Engineering Plastics — Definition & Classification
Engineering plastics are a category of high-performance polymers known for their excellent mechanical properties, heat resistance, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability.
They are widely used in automotive, electronics, machinery, medical, and consumer product industries.
Compared with general-purpose plastics (e.g., PE, PP), engineering plastics deliver significantly higher performance.

Based on performance, application requirements, and cost, engineering plastics are generally classified into three levels — basic, intermediate, and high-performance grades.
Below is a detailed breakdown of their characteristics, representative materials, and applications.

1. Basic Engineering Plastics
   Basic engineering plastics offer essential performance at relatively lower cost, providing adequate mechanical strength and durability for applications with moderate requirements.
   They are easy to process and widely used in general industrial and consumer products.

Representative Materials:

*Nylon (Polyamide, PA)

Properties: High mechanical strength, good wear and fatigue resistance, decent chemical resistance; however, high water absorption may affect dimensional stability.

Common Grades: PA6, PA66

Applications: Gears, bearings, automotive under-hood components, textile machinery parts, sporting goods.

*Polyoxymethylene (POM, Acetal)

Properties: High stiffness, low friction coefficient, excellent dimensional stability and wear resistance, strong chemical resistance; limited high-temperature performance (~100°C).

Applications: Precision gears, rollers, automotive fuel system parts, fasteners, electronic housings.

*Polycarbonate (PC)

Properties: High transparency, excellent impact resistance, good dimensional stability; lower scratch resistance and limited chemical resistance.

Applications: Helmets, eyewear lenses, electronics housings, medical devices (e.g., dialysis casings).

*Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Properties: Good impact resistance, easy to process and surface finish, balanced mechanical properties; lower heat resistance (~80–100°C).

Applications: Appliance housings, automotive interior components, toys (e.g., LEGO bricks).

*Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)

Properties: High stiffness, excellent electrical insulation, strong chemical resistance, moderate heat resistance (~120°C).

Applications: Electrical connectors, automotive electrical parts, appliance components.

Advantages: Lower cost, excellent processability, suitable for large-scale production, sufficient mechanical performance for general engineering use.
Limitations: Lower heat, chemical, and long-term durability compared to higher-grade plastics; best suited for medium-load and non-extreme environments.

2. Intermediate Engineering Plastics
   Intermediate-grade plastics offer better heat resistance, strength, and specialized functions (e.g., flame retardancy, electrical insulation) than basic grades, making them ideal for more demanding industrial applications, at moderate cost.

Representative Materials:

*Modified Polyphenylene Ether (PPE/PS)

Properties: Excellent dimensional stability, heat resistance (~100–150°C), outstanding electrical insulation, good chemical resistance; often blended with PS to improve processability.

Applications: Automotive electrical parts, machinery housings, electronic devices.

*Polysulfone (PSU)

Properties: High heat resistance (~150–200°C), strong mechanical properties, good chemical resistance, transparent, suitable for high-temperature and chemical environments.

Applications: Surgical instruments, electronic components, automotive engine parts.

*Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Properties: High strength, good wear resistance, moderate heat resistance (~120–150°C), often reinforced with glass fiber for higher performance.

Applications: Bottles, films, fibers, automotive parts.

*Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)

Properties: High elasticity, excellent abrasion resistance, strong oil and chemical resistance, moderate heat resistance (~100–120°C).

Applications: Footwear, hoses, wire/cable sheathing, medical equipment.

Advantages: Balanced cost-to-performance ratio, good mechanical strength, heat resistance, and special functions; good processability.
Limitations: Higher cost than basic plastics, not as stable as high-performance grades under extreme environments.

3. High-Performance Engineering Plastics
   High-performance grades deliver exceptional properties such as ultra-high heat resistance, superior mechanical strength, outstanding chemical resistance, and specialized functions (e.g., low friction, self-lubrication).
   They are designed for extreme environments and high-precision applications and typically come at higher cost.

Representative Materials:

*Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)

Properties: Extremely high heat resistance (~250–300°C), superior strength and chemical resistance, low friction, excellent wear resistance.

Applications: Aerospace engine parts, medical implants, semiconductor components.

*Polyimide (PI)

Properties: Ultra-high heat resistance (exceeding 400°C), outstanding electrical insulation and mechanical strength, excellent radiation and chemical resistance.

Applications: Aerospace insulation, PCBs, bearings, high-temperature seals.

*Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Properties: Ultra-low friction coefficient, exceptional chemical and heat resistance (~260°C), excellent anti-stick and waterproof properties.

Applications: Non-stick coatings, gaskets, chemical piping, wire insulation.

*Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP)

Properties: High heat resistance (~200–300°C), exceptional dimensional stability and flowability, strong electrical insulation, ideal for precision molding.

Applications: Electronic connectors, micro parts, LED brackets, medical devices.

*Fluoroplastics (FEP, PFA)

Properties: Similar to PTFE in heat and chemical resistance, better processability, high transparency.

Applications: Wire and cable insulation, chemical containers, semiconductor equipment.

Advantages: Stable under extreme heat, pressure, and corrosive environments; long service life; high precision and reliability.
Limitations: Higher cost, more difficult to process (may require specialized equipment and techniques); not suitable for low-budget general applications.

Plasmat’s Advantage in Engineering Plastics Applications
Plasmat offers expertise in selecting the optimal engineering plastic grade — basic, intermediate, or high-performance — tailored to each client’s unique requirements.
By integrating plastic injection molding, CNC machining, and other advanced manufacturing processes, we provide one-stop solutions that balance performance and cost.
Our team performs in-depth material property analysis and process integration to ensure products meet the highest standards in quality, efficiency, and innovation — whether for cost-effective mass production or high-performance precision components.