Plastic Machining Services
- Multi-axis CNC milling
- Five-axis machining
- CNC turning and lathe
- EDM machining
- EDM wiring
- Grinding
- Welding and fabrication
- CMM inspection
- Injection mold building
- Custom part manufacturing
- Precision tooling
- Prototyping
- Build to print
Advantages of Machining Plastic Parts
Plastics is a term commonly used to describe a wide array of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials. They are derived from materials found in nature, such as cellulose, coal, natural gas, salt, minerals, and crude oil.
Plastics are typically split into those obtained from plants and animals and those made by complex chemical processes in a factory or lab. As a result, they can be produced with a wide range of characteristics. While each plastic type is unique, here are some general qualities.
- Molded into just about any shape and size
- Transparent, but can be colored
- Lightweight
- Lower toughness than metals
- Water-resistant
- Electrical insulator
- Flexible
- Electrically resistant
- Thermal insulator
- Chemically resistant
- Non-biodegradable
Specialized Plastic Types
Moon Tool & Die Co. can manufacture products from just about any material, but we specialize in Delrin, Teflon, Nylon, and Peek plastics. Each plastic type has unique performance characteristics that should be considered when selecting the right material for your application.
Delrin
An acetal homopolymer designed to replace metal. It combines low-friction and high-wear resistance with the high strength and stiffness. This plastic type has good colorability and an operating temperature range of -40 degrees Celsius to 120 degrees Celsius. It also offers excellent dimensional stability in high precision molding. Common uses include gears, safety-restraint components, door system parts, medical delivery devices, fasteners, and ski bindings.
Teflon
A brand name for polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE. It’s a synthetic fluoropolymer compound with an extremely high melting point and low friction coefficient. The material is also water-resistant and non-reactive. Typical uses are non-stick coatings, heavy-machinery lubricants, and catheter coatings.
Nylon
A family of synthetic polymers that are melt-processed into fibers, films, and shapes. They have excellent abrasion- and wear-resistance, high tensile strength, good compressive strength, and are easily machinable. Nylon polymers are found in apparel, flooring, molded car parts, electrical equipment, and packaging films.
Peek
Polyetheretherketone, or PEEK, is a colorless organic thermoplastic polymer. It has excellent chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, good wear and abrasion resistance, and a long lifespan. This plastic type can withstand high temperatures, has a low friction coefficient, and good radiation-resistance. Typical uses include oil and vacuum pumps, seals, supporting rings, hydraulic valves, gears, thrust washers, switching jacks, plug connectors, wafer carriers, valve seats, and food-contact components.
The Moon Tool Advantage
Plastics are found all around us. Many plastic injection-molded part manufacturers, however, struggle to make conforming products repeatedly. These issues can lead to unplanned downtime, missed deadlines, and blown budgets for the client. That’s where the specialists at Moon Tool & Die Co. are here to help.
Our precision mold-making services are provided by highly skilled injection mold makers who know the importance of designing a mold to fit the application perfectly. The success of a molding process relies heavily on the precision of the mold, which is why our customers come to us with their mold design needs.