Ensinger Manual

Stock shapes
Engineering plastics –
The Manual
This manual is designed to provide readers with a compact
outline of our extensive fund of plastics-related knowledge.
Alongside a grounding of theoretical facts and informa-
tion, the manual also provides a range of practical tips and
material recommendations, together with calculation ex-
amples for component design and advice on the further
processing of plastics.
4 Overview of plastics
6 Classification of plastics
7 Ensinger process chain
8 Processing methods
Materials
12 TECARAN ABS
13 TECANYL
14 TECAFINE PE
15 TECAFINE PMP
16 TECAPRO MT / TECAFINE PP
18 TECAFORM
20 TECAMID
22 TECAST / TECARIM
24 TECADUR / TECAPET
26 TECANAT
28 TECAFLON
30 TECAPEI
32 TECASON S, P, E
34 TECATRON
36 TECAPEEK
38 TECATOR
40 TECASINT
Properties
44 Modifications / additives
46 Thermal properties
50 Mechanical properties
54 Processing influences
55 Tribological characteristics
57 Electrical properties
60 Chemical resistance
62 Moisture absorption
63 Flame retardant classification
64 Radiation resistance
66 Certifications and approvals
Material selection and calculations

70 Material selection
72 Calculations
Further processing
76 Processing plastics
77 Machining guidelines
78 Tempering
80 Welding
82 Gluing
84 Cleaning plastics
86 Product handling
88 Material guideline values
98 Liability disclaimer
Overview of plastics
TECARAN ABS (ABS) TECAPRO MT (PP) TECAMID 11/12 (PA 11/12) TECARIM (PA 6 C)
Long-term service temperature Long-term service temperature Long-term service temperature Long-term service temperature
Glass transition temperature Glass transition temperature Glass transition temperature Glass transition temperature
Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity
Tensile strength Tensile strength Tensile strength Tensile strength

Modifications Modifications Modifications Modifications
Fibre-reinforced Fibre-reinforced Fibre-reinforced Fibre-reinforced
Modified sliding properties Modified sliding properties Modified sliding properties Modified sliding properties
Electrically conductive Electrically conductive Electrically conductive Electrically conductive
Detectable Detectable Detectable Detectable
Medical technology Medical technology Medical technology Medical technology
Food technology Food technology Food technology Food technology
Stock shapes Stock shapes Stock shapes Stock shapes
10 – 200 mm 10 – 200 mm 4 – 250 mm 50 – 800 mm
5 – 100 mm 5 – 100 mm 5 – 100 mm 8 – 200 mm
• p. 12 • p. 16 25 – 300 mm • p. 20 50 – 600 mm • p. 22
TECANYL (PPE) TECAFORM AH (POM-C) TECAMID 6/66 (PA 6/66) TECAPET (PET)

10 – 200 mm 3 – 250 mm 4 – 250 mm 10 – 180 mm
5 – 100 mm 5 – 150 mm 5 – 100 mm 8 – 100 mm
• p. 13 20 – 505 mm • p. 18 25 – 300 mm • p. 20 • p. 24
TECAFINE PE (PE) TECAFORM AD (POM-H) TECAST (PA 6 C) TECADUR PET (PET)

10 – 200 mm 3 – 250 mm 50 – 800 mm 10 – 180 mm
5 – 100 mm 5 – 150 mm 8 – 200 mm 8 – 100 mm
• p. 14 20 – 505 mm • p. 18 50 – 600 mm • p. 22 • p. 24
4
TECANAT (PC) TECAPEI (PEI) TECATRON (PPS) TECATOR (PAI)

3 – 250 mm 8 – 150 mm 10 – 60 mm 5 – 100 mm
10 – 100 mm 10 – 80 mm 10 – 70 mm 5 – 30 mm
• p. 26 • p. 30 • p. 34 • p. 38
TECAFLON PTFE (PTFE) TECASON S (PSU) TECAPEEK (PEEK) TECASINT (PI)

4 – 300 mm 8 – 150 mm 3 – 200 mm 6 – 100 mm
1 – 100 mm 10 – 80 mm 5 – 100 mm 5 – 100 mm
• p. 28 • p. 32 40 – 360 mm • p. 36 • p. 40
TECAFLON PVDF (PVDF) TECASON P (PPSU)
Long-term service temperature Long-term service temperature
Glass transition temperature Glass transition temperature
Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity
Tensile strength Tensile strength

