Top 10 Plastics Used in CNC Machining (With Applications)

CNC machining supports a wide range of plastics, each with unique properties. Here are ten commonly used materials and their typical applications.

1. ABS

Strong, lightweight, and cost-effective.

Applications: housings, consumer parts

2. POM (Acetal)

High stiffness and low friction.

Applications: gears, bushings

3. Nylon (PA)

Tough and wear-resistant.

Applications: mechanical components

4. Polycarbonate (PC)

High impact resistance.

Applications: protective covers

5. PTFE

Excellent chemical resistance and low friction.

Applications: seals, sliding parts

6. HDPE

Lightweight and chemical-resistant.

Applications: containers, industrial parts

7. PVC

Good chemical resistance and durability.

Applications: piping components

8. Acrylic (PMMA)

Transparent and visually appealing.

Applications: display parts

9. PEEK

High-performance engineering plastic.

Applications: aerospace, medical

10. UHMW-PE

Extremely low friction and wear-resistant.

Applications: conveyor parts

Conclusion

Each plastic offers different advantages. The best choice depends on your specific application requirements, including strength, environment, and cost.