1. Refer to the Design Considerations at the bottom of this page. Consider whether each item on the checklist is a factor in the application or affects performance requirements for the component design.
2. Select the categories that have the greatest affect on your application.
3. Review the materials in the Plastic Properties Handbook and make a list of possible material candidates.
4. Contact our technical support to discuss options or ask additional questions.

Plastic Machining Design Considerations

• Thermosensitivity – tolerance can change in different temperature conditions
• Sensitivity to humidity and hygroscopic absorption affects tolerance
• Sensitivity to chemicals and oils
• Notch sensitive corners and square ID’s
• Tolerances
• High loads
• High impact
• Fatigue loading or cycle loading requires consideration of flexing, deflecting, and compression
• Temperature – max/min extent of time
• Electrical considerations such as insulating properties
• Wear resistance or abrasion resistance
• Dimensional shape retention (load, cold flow, temperature)
• Regulatory requirements (FDA, UL, etc.)
• Appearance (color, texture)
• Optical requirements
• Outdoor use

Now that you’ve identified the important factors in your application, evaluate material specs in the Plastic Properties Handbook and select your material!

Many companies are searching for ways to move new product development projects forward without breaking the bank on initial investments. Research and development, prototypes, and pilot run quantities have to be completed with very minimal investment and without compromising flexibility of quantity and design.

Smart companies have employed strategies to enhance their new product development. A good example lies in companies manufacturing products that contain plastic parts. If projects have plastic components, then the cost of tooling can be a huge obstacle. Tooling and molds can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The solution: have the plastic parts machined. Prototypes as well as the first few years of production quantities can be produced for a fraction of the cost.

Machined plastic parts include little or no tooling charges, and can be delivered in two weeks. While molding requires full commitment to a part’s design, design changes to machined parts cost absolutely nothing. Request a Quote from a quality plastic machining vendor for a fast, cost-effective solution for new product development and launches.

Contact EPP Corporation now to see how plastic machining can help your new product hit the market and put your company ahead of the game!