High-performance plastics are used for many critical applications in the aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial industries. This is because they meet higher requirements than standard or engineering plastics.
Their numerous advantageous properties make them more costly than standard or engineering plastics, so they are used less frequently. However, when you need to meet tight tolerances and strict standards, high-performance plastics are the top choice.
Properties of High-Performance Plastics
Lightweight
Plastics are less dense and more lightweight than metals, making them a good replacement for certain parts. High-performance plastics are used to replace metal components in machinery and airplanes that require durability but need to be light. Making these changes can reduce fuel requirements and consumption, lowering costs.
Durable
High-performance plastics have a high resistance to wear. These plastics can last for an extended period of time and require less maintenance during their lifetime. This durability makes these plastics a comparable replacement for metal parts.
Thermal Stability
These polymers have an operating temperature of over 300℉. With a high melting point, high-performance plastics are able to withstand extreme temperatures without losing any of their other properties.
Chemical Resistance
High-performance polymers have a higher resistance to acids, bases, solvents, oils, and gasses that they may be exposed to in various applications. This characteristic reduces the risk of corrosion and contamination throughout the lifetime of the product.
Electrical Insulation
Due to their low electrical conductivity and dielectric constant, high-performance plastics can prevent electrical shocks and interference without losing any of their other properties.
Common Applications of High-Performance Plastics
Aerospace
High-performance plastics are used in the aerospace industry constantly. Aircraft components that need good thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties are generally made of these plastics. High-performance plastics also have controlled fire behavior, low fume toxicity, good sliding properties, and high chemical resistance, making them ideal for these types of applications.
Products such as airframes, air-fairing components, fixing elements, landing gear, and many more are crafted from high-performance plastics.
Industrial
Industrial products that require heat and chemical resistance as well as durability are often made from high-performance plastics. Engine components for machinery or equipment, moldings, housings, gear wheels, and more are made from these plastics due to their exposure to extreme temperatures and potentially harmful chemicals.
Automotive
Flexibility, durability, heat resistance, elasticity, and chemical resistance are valued when creating automotive parts. High-performance plastics are used to create a wide range of products, including instrument panels, steering wheels, door panels, seals, and more.
Medical
The medical industry has some of the strictest standards and the products require materials with biocompatibility, no chemical reactivity, and radiation resistance. High-performance plastics are chosen when creating testing and diagnostic machines, pumps and valves, medical device batteries, lab instruments, and so much more.
Common High-Performance Plastics
PEEK
PEEK is the chosen plastic for many medical and pharmaceutical applications due to its durability and chemical, hydrolysis, temperature, steam, and wear resistance.
PSU
Because of its heat, mechanical, electrical, and chemical resistance and resistance to acids, salts, detergents, and radiation, PSU is used in analytical instrumentation, process equipment components, and medical devices.
PPS
PPS is more affordable than PEEK but offers many of the same benefits. It is great for use in structural applications and products that are subject to corrosive environments due to its high chemical resistance.
PVDF
This plastic offers chemical and temperature resistance while being soft. It also has high mechanical properties, is non-flammable, and is FDA-compliant. PVDF is used to create tubing and films for insulating applications, food and chemical processing, and cable jackets.
Turn to Ensinger Precision Components for Your High-Performance Plastic Needs
At Ensinger Precision Components, we can supply you with hundreds of high-performance polymers in every shape and size imaginable. Whether you need sheets, rods, tubes, or films in PTFE, PEEK, PVDF, or more, we have you covered. Our products are perfect for fabricating or machining custom components for a wide range of industries.
For years we have matched our clients with the right materials for their specific application, from manufacturing equipment to medical devices. Our expert team will discuss your needs and find the right product to minimize wear, increase productivity, and lower your costs. Contact our team at Ensinger. to see what we can do for you.