Modifications Modifications
Fibre-reinforced Fibre-reinforced
Modified sliding properties Modified sliding properties
Electrically conductive Electrically conductive
Detectable Detectable
Medical technology Medical technology
Food technology Food technology
Stock shapes Stock shapes
4 – 300 mm 8 – 150 mm
10 – 100 mm 10 – 80 mm
• p. 28 • p. 32
5
Classification of plastics
New polymer materials represent an important driving Grading of plastics within

the material classes
force for technological progress. Plastics have a whole array
of benefits to offer and in many cases can effectively replace
metals or ceramics. Among different types of polymers, a
distinction is drawn between thermosetting plastics, elasto-
mers and thermoplastics. Thermosetting polymers, or
thermoset plastics, are plastics which permit no further de-
formation or shaping after three-dimensional chemical Metals Ceramics
cross-linking. Elastomers are also cross linked materials

but have the capacity for elastic deformation, and return to
their original shape after exposure to load. Thermoplastic Metal-modified Fibre-reinforced
plastics plastics
polymers, or thermoplastics, are reversibly re-meltable as
Plastics
they are not three-dimensionally cross-linked. The forces Thermoset
Elastomers
plastics
linking thermoplastic chains are less strong. The thermo-
Thermoplastics
plastic group of plastics is subdivided again into two differ-
ent subgroups on the basis of their structure: amorphous
and partially crystalline thermoplastics.
Ensinger processes thermoplastics. These can be deformed

and reshaped repeatedly and offer very wide scope for mod-
ification.
Amorphous Semi-crystalline
On principle, the entire thermoplastic group is subdivided
into three sections based partially on their thermal stability:
standard, engineering and high-performance plastics. All
of these groups are represented in the plastics pyramid dia-
gram. As well as depicting the distinctions explained above,
the pyramid also illustrates the relative manufactured
quantities of the different product groups (in descending
order to the tip of the pyramid). PI
High-performance 300 °C
plastics PAI
PEKEKK
PEEK, PEK
LCP, PP
PES, PPSU PTFE S
, PFA
PEI, PSU ETFE 150 °C
, PCTFE
PPP, PC-HT PV
DF
Engineering
plastics PC PA 46
PET, PBT 100 °C
PA 6-3-T
PA 66
PA 6, PA 11,
PA 12
POM
PMP Long-term service
temperature
Standard
plastics PPE mo
d.
PMMA
PP
PE
PS, ABS
, SAN
Amorphous
Classification of plastics
Semi-crystalline
6
Ensinger process chain
The name Ensinger brings together a broad-based range of Many compounds are developed individually for specific
production techniques for the processing of thermoplastics sectors of industry and individual customers, and are pro-
under a single roof. From the reactive cast polyamide meth- duced in-house. These are then used, also internally, for
od (custom casting) through compounding with a range of injection moulding, profile extrusion or the extrusion of
different additives, reworking to profiles and semi-finished semi-finished products such as rods, plates or tubes.
products by extrusion and the injection moulding of fin-
ished parts, through to the machining of semi-finished and During a subsequent machining process, extruded semi-
finished products, thermoplastic polymers are marketed in finished products, injection moulded blanks and also cast
a wide range of processing stages. primary products are used as starting products for the man-
It is often the material or the end product which deter- ufacture of precision finished parts. And our customers
mines the processing method used: Large-scale volumes or may rest easy in the assurance of our full compliance with
small production runs, bulky or delicate parts, material stringent quality standards.
which can be easily melted or difficult to process: the right Strict guidelines and the deployment of a skilled workforce
processing method is on hand every time. safeguard the individual process steps from incoming raw
materials right through to the finished product.
The product does not always go to the customer directly in
finished form: several different divisions and production
stages can be involved along the value chain in order to pro-
vide customers with a complete solution.
Profiles
Compounds
Stock Shapes
Chemistry Market
Injection
Moulding
Cast Nylon
Machined
Parts
Direct Forming
7
Processing methods
Compounds, semi-finished and finished products are man-

