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The world of the most common technical thermoplastics

Among the technical thermoplastics that form similarly waxy surfaces like PP or PE is polyacetal (POM = polyoxymethylene), which is typically used for gears, bearings, or guiding systems due to its low friction values. It is mainly processed through injection molding.

A popular technical thermoplastic is polyamide (PA). This very tough and robust plastic is found almost everywhere. It is processed into plain bearings, fan wheels, housings, connectors, dowels, and rollers. It has also found its place in the engine sector because it is resistant to oils and gasoline.

Then we come to polycarbonate (PC). It can be compared with PMMA in terms of optical properties, but it is much more heat resistant (PMMA about 90°C (194°F), PC up to about 140°C(284°F)). The most common occurrence is perhaps the visors of motorcycle helmets. Today, lenses for streetlights are also made from it. The thermoplastic is also found in car headlights due to its heat resistance.

ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) belongs to the so-called 3-component molding compounds. This plastic, also referred to as terpolymer, remains impact resistant even at low temperatures (-40 °C or -104°F). This is due to the butadiene content, a rubber-like plastic. It is resistant to many chemicals and well-suited to functionalize a component with metal inserts. Its property profile makes it suitable for applications in the automotive sector (dashboard, bumpers, buttons), for all kinds of housings, and in the toy sector. ABS can also be easily electroplated.

These thermoplastics also withstand high temperatures

Let us now turn to the very special thermoplastics, which are characterized primarily by their high temperature resistance. At the same time, however, their processing becomes more energy-intensive because they have to be melted to become a component. They are usually also resistant to many aggressive chemical media.

For example, we have the so-called polysulfone (PSU). It must be processed in a temperature range between 330 and 400 °C (between 626°F and 752°F). The operating temperature is around 200 °C (392°F). It is mostly found where a lot of heat is generated, i.e., as electrical switches, microwave cookware, and in medicine because it is sterilizable.

Then there is PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), which is used to manufacture pump housings, bearing bushings, and impellers intended for use at higher temperatures.

Some may be familiar with PEEK (Polyetheretherketone). In terms of heat resistance and mechanical properties, it even surpasses glass-fiber reinforced variants of PPS and PSU. Only concentrated sulfuric acid challenges this thermoplastic. This high-temperature plastic withstands 250 °C (482°F) permanently. It can be injection-molded or extruded at the corresponding processing temperatures. The main application areas are electrical engineering and electronics, as well as aerospace and the military sector. This high-tech thermoplastic is sometimes capable of replacing metals.

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