure chemicals a material is resistant to in a low stress environment. For more information on specific resistances between plastic materials and acids, contact our sales team. Each material is ranked on a scale of 1 to 10, indexing its suitability in environments requiring high chemical resistance. Each material is ranked on a scale of 1 to 10 – (10 denoting high chemical resistance).

Please note: other properties may affect the performance of engineering plastics in high stress environments.

Engineering plastics can be excellent electrical insulators. Factors that need to be taken into account when assessing a materials electrical properties include volume resistivity, surface resistivity, dielectric strength and the dissipation factor. Materials with excellent electrical properties maintain their mechanical properties in high voltage environments. Each material is ranked on a scale of 1 to 10, indexing its suitability in environments requiring excellent electrical properties. Each material is ranked based on dielectric strength.

Please note: other properties may affect the performance of engineering plastics in high stress environments.

Different engineering plastic materials have different ease of machinability. This is mainly caused by low thermal conductivity, low melting points, resist chipping and offer dimensional stability. Important factors in engineering plastic machining:

• Coolants –  A soluble oil and water solution assists in the prevention of burning material.
• Tooling – Sharp cutting edges ensure clean cuts limiting unnecessary friction.
• RPM and Machining Forces – Plastics are required to be machined at lower RPMS and with less clamp force to minimise burning and preventing material deformation.

Each material is ranked on a scale of 1 to 10 – (10 denoting excellent machinability).

Please note: other properties may affect the performance of engineering plastics in high stress environments.

A engineering plastics absorption is its capacity to absorb moisture from its environment. Absorbed moisture acts as a plasticizer, thus reducing the glass transition temperature and the mechanical properties of the material. Each material is ranked on a scale of 1 to 10 – (10 denoting low water absorption).

Please note: other properties may affect the performance of engineering plastics in high stress environments.