ufactured with the aid of the following process techniques:
Compounding
During compounding, plastic raw materials are melted
with fillers or additives, extruded into thin strands and then
cut into granulate. This process allows the characteristics of
the plastics to be adapted for special applications, for in-
stance by improving the sliding friction properties or in-
creasing electrical conductivity.
Extrusion
Pressure and temperature-regulated extrusion is a continu-
ous production process in which plastics are plastified in
an extruder and then forced at pressure through a specially
shaped die. The cross-section of the resulting geometric
shape equates with the used die or calibration.
The extrusion process is an efficient method of manufac-
turing semi-finished products, also known as stock shapes,
with large wall thicknesses and dimensions. The portfolio
of semi-finished products comprises rods, tubes and plates
in a wide variety of dimensions and colours.
Injection moulding
Injection moulding is a highly productive forming process
for the mass manufacture of finished components capable
of immediate commercial use. The plastic is melted using
an extruder, plasticized and then injected at pressure into
the injection moulding tool. The cavity of the tool deter-
mines the shape and surface structure of the finished com-
ponent. The injection moulding process is usually only
economical for large production runs due to the tooling
costs involved.
8
Compression moulding / sintering
Compression moulding and sintering are used to produce
stress-relieved semi-finished products and custom castings
with a minimal tendency to warp. The so-called compres-
sion moulding technique is used to manufacture semi-fin-
ished products. The process uses powdered particles which
are pressed at high temperature under pressure into a
mould. Because of the amount of time involved and the
materials used, this process is relatively labour intensive
and costly. Unlike the compression moulding method, the
matrix compression or direct forming technique allows the
direct production of off-tool custom castings. As a special
mould is required, this process is generally only profitable
for a production run of around 1,000 pieces.
Cast polyamide
Pressureless custom casting has proved to be a particularly
successful method for the production of bulky thick-walled
components which are almost fully finish processed.
Alongside custom casting, cast polyamide semi-finished
products can also be produced using the semi-finished
product casting technique in the form of plates and rods
with substantially larger dimensions than when using the
extrusion method.
Semi-finished products and custom castings produced us-
ing this method have a lower intrinsic stress level than ex-
truded products. Casting methods are ideally suited for
small and medium-sized production volumes in a weight
range of 0.5 to 900 kg.
Machining
Machining is the fastest, most economical way to arrive at a
finished plastic component, in particular for small produc-
tion runs. Using the machining technique, finished com-
ponents with extremely close tolerances can be produced
from engineering and high-temperature plastics. This en-
tails the use of CNC milling machines, lathes or saws fitted
with special tools for machining plastics to shape the fin-
ished parts from plastic stock shapes or pre-produced injec-
tion-moulded components.
9
Semi-finished and finished materials made of thermoset
plastics are used throughout every sector of industry. The
technical applications for these products include not only
the automotive and mechanical engineering industries, but
also include the food and pharmaceuticals industries, con-
struction and transport, medical technology, electrical en-
gineering, and also the aerospace industry.
Ensinger offers a wide variety of different engineering plas-

tics. These can often be purchased in a basic variant and
also in a variety of modifications.
The different material groups are presented over the fol-

lowing pages together with a description of their typical
properties, identifying characteristics, structure and so on.
Characteristic application examples for the relevant materi-
als are also listed.
Materials
40
30
20
10
• Stress [MPa]
H H H H H H H H
C C C C C C C C CH 3 O
n n n
1 2 3 0
H H H H C C O C O
n
0 10 20 30 40
N CH 3
• Strain [%]
TECARAN ABS
ABS
Structural formula ABS PCABS
TECARAN
TECARAN ABS
H
N CH 2 C
H
C
H
C
x n n
O H H
PA6 PE
ABS (DIN designation) Identifying characteristics
ABS is a thermoplastic copolymerisate made from acryloni- ˌˌColour grey
trile, butadiene and styrene monomers. Using different ˌˌHigh flammability
combinations of these monomers, wide-ranging different ˌˌBurns with a blue flame with yellow tip, sooting
ABS types can be manufactured offering a wide spectrum ˌˌSweetish odour
of different properties by means of branching or copolym- ˌˌDensity over 1.04 g/cm³ – floats in saline solution
erization.
H ABS
H is classified as an amorphous thermoplastic. ˌˌDissolvable with acetone
O
N CH 2 N C CH 2 C
x y n
O O C
O n
Properties O Products / Modifications
ˌ ˌOpaque
PA66 PEEK
TECARAN ABS (ABS)
ˌˌLow density Unreinforced basic type, very
ˌˌHigh degree of toughness rigid and tough, very good
electrical insulation properties
ˌˌHigh strength and hardness
ˌˌHigh chemical resistance
ˌˌModerately
O high
O
thermal stability
O O
Application examples
O
CH
ˌˌGamma
C and X-ray
C Nresistance
R N C C Parts such as mirror
C housings, interior3 panelling, loud- CH 2
O C O
ˌˌNVery good machining
H properties
H N R speaker covers,
N handle elements (automotive industry), N
n CH 3
ˌˌLowC moisture absorption C household articles
C such as hair dryers and other technical CH 2
ˌˌHighly
O scratch-proof O appliances, housing
O components in the electronics indus-
try, musical instruments such as recorders or clarinets.
PAI PEI
Values
TECARAN ABS grey (ABS) Summary
Tg 104 °C TECARAN ABS is harder and more scratch-proof than PET
Density
1.04 g/cm3 and POM but with lower thermal stability. The characteris-
Modulus of elasticity 1,700 MPa tics of the basic ABS type offer wide scope for modification
Service temperature, long-term 75 °C by varying the proportion of components. By modifying
Service temperature, short-term 100 °C with PC and PBT, a wide variety of tough, impact resistant
O O H H H H
Lower service temperature –50 °C O
C C O C C C C O types can be created, primarily for injection moulding.
n
O C
n
H H H H
PBT PEK
12
H H O
CH 3
C C 80
n C O S O
n
H CH 3 CH 3 O
60
PP PSU
40
20
• Stress [MPa]
CH 3
N F F
m
O 0
n
C C
0 5n 10 15 20
CH 3
• Strain [%] F
F
TECANYL 731 grau
TECANYL GF 30
PPO > PPE?
Structural formula PPE TECANYL PTFE
731 grey TECANYL GF30
TECANYL H
C
F
C
n
S
n
H F
PPS PVDF
PPE (DIN designation) Identifying characteristics
Polyphenylene ether (PPE) is an amorphous standard ther- ˌˌColour grey
moplastic. PPE is usually only used when modified by the ˌˌVery low flammability, sooting
addition of PA or PS. By varying the proportion of the com- ˌˌBurns with a blue flame with yellow tip
ponents, different modifications can be created to with- ˌˌFoul odour on thermal
stand higher thermal and mechanical loads. However, ˌˌDensity little over 1 g/cm³ – floats in saline solution
these have a negative impact or processability. As a result of ˌˌVery scratch-resistant, hard
modification and the addition of fillers such as glass fibre, ˌˌDissolvable with acetone / benzene
the mechanical properties of the material can be varied
even further. Products / Modifications
TECANYL 731 grey (PPE) TECANYL GF30 (PPE GF)

