TOP 5 PLASTIC RESINS & MATERIALS THAT CAN TAKE THE HEAT

At Controlled Fluidics, our engineers are well-versed in the many extreme environments in which our plastic machined parts and manifolds will need to perform.

We’ve found that extreme heat is one of the most common environmental factors our components need to overcome or at least withstand such high temperatures for long time periods. To solve that problem, we recommend some high performance thermoplastics and engineered plastics for use in such extremes.

Below are the top five plastics our engineers regularly use to handle these high temperature applications, and some examples of how Controlled Fluidics has used plastics in various projects.

COC/COP

COC/COP (cyclic olefin copolymer) is an amorphous polymer known for its high heat resistance, exceptional transparency, low birefringence, and a high Abbe number. These qualities, specifically COC/COP’s chemical resistance, and clarity, make COC/COP a great choice for microfluidics projects. Specifically, the Controlled Fluidics engineers select COC/COP for life science diagnostic equipment – including cell counters – that require a combination of heat resistance, high clarity, and low fluorescence. COC/COP components are also used in industries like packaging, healthcare, electronics, and optics.

Clear COP plastic manifold with metal pegs on a white background. The large manifold has multiple rows of bulb shapes; the small one has six leaf shapes.

PEEK

PEEK is a high-performance semi-crystalline thermoplastic that is a fantastic choice for plastics that need to operate in extremely high temperatures, including environments with steam or hot water. Able to operate continuously up to 249ºC (480ºF) with a melting point of 371ºC (700ºF), PEEK is frequently used in the aerospace industry. Specific applications include bushings, wear rings, seals, and bearings.

PEEK is very hard and strong with immense tensile strength, able to perform well in high load, stressful environments without warping. This makes PEEK a good alternative for metal for many uses. Keeping its unique qualities in mind, the engineers at Controlled Fluidics specifically recommend PEEK for most (if not all) high-temperature aggressive fluid handling applications. PEEK’s high temperature resistance can make it difficult to process, but Controlled Fluidics’ engineers have the skill, experience, and tools to make working with PEEK not only achievable but a routine way to show excellence.

RADEL

Radel-machined parts offer an unmatched combination of high-performance characteristics, including heat deflection to temperatures up to 204ºC (400ºF). Radel’s superior heat deflection properties, along with outstanding durability and environmental stress resistance allow it to withstand near unlimited steam sterilization cycles without warping or cracking. As a result, Radel machined parts are commonly found in the medical or research industries. We utilize Radel for any project that requires repeated steam sterilization, including surgical tools like instrument handles, trays, and other reusables.

Radel components are also perfect for use in food service. It makes items like coffee machines, steamers, and fryers safer and longer-lasting. Radel is also compliant with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations for aircraft cabins for its low gas emission and low heat release properties. Molded-in color is available.

A transparent, amber-colored Radel plastic manifold with visible fluidic pathways and reservoirs, standing upright against a white background.

TEFLON

A familiar choice for nonstick items like cooking utensils, Teflon is a versatile material with a wide range of applications. It possesses one of the lowest friction coefficients of any solid currently known. Teflon machined components can continuously operate in temperatures up to 260ºC (500ºF).

Its high heat resistance combined with excellent chemical and electrical properties make Teflon an ideal choice for projects geared towards both industrial and commercial applications. Teflon machined parts are particularly valuable in the medical and research industries. More of Teflon’s qualities include high tensile strength, chemical inertia, hydrophobia, and borderline insolubility in acids or alkalis. Our engineers utilize Teflon for successful projects requiring high purity gas chromatography applications.

TORLON

Torlon machined components perform exceptionally well in temperatures up to 260ºC (500ºF). Although difficult to machine, Torlon’s dimensional stability, low creep, and compressive strength make for a wide variety of useful applications. Also, Torlon operates under high friction and shows excellent wear resistance in high-stress environments.

Torlon is found in two varieties – Torlon 4203 and Torlon 4301. Of the two, Torlon 4301 is most commonly used for projects that require resistance to wear at high temperatures. Torlon machined parts are frequently used in the aerospace and medical industries. At Controlled Fluidics, we’ve used Torlon for projects requiring high PV bearing applications in demanding conditions. Fasteners, additives, parts for power trains, and more are essential materials for safety and productivity that are made using machined Torlon.

SUPPORT FOR MATERIAL SELECTION

Which plastics are your go-to when a project needs to operate in extreme heat? While all of these plastics handle high heat well, their different special features make them better suited for certain types of projects.

Controlled Fluidics engineers will consider every aspect of a project before making material recommendations. Because of this, our clients can count on receiving a durable component that will perform consistently in its environment. These are just a small sampling of the plastics we find ourselves returning to again and again when machining parts that require extreme heat resistance.

TOP 5 PLASTIC RESINS & MATERIALS THAT CAN TAKE THE HEAT