Plastics

Plastic, due to its versatility and essential nature, has become a cornerstone in manufacturing. JACO Machine Works has extensive expertise in machining a wide range of plastics, ensuring precision and quality in every component we produce. The durability and corrosion resistance of plastic make it ideal for creating long-lasting products, while its malleability allows for the creation of intricate designs and complex shapes. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of plastic production has made it a preferred choice for mass production, contributing to its widespread use across various industries.

Industrial Uses

In addition to its use in general manufacturing, plastics have carved out a significant role in the medical, aerospace, sensor device, and life sciences industries due to their remarkable versatility. Engineers and designers can tailor the properties of plastics, such as strength, transparency, and chemical resistance, to meet the specific needs of these applications. This adaptability further underscores the indispensable role of plastics in modern industry and technology.

Medical Devices: The biocompatibility and versatility of plastics make them ideal for use in implantable devices – such as hip and knee joint replacements – which often incorporate high-performance polymer components. Additionally, plastics’ lightweight nature, ease of sterilization, and corrosion resistance make them a preferred choice for surgical instruments, ranging from syringes to surgical tools.

Sensor Devices: In the sensor device industry, plastics are equally vital. Their inherent properties of strength, transparency, and chemical resistance make them ideal for use in sensor devices and transducers. These devices, often used for measuring physical quantities such as pressure, temperature, and force, benefit from the durability and adaptability of plastics.

Aerospace and Defense: Plastics play a pivotal role in the aerospace and defense sectors due to their lightweight nature, strength, and resistance to heat and chemicals. They are used in the construction of various components of aircraft and spacecraft, including navigational function components, structural elements, and interior parts.

Life Sciences: Plastics are prevalent in laboratory settings. They are used in a variety of applications, from bioreactors and cell culture flasks to scaffolds for tissue engineering. Furthermore, plastic consumables, such as PCR tubes and microfluidic chips, play a crucial role in facilitating genetic research and diagnostics.

Plastics JACO Machines

Delrin®, Acetal, POM (Polyoxymethylene)

Delrin® - also known as Polyoxymethylene (POM), Acetal, or Duracon® - is utilized for crafting precision components that require high rigidity, minimal friction, and superior dimensional stability. In the aerospace industry, Delrin is commonly used for mechanical parts like gears, fittings, and bearings due to its excellent strength, durability, and temperature resistance. In the medical field, specific grades of Delrin meet requirements for use in medical devices and pharmaceutical processing equipment. Its electrical properties also make it suitable for use in electrical applications, including electrical connectors.

Attributes and properties of Delrin include:

Dimensionally stable
Easy to fabricate and manufacture
Readily available in rod, sheet and tube stock
Strong lubricity for bearings and wear surfaces
Impressive Mechanical Strength
Resistant to Fatigue
Impervious to exposure to moisture, gas and chemical solvents
Stable in low temperatures

PEEK (polyether ether ketone)

PEEK, or polyether ether ketone, is a type of plastic that is highly resistant to heat and chemicals, while also exhibiting excellent mechanical properties. In the medical device industry, PEEK is used extensively due to its biocompatibility, low moisture absorption, and superior fatigue properties. In the realm of electrical connectors, PEEK’s high mechanical strength, resistance to hydrolysis, and low moisture absorption make it an ideal choice. Its use in wire coating and semiconductor wafer carriers further underscores its versatility.

Attributes and properties of PEEK include:

Low weight – High strength plastic
UL 94 V-0 flammability rating
Great chemical resistance even at higher temperatures
Strong, stiff material - holds up well to stress and crack resistant
Great in hot water, steam and other harsh environments
In medical devices, PEEK can be steam sterilized, autoclaved, etc.
Some grades approved for food industry use
Machining and turning friendly
Low smoke emission when exposed to flame

Ultem® (poly ether imide or PEI)

Parts made from PEI, or polyetherimide, are integral to many programs and product lines. This high-performance plastic is utilized in various industries - including medical, scientific, electrical and sensor devices - due to its strength and rigidity. Ultem® is also the high-performance thermoplastic of choice for many aerospace and aircraft applications. It exhibits natural flame resistance and extremely low smoke generation.

Attributes and properties of Ultem® include:

Resistant to environmental forces while being easily fabricated and bonded
Retains rigidity and strength in high temperatures
Flame retardant
Electrical properties – some of the highest dielectric strengths of any thermoplastic
Resistant to hot water and steam; can withstand repeated cycles in a steam autoclave

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

ABS is a cost-effective thermoplastic widely utilized across various industries when a non-metallic, general-purpose material is required. Known for its excellent balance of durability, heat resistance, and chemical resistance, ABS exhibits high mechanical strength and rigidity.

Attributes and properties of ABS include:

Good impact resistance even at low temperatures
Low cost
Readily available in rod, sheet and tube stock
Available in a variety of colors
Low melting point – ideal for 3D printing
Recyclable

Lexan – PC (Polycarbonate)

Lexan, a type of polycarbonate, is a strong, lightweight plastic. With 30 times the impact strength of acrylic and 250 times that of glass, Lexan is practically unbreakable. Its strength and lightness make it ideal for high-performance industries like aerospace components and automotive parts.

Attributes and properties of Lexan include:

Available in clean, transparent and opaque colors
Stronger than glass and acrylic but lighter than both
Nearly unbreakable when used in bullet proof and shatter proof geometries
Good optical transparency and dimensional stability
Biologically inert

Acrylic – Plexiglass

Acrylic, or plexiglass, is a durable and transparent thermoplastic. It serves as a good alternative to glass due
to its impact resistance, especially when polycarbonate’s
high impact strength isn’t needed. Acrylic is popular across industries for its high transparency, flexibility, and ease of fabrication.

Attributes and properties of Acrylic include:

Excellent optical clarity
Excellent weatherability and resistance to sunlight
Rigid, with good impact strength
Superior dimensional stability
Stretch forming increases bi-axial toughness

Teflon (PTFE – fluoropolymer)

Teflon, a fluorocarbon-based polymer, is known for its high resistance to solvents, acids, and bases, as well as its excellent weather resistance and electrical properties. In electronics, it is valued for its dielectric properties, while its biocompatibility and chemical resistance make it ideal for medical devices and surgical instruments.

Attributes and properties of Teflon/PTFE include:

High Temperature Resistance
Heat Stability
Weather resistance
Low friction
Excellent electrical properties
Chemical Resistance
Sliding Properties

Nylon – Polyamide (PA)

Nylon, or polyamide, is a versatile, durable polymer with excellent mechanical properties like high tensile strength, high impact strength, flexibility, low creep, and toughness. Its thermal and electrical resistances make it ideal for electronic components and automotive insulation.

Attributes and properties of Nylon include:

Low Coefficient of Friction
Abrasion Resistance
High Strength whilst lightweight
Thermal, Electric and Moisture resistant

If you’re developing plastic machined components, JACO Machine Works is ready to review your program and offer support. No matter your application, our skilled engineers and operations professionals are dedicated to helping you succeed.