Properties Unreinforced basic type Glass fibre reinforced for high
ˌˌAmorphous strength, rigidity, high heat
TECANYL MT (PPE) deflection temperature, low
ˌˌLow density, little over 1 g/cm³ Wide range of colours available for thermal expansion for precision
ˌˌHigh toughness, strength, hardness and rigidity medical technology, biocompatible and electrical insulating parts
ˌˌCreep resistant
ˌˌGood chemical resistance Application examples
ˌˌTendency to stress crack formation Electrical insulation components with flame-retardant
ˌˌGood thermal stability types, structural components with low warpage, scratch-
ˌˌVery low moisture absorption proof high-gloss exposed parts (housing components for
ˌˌVery good dimensional stability home electronics), coil formers for satellite technology,
ˌˌVery low dielectric constant housings for railway track sensors, electrical adapters for
underwater cable connectors used in oil and gas pipeline
Values technology
TECANYL 731 grey (PPE)
Tg 145 °C Summary
Density 1.10 g/cm3 Due to its high dimensional stability and good impact
Modulus of elasticity 2,400 MPa strength, PPE is more suited than other standard plastics
Service temperature, long-term 85 °C for use in housing components, also those exposed to high
Service temperature, short-term 110 °C levels of stress. Consequently this material provides scope
Lower service temperature –50 °C for the low-cost manufacture of suitable components.
13
CH 3 O
25 O O O
C O C O
n
O C O C C
CH 3 n
20
PC PEKEKK
15
10
• Stress [MPa]
5
H H O
0
C C S O
n 0 5 10 n 15 20 25
H H • Strain [%] O
TECAFINE PE
PE
Structural formula PE PES
TECAFINE PE
TECAFINE PE O
O
C
O
C O
H
C
H
C O
n
O O C
n
H H
PEEK PET
PE (DIN designation) Identifying characteristics
Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic polymer produced by ˌˌ Colour opaque / milky white
the polymerization of ethylene. In terms of the production ˌˌHigh flammability
quantity produced, polyethylene is among the largest group ˌˌBurns with a blue flame with yellow tip
of plastics,
O the polyolefins. Because of its degree of crystal- ˌˌMinimal or no O sooting O O O O
CH 3
linity, CPE belongs to the group of partially crystallineCHther-
2 ˌˌWaxy odour C C C C C
O C O
moplastics.
N The most commonly used types PE (PE-HD), N ˌˌDensity
n
-R < 1g / cm³,
N floats in water N
n
-R N N
m
CH 3
PE 5 (PE-HMW), PE 10 (PE-UHMW) and the low-density
C CH 2 ˌˌ Relatively soft, can be scored with a fingernail
C C C C
O O O
polyetheylene
O
types (PE-LD, PE-LLD) differ in terms of ˌˌSubjectively very light to the touch O
their molecular weight and the degree of molecular chain
PEI PI
branching. Application examples
Guide rollers, chain guides, liners for silos and chutes, ex-
Properties traction and filter plates, pipes for gas and drinking water,
ˌˌPartially crystalline, low density underfloor heating systems in PE-HMW, systems for pro-
ˌˌHigh level of toughness, low strength and hardness cessing and packaging frozen food, films for a variety of
H H
ˌˌVery good chemical resistance industries
C C
ˌˌLow thermal stability, increasing with CH 2 H
n
O
rising molecular weight Summary CH
O C
H 3C CH 3
ˌˌAnti-adhesive properties The different polyethylene types differ in terms of their mo-
n
ˌˌVery high thermal expansion lecular weight. The crystallinity, chemical resistance, tough-
PEK PMP
ˌˌVery low dissipation factor ness and abrasion resistance properties of these materials
ˌˌVery good electrical insulation improve with increasing molecular weight. Conversely,
their processability by melting becomes more difficult. Ul-
Values tra-high molecular weight polyethylenes (PE-UHMW) can
TECAFINE PE (PE) TECAFINE PE 10 (PE) only be processed by pressing into stock shapes or direct
Tg –95 °C –95 °C moulding. The benefit: semi-finished and finished prod-
Density 0.96 g/cm3 0.93 g/cm3 ucts made of PE-UHMW demonstrate low internal stress
Modulus of elasticity 1,000 MPa 650 MPa and minimal warpage.
Service temperature, long-term 90 °C 90 °C
Service temperature, short-term 90 °C 120 °C
Lower service temperature –50 °C –150 °C

