Unlike some other plastic materials, Ultem components can be applied in applications involving hot water and steam over periods of extended use. FDA-compliant Ultem grades are also available, making it ideal for food and beverage packaging. Multi-axis CNC machining is best for handling this high-temp plastic.

Vespel is a high-achieving plastic with excellent resistance to temperatures up to 300°C. Due to the plastic material’s dimensional stability, minimal outgassing, and chemical resistance, it’s a good fit for extreme environments. Because of these and other characteristics, Vespel is often used to manufacture:

While Vespel creates durable and high-quality components, it is tough to machine. Always work with an experienced machinist if you choose Vespel Polymide for CNC machining.

Teflon is a versatile and popular plastic for manufacturing custom components across many industries. It is resistant to temperatures up to 500°F, has a low coefficient of friction, and features excellent dimensional stability, allowing it to stand up against a wide range of conditions. Some examples of Teflon applications include:

High-performing and exceptionally versatile, PEEK is a popular choice for cost-effective heat-resistant plastic material. It creates plastic parts that are strong and stand up to continuous use. A few examples of PEEK applications include, but are not limited to:

Ultem is generally considered one of the best performing plastics with high-heat resistance. Its popularity comes from its excellent strength, stiffness, and ability to maintain high dimensional stability at temperatures up to 200°C. Many applications seek out Ultem to manufacture:

Teflon often experiences dimensional changes during CNC machining, and certain techniques must be utilized to handle the material properly. Because it is softer than other polymers, burrs can often be an issue for Teflon CNC machining. Cryogenic deburring can be a solution.

With over fifty years of experience CNC machining heat-resistant plastic materials for high-temp applications, Upland Fab is your top source for unparalleled industry knowledge and expert machining capabilities. We work with you to understand your planned application, design your part, and select the best high-heat polymer for your specific component and industry.

The top consideration for selecting a high-temp plastic material for CNC machining is the conditions of your planned application. Corrosive settings, load requirements, the amount of high-heat exposure, and much more can all impact which plastic is your best choice. If you’re not sure what challenges are involved in your application, let us help.

Like Vespel, Torlon is extremely difficult to machine. The stresses in the plastic material must be adequately managed to avoid critical flaws in the finished product. As moisture absorption must be controlled during handling, dry machining is recommended when working with Torlon polymers.

Upland Fab is here to help. Our team of highly trained machinists can explain how high-temperature plastics are defined and walk you through common plastic materials used to machine parts for high-heat applications.

Components machined from Torlon are strong, resistant to deformation, and can withstand temperatures up to 500°F. It exhibits a high level of dimensional stability and is a popular polymer choice for many industries. Some common applications of Torlon are:

Many applications and industries require plastic parts and components machined from heat-resistant polymers. These plastic materials must stand up to harsh environments, extreme temperatures, and repeated use without degradation of performance. However, choosing the best high-temperature plastic for your planned use can sometimes be challenging.

It is important to consult with an expert when manufacturing PEEK plastic parts as filled grades of PEEK are easily stressed during CNC machining. Precisely controlled processes are required to anticipate and manage these stresses.

Numerous elements impact the temperature resistance of any given polymer intended for CNC machining, such as the plastic’s underlying chemistry, any possible additives, and the material’s strength. However, three main factors are used to determine the heat resistance of any given plastic material: