We organise our catalogue by temperature class rather than alphabetically, because temperature is almost always the first constraint a real application imposes. There are four bands and each has a natural set of materials.
Below 65 C is the commodity band. PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene, and the cheaper acetals. Costs are low, availability is universal, and there is rarely a reason to go higher unless another requirement forces it.
From 65 to 120 C you find the general engineering materials: POM, PA66 and cast nylon, PC, PET. This band covers the majority of industrial machinery parts. From 120 to 230 C the field narrows sharply to PPS, PEI, PSU and PES. Above 230 C you are into PEEK, PEKK and the polyimides. Two cautions: the class refers to continuous service in air, and a material rated at 150 C continuous may fail in a week at 150 C under load in a solvent. Rated temperature is a starting filter, not a specification.
Need a material recommendation?
Send us the application and we will reply with two or three candidate grades and a price.