14
O O O O O
C C C C C CH 3
N -R N N -R N N
n n m
40 O
n
C C C C
O O O O CH 3
30
PI PPO > PPE?
20
10
• Stress [MPa]
H H
C C
n
CH 2 H
0
CH 0 20S 40 60 80
H 3C CH 3 n
• Strain [%]
TECAFINE PMP
PMP
Structural formula PMP PPS
TECAFINE PMP
TECAFINE PMP
PMP (DIN designation) Identifying characteristics

Polymethylpentene (PMP) is a thermoplastic belonging to ˌˌ Colour opaque / slightly yellowish
the polyolefine group. With a density of 0.83 g/cm³, it is the ˌˌHigh flammability
lightest of all the plastics. Despite its partially crystalline ˌˌBurns with a blue flame with yellow tip
structure, PMP has a clear/transparent appearance. ˌˌMinimal or no sooting
ˌˌWaxy odour
Properties ˌˌDensity < 1 g/cm³, floats in water
ˌˌSemi-crystalline ˌˌRelatively soft, can be scored with a fingernail
ˌˌTransparent
ˌˌLowest density of all plastics Products / Modifications
ˌˌHigh toughness, strength and hardness
TECAFINE PMP (PMP)
ˌˌGood resistance to chemicals Transparent, also in the UV range.
ˌˌStress crack resistance better in some Very good electrical insulation.
cases than with other transparent plastics

ˌˌWater absorption can result in deformation Application examples
ˌˌLimited resistance to hydrolysis Medical technology: various injection mouldings for con-
ˌˌGood thermal stability necting and distributor elements used in parts for drip
ˌˌGood gamma and X-ray resistance feeding, injections, various household appliances; Electro-
ˌˌVery good electrical insulation properties technical accessories, high-frequency technology, coil
ˌˌVery low dissipation factor cores, aerial supports, lenses for ultrasound applications
ˌˌOutstanding optical properties
Summary
Values Higher strength and thermal stability levels than PE. The
TECAFINE PMP (PMP) crystallite size is lower than the wavelength of the light, per-
Tg 20 °C mitting very good transparency. Better light transmission
Density
0.83 g/cm3 in the visible area than with optically highly transparent
Modulus of elasticity 1,000 MPa plastics such as PMMA or PC.
Service temperature, long-term 120 °C
Service temperature, short-term 170 °C
Lower service temperature –20 °C
15
H H
H C C
40 n
C O H
n
30
POM-H PS
20
10
• Stress [MPa]
H H O
CH 3
C C 0
n C O S O
0 40 80 120 160 n
H CH 3 CH 3 O
• Strain [%]
TECAFINE PP
PP
Structural formula PP PSU
TECAFINE PP
TECAPRO MT
TECAFINE PP
CH 3
N F F
m
O
n
C C
n
CH 3 F F
PPO > PPE? PTFE

PP (DIN designation) Properties
Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic manufactured by the ˌˌSemi-crystalline
catalytic polymerization of propene. Polypropylene belongs ˌˌLow density < 1 g/cm³
to the group of polyolefines. ˌˌHigh degree of toughness
Polypropylenes (PP) are universal standard plastics with ˌˌBetter strength, hardness and rigidity than PE
well-balanced properties. The Ensinger semi-finished prod- ˌˌVery high chemical resistance
uct portfolio contains two main types of polypropylene: ˌˌVery low Hmoisture
F absorption
TECAPRO S
MT and TECAFINE PP. ˌˌNo stress crackn formation
C C
n
ˌˌImprovedH thermal
F
stability compared to PE
PPS ˌˌAnti-adhesive
PVDF
properties
ˌˌHigh thermal expansion
ˌˌLow application range in minus temperature range,
sensitive to impact
Values
TECAPRO MT TECAFINE PP
(PP) (PP)
T g –10 °C –18 °C
Density 0.92 g/cm3 0.91 g/cm3
Modulus of elasticity 2,000 MPa 1,600 MPa
16
40
30
20
10
• Stress [MPa]
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
• Strain [%]
TECAPRO
TECAPRO MT
Identifying characteristics Application examples

ˌˌMany criteria similar to PE TECAFINE PP: large-sized chemistry apparatus, acid-proof
ˌˌDifference: Scoring with a fingernail is not possible construction and acid baths, valves, galvanizing apparatus,
ˌˌColour opaque / milky white pickling and etching baths, low-temperature exhaust gas
ˌˌHigh flammability flues, filter plates for filter presses, waste water plants,
ˌˌBurns with a blue flame with yellow tip waste water piping systems, fittings made of extruded
ˌˌMinimal or no sooting semi-finished products, transport crates for food, filter
ˌˌWaxy odour components, fittings, containers, food processing plants
ˌˌDensity < 1 g/cm³, floats in water exposed to high levels of thermal and chemical stress. Used
in large-format press platens with low warpage and good
Products / Modifications welding properties for chemical plants manufactured us-
ing daylight presses. TECAPRO MT: biocompatible mate-
TECAFINE PP (PP) TECAPRO MT (PP)
Unreinforced basic type, natural Special type, modified for use in rial for use in medical technology, trays for the cleaning,
medical technology, biocompatible sterilization and storage of different medical devices and
TECAFINE PP GF30 (PP GF)
Glass fibre reinforced for high components used in medical applications, simple handles,
strength, rigidity, hardness and low certain geometry adaptation models, body contact plates for
thermal expansion, dimensional
mammography.
stability, preferred use for injection
moulding
Summary
The main difference between TECAFINE PP and TECAPRO
MT is that TECAPRO MT is based on specially heat-stabi-
lized PP homopolymer. This allows it to resist higher ther-
mal stress during extended tempering, resulting in a more
stress-relieved product and reducing the tendency to warp
as a result of repeated super-heated steam sterilization.
Easy to machine into dimensionally stable lightweight
components.
17
H H H
O O
100
C O C C O O S S
l m n
n
H H H O O
80
POM-C PPSU
H H H
O O
60
C O C C O O S S
l m n
n
H H H O O
40
POM-C
Structural formula POM-C PPSU
l and m statistically distributed
• Stress [MPa]
20
H H
H C C
0 n
C O H 10
n 0 20 30 40 50
H • Strain [%]
TECAFORM AD
TECAFORM
POM-H
Structural formula POM-H PSH AD H AH
TECAFORM TECAFORM AH
H C C
n
C O H
n
POM-H PS
TECAFORM
H
C
H
C
n
CH 3
C O
O
S O
n
H CH 3 CH 3 O
PP PSU
POM
H (DIN
H designation) Values CH 3 O
C C
The different designations polyacetal, polyoxymethylene or
n
C O TECAFORMS AD TECAFORM
O AH
n
H CH 3 CH 3 (POM-H) (POM-C)
O
polyformaldehyde (POM) are customary terms to describe
T g –60 °C –60 °C
the same polymer in different languages. POM is a thermo-
PP Density PSU 1.43 g/cm3 1.41 g/cm3
plastic produced by the polymerization of formaldehyde.
Two typical
CH 3 groups of polyacetals exist: homopolymers
N
m
(POM-H / TECAFORM AD) and copolymers (POM-C / F F
O Service temperature, short-term 150 °C 140 °C
TECAFORM AH). Both differ in terms of their manufac-
n
C C
n
CH 3 Lower service temperature –50 °C –50 °C
F F
turing process. Although their properties are very similar,
they do demonstrate a number of typical differences.
PPO >CHPPE?
3 PTFE
N Identifying Fcharacteristics
F
m
O
Properties n ˌˌColour white,
C C slightly opaque,
n
CH 3
ˌˌHigh crystallinity slightly translucent
F F at the edges
ˌˌRelatively high density ˌˌHigh flammability
PPO > PPE? PTFE
ˌˌGood degree of toughness, also in ˌˌBurns with a feint blue flame with yellow tip,
the low temperature range produces droplets and continues to burn
ˌˌHigh strength, hardness and spring stiffness ˌˌMinimal Hor no
F sooting
ˌˌVery good sliding friction properties, ˌˌTypically gives
C C off pungent odour of
n
S
abrasion-resistant, anti-adhesive formaldehyde
H F on thermal decomposition
n
ˌˌHigh chemical resistance, especially ˌˌHigh density, sinks in water

PPS PVDF
to alkalis, solvents and fuels ˌˌSlightly waxy
H F
feel
ˌˌGood thermal stability ˌˌQuickly destroyed
C C
n
in mineral acids
S
ˌˌLow moisturen
absorption ˌˌMuffled sound
H F on impact
ˌˌGood dimensional stability
PPS PVDF
ˌˌVery low dielectric constant
18
TECAFORM AD und AH Application examples
To address the wide-ranging different requirements occur- POM with its broad type diversity is an engineering plastic
ring in industry, a wide range of materials is available for wide-ranging universal applications in many different
which are adjusted to suit specific application conditions. branches of industry, also as a substitute for metal.
Products are available for use in the food, drinking water, Comprehensive use for sliding applications, excellent de-
pharmaceutical and medical technology industries and also sign solutions with snap fastenings, sliding parts such as
for sliding applications. Also available are materials re- bearing bushes, rollers, slide rails, electrical insulating
quired to comply with safety and explosion protection re- parts, components with contact to water, various fixture
quirements, and products for consumer protection in the components with sliding function, scratch proof high-gloss
manufacture of foods and pharmaceuticals. exposed parts, wide range of components in the food, phar-
maceutical and drinking water industries and in medical
Products / Modifications technology
TECAFORM AD natural (POM-H) TECAFORM AH ID

