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
| Propiedad | Nylon (PA6) | POM (Acetal) | PC | PEEK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength (MPa) | 70-85 | 60-70 | 55-75 | 90-100 |
| Max Use Temp (°C) | 100 | 100 | 120 | 250 |
| Resistencia química | Bien | Excelente | Poor | Outstanding |
| Absorción de humedad | Alta | Muy bajo | Muy bajo | Muy bajo |
| Coste relativo | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$$$$$$$$ |
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 |
| Resistencia química | PEEK | POM |
| Resistencia al desgaste | POM | Nylon |
| Resistencia a los impactos | PC | Nylon |
| Estabilidad dimensional | 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.
PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES
When is Engineering Plastics Selection Guide: Nylon, POM, PC, and PEEK Applications Compared a good option?
Engineering Plastics Selection Guide: Nylon, POM, PC, and PEEK Applications Compared is a good option when fast iteration, complex geometry, low tooling cost, or low-volume production is more important than molded-part unit cost.
What should be checked before choosing Engineering Plastics Selection Guide: Nylon, POM, PC, and PEEK Applications Compared?
Compruebe el tamaño de la pieza, las propiedades del material, el acabado superficial, la tolerancia dimensional, la exposición al calor, la dirección de la carga y si es necesario un tratamiento posterior.
How does Engineering Plastics Selection Guide: Nylon, POM, PC, and PEEK Applications Compared compare with CNC machining?
La impresión 3D puede crear formas complejas con rapidez, mientras que el mecanizado CNC suele ser más potente para superficies precisas, tolerancias más ajustadas y materiales de calidad de producción.
What affects the cost of Engineering Plastics Selection Guide: Nylon, POM, PC, and PEEK Applications Compared?
El coste depende del material, el volumen de fabricación, el tiempo de impresión, la altura de capa, la eliminación de soportes, el acabado, la inspección y el número de piezas de la fabricación.
