Choosing between nylon, POM, polycarbonate, and PEEK can be challenging. Each of these engineering plastics offers a unique combination of properties, costs, and processing characteristics.
The Four Major Engineering Plastics at a Glance
| Property | Nylon (PA6) | POM (Acetal) | PC | PEEK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength (MPa) | 70-85 | 60-70 | 55-75 | 90-100 |
| Max Use Temp (°C) | 100 | 100 | 120 | 250 |
| Chemical Resistance | Good | Excellent | Poor | Outstanding |
| Moisture Absorption | High | Very Low | Very Low | Very Low |
| Relative Cost | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$$$$$$$ |
Nylon: The All-Round Workhorse
Best For: General engineering applications, parts requiring toughness and fatigue resistance, oil/hydrocarbon exposure, cost-sensitive projects.
Watch Out For: Moisture absorption causing dimensional changes, property variation with humidity, acid exposure.
POM (Acetal): The Precision Specialist
Best For: Precision mechanical components (gears, bearings), dimensional stability in varying humidity, low-friction sliding components.
Watch Out For: Limited impact resistance, formaldehyde degradation if overheated, poor adhesion.
Polycarbonate: The Impact Champion
Best For: Optical clarity applications, exceptional impact resistance, electrical enclosures, safety equipment.
Watch Out For: Very poor chemical resistance, environmental stress cracking, UV degradation without stabilizers.
PEEK: The High-Performance Specialist
Best For: Extreme temperatures (up to 250°C), aggressive chemical environments, aerospace and medical implants.
Watch Out For: Extremely high cost (10-20x nylon), high processing temperatures (350-400°C), requires specialized equipment.
Decision Matrix
| If Your Priority Is… | Best Choice | Second Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest Cost | Nylon | PC |
| Highest Strength | PEEK | Nylon GF30 |
| Chemical Resistance | PEEK | POM |
| Wear Resistance | POM | Nylon |
| Impact Resistance | PC | Nylon |
| Dimensional Stability | POM | PEEK |
Our Capabilities
With over 300 CNC machines, we produce more than 10,000 pieces daily with tolerances as tight as ±0.005mm. We accept MOQ from 1 piece, with delivery times ranging from 24 hours to 15 days. We work with all four engineering plastics. Get a quote within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use nylon instead of PEEK to save money?
In many cases, yes—if your application doesn’t require PEEK’s extreme temperature resistance or chemical inertness.
Why choose POM over nylon when nylon is stronger?
POM’s low moisture absorption, excellent dimensional stability, and low friction make it better when precision matters more than strength.
Is there a material combining PC’s clarity with nylon’s chemical resistance?
Transparent materials with good chemical resistance exist (polysulfone, PEI/Ultem) but are significantly more expensive than PC.
What’s the most common mistake in engineering plastic selection?
Selecting the cheapest material that meets static properties without considering the full service environment. Always test under realistic conditions.