Basic type POM-H (POM-C, detectable filler) Summary
Inductively detectable using The two basic types are differentiated in the main by only a
TECAFORM AD black (POM-H) sensors for the protection of
For improved UV protection in food products, consumers and few underlying criteria:
outdoor use equipment ˌˌPOM-H (homopolymer) has a high melting point and
higher strength, but is sensitive to hydrolysis with
TECAFORM AD AF TECAFORM AH ID blue
(POM-H, solid lubricant) (POM-C, detectable filler) continuous exposure to hot water over 60 °C and steam.
Sliding properties modified with Inductively detectable and ˌˌPOM-C (copolymer) has slightly lower strength but
PTFE for minimal friction, brown additionally with blue, food-safe
signal colour for food product better toughness, better resistance to alkalis and good
TECAFORM AH natural (POM-C) protection hydrolysis resistance to hot water and steam.
Basic type POM-C
ˌˌPOM-C can be manufactured in larger, thicker-walled
TECAFORM AH LA blue
TECAFORM AH black (POM-C) (POM-C, solid lubricant) semi-finished product dimensions.
For improved UV protection for Sliding properties modified and
outdoor use blue signal colour for food contact
TECAFORM AH ELS TECAFORM AH MT coloured

(POM-C, conductive carbon black) (POM-C)
Adjusted for electrical conductivity Coloured for use in medical
for the reliable dissipation of static technology, tested for biocom
electricity and to protect products patibility
and systems against damage
TECAFORM AH SAN (POM-C)
TECAFORM AH GF25 (POM-C GF) With antimicrobial finish
Glass fibre reinforcement for higher for hygiene and health care
strength and precision applications
TECAFORM AH SD
(POM-C, antistatic)
Electrostatically conductive
for product protection in the
electronics industry
19
H H H
N CH 2 C C C
x n n
O
Unreinforced H H
H 120 H H
PA6
N CH 2 C
PEC C
x n n
O 100 H H
PA6
Structure using one source material: 80 PE
PA 6: x=5
PA 11: x=10
60
PA 12: x=11
40
H H
• Stress [MPa]
O
N CH 2 N C CH 2 C 20
x y n
O O C
O O n
H H 0
O
PA66
Structure
N CH 2
using two source materials:
N C CH 2 C
0 PEEK 40 80 120 160
PA 66: x=6;x y=4 y n
O
• Strain [%] O C
O O n
PA 610: x=6; y=8 TECAMID 46 rotbraun
PA 612: x=6; y=10 TECAMIDTECAMID 12
46 red-brown TECAMID 12
PA66 TECAMIDPEEK
TECAMID
6
6
TECAMID 66
TECAMID 66
O O O O O
CH 3
C C N R N C C C CH 2
O C O
N H H N R N N
n CH 3
O
C O O O O
C C CH 2
TECAMID
CH 3
C
O C N R N C C
O C
O CH 2
O C O
N H H N R N N
n CH 3
PAI C C PEI C CH 2
O O O
PAI(DIN designation)
PA PEIPA 46
Properties:
TECAMID (PA) belongs to the extensive group of polyam- ˌˌSemi-crystalline
ides. Polycondensation allows the manufacture of a wide ˌˌLow density, slightly over 1 g/cm³
range of individual polyamides with different characteristics ˌˌExtremely high thermal stability
onO the basisOof one
H (e.g.
H HPAH 6, PA 11, PA 12) or more source ˌˌHigh thermal dimensional
O
stability
materials (e.g. PA 66, PA 46,C PA
C C O C C C
610, PA 612). Polyamides are
O n
ˌˌVery highO moisture C absorption compared to other
n
H H H H
among the most important technical thermoplastics. polyamides. This property impairs most characteristic
O O H H H H
PBT values PEK
to a greaterO or lesser degree:
C C O C C C C O n
Properties: PA 6 and PA 66
H H H H
toughness,O
notch Cimpact strength
n and abrasion
ˌˌSemi-crystalline resistance improve while other mechanical and
PBT
ˌ ˌLow density, slightly over 1 g/cm³ PEKcharacteristic values deteriorate
electrical
ˌˌHigh thermal stability ˌˌVery good toughness depending on moisture content
(melting point of PA 66 higher than PA 6) ˌˌVery high chemical resistance, primarily to alkalis,
ˌˌHigh strength and hardness solvents and fuels
ˌˌHigh moisture absorption, which impairs most ˌˌSensitivity to stress cracking only under very dry
characteristic values to a greater or lesser degree: conditions
toughness, notch impact strength and abrasion
resistance improve while other mechanical and Properties: PA 12
electrical characteristic values deteriorate ˌˌSemi-crystalline
ˌˌVery good toughness depending on moisture content ˌˌLow density, slightly over 1 g/cm³
