Engineering Plastics

Sunquest can source specialist plastics in sheet rod and tube form, for engineering and manufacturing processes some of the products available are listed below.

UHMWPE

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, also known as high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE) or high-performance polyethylene (HPPE). A very tough material, with the highest impact strength of any thermoplastic presently made. It is highly resistant to corrosive chemicals, with exception of oxidizing acids. It has extremely low moisture absorption, has a very low coefficient of friction, is self-lubricating, and is highly resistant to abrasion (15 times more resistant to abrasion than carbon steel). Its coefficient of friction is significantly lower than that of nylon and acetal, and is comparable to that of Teflon, but UHMWPE has better abrasion resistance than Teflon. It is odourless, tasteless, and non-toxic.
UHMWPE available in sheets 2440x1220 only
Thicknesses: 10mm, 12mm, 15mm, 20mm, 25mm.

Acetal

Often described as ‘that hard white plastic’ Polyoxymethylene (POM), is an engineering plastic, it is often marketed and used as a metal substitute. Acetal is a lightweight, low-friction, and wear-resistant thermoplastic with good physical and processing properties and capable of operating in temperatures in excess of 90 degrees Celsius.

Its main properties are:

• High hardness and stiffness
• It is strong with good mechanical properties
• Good chemical resistance
• Good electrical insulating properties
• Excellent creep resistance and dimensional stability
• Excellent bearing material: 

• low coefficient of friction
• low stick / slip characteristic

• Good wear properties - both wet and dry condition
• Natural Ertacetal is FDA compliant for direct food contact
• Excellent machinability
  
  

Applications:

• Precision gears
• Bearings with close tolerances
• Electrical engineering insulators
• Snap fit assemblies
• Parts which operate in water between 60° to 90°C
  

It is also known as polyacetal, acetal resin, polytrioxane, polyformaldehyde, and paraformaldehyde (the latter term is usually restricted to the short-chained polymer). Polyacetals are sold under the trade names Delrin, Kepital, Celcon, Hostaform, Iupital and Ultraform, the last five being copolymers.

Nylon 6

Available in sheet 8-100mm, rod 50-300mm and tube 50-500mm

Its main properties are:

• Excellent bearing properties
• High impact strength and toughness
• Low power factor requirements
• High wear resistance
• Very high sliding properties

Applications:

• High load bearings
• Wear pads
• Support and Guide Wheels
• Conveyor and Tension Rollers
• Wire Rope Sheaves
• Buffer Pads
• Gears, etc.