ˌˌVery high chemical resistance, primarily to alkalis, ˌˌMedium strength and hardness
solvents and fuels ˌˌMedium thermal stability
ˌˌSensitivity to stress cracking only under very dry ˌˌVery low moisture absorption compared to other
conditions polyamides
ˌˌAnti-adhesive properties ˌˌVery good impact strength and notch impact strength
ˌˌVery high chemical resistance, primarily to alkalis,
solvents and fuels
ˌˌVery good stress cracking resistance
20
Reinforced
120
100
80
60
40
• Stress [MPa]
20
0
0 5 10 15 20
• Strain [%]
TECAMID 66 CF 20
TECAMIDTECAMID 66 GF 30 sw
66 CF20 TECAMID 66 GF30 black
TECAMID 6 GF 30 sw
TECAMID 6 GF30 black
Values Products / Modifications
TECAMID TECAMID TECAMID TECAMID
6 66 46 12 TECAMID 6 (PA 6) TECAMID 66 LA
(PA 6) (PA 66) (PA 46) (PA 12) Unreinforced version, very tough, (PA 66, solid lubricant)
good damping properties, moisture With lubricant for improved sliding
Tg [°C] 45 47 72 37
absorption properties
Density [g/cm3] 1.14 1.15 1.19 1.02
Modulus of elasticity [MPa] 3,300 3,500 3,300 1,800 TECAM 6 MO (PA 6 MoS2 ) TECAMID 66 MH (PA 66 MoS2 )
Universal type, for outdoor use, Enhanced abrasion resistance,
Service temperature, long-term [°C] 100 100 130 110
sliding applications, abrasion also for external applications
Service temperature, short-term [°C] 160 170 220 150 resistant exposed to UV
Lower service temperature [°C] –40 –30 –40 –60
TECAMID 6 GF25 TECAMID 66 X GF50 (PA 66 GF)
Water absorption [%] 9.5 8.5 12 1.5 TECAMID 6 GF30 (PA 6 GF) Highly reinforced with 50 % GF,
Fibre reinforced for strength and improved thermal stability, black
rigidity coupled with a good level
Identifying characteristics
of toughness TECAMID TR (PA 6-3)
ˌˌColour opaque / milky white Amorphous, transparent,
ˌˌHigh flammability TECAMID 66 (PA 66) very good electrical insulation
Unreinforced basic type, harder and
ˌˌBurns with a blue flame with yellow tip, stronger than PA 6 TECAMID 12 (PA 12)
no or only minimal sooting Low water absorption, characteris-
TECAMID 66 CF20 (PA 66 CF) tics remain stable in humid
ˌˌHorn-like odour when burning,
Carbon fibre-reinforced, high environments, very good electrical
produces melted droplets, draws threads strength, improved UV protection insulation, good slide friction
ˌˌDensity slightly above 1 g/cm³, properties, wear resistant,
TECAMID 66 GF30 (PA 66 GF) dimensionally stable
floats in saturated salt solution Glass fibre-reinforced for high
ˌˌTranslucent with thin wall thicknesses / at the edges strength, improved UV protection TECAMID 46 (PA 46)
for outdoor weather resistance High-temperature PA, red-brown,
almost exclusively used for
Application examples TECAMID 66 HI injection moulding
The PA group of plastics are classical universal materials (PA 66, heat stabilizer)
Thermally stabilized for perma-
used in mechanical engineering applications whose high nently improved thermal stability
toughness and abrasion resistance makes them very suita-
ble as sliding materials. PA components ensure smooth, Summary
low-noise, low-vibration running, with emergency running Because of its relatively high but reversible moisture ab-
characteristics for partial dry running. sorption, PA 6 has a level of toughness which is high but
More suitable for applications in tough hostile environ- varies depending upon climatic conditions.
ments in which a wider tolerance range is admissible (note: PA 12 absorbs little water, has greater dimensional stability
precision components are less suitable for such applica- and is tough and wear resistant. TECAMID TR is transpar-
tions due to variable moisture absorption). ent, tends to absorb hardly any moisture, has good electrical
insulating properties.
TECAMID 46 has the highest level of toughness and water
absorption, is wear resistant and has very high thermal
stability.
21
ABS PC
120
100
80
H H H
60
N CH 2 C C C
x n n
O H H
40
PA6
Structural formula PA 6 C PE
• Stress [MPa]
20
0
0 20 40 60 80
• Strain [%]
TECAGLIDE grün
TECARIM (PA + elastomer) TECAST
TECAGLIDE T
green TECAST T
TECAST TM
TECAST TM TECAST L
TECAST L
H H
O
N CH 2 N C CH 2 C
x y n
O O C
O O n
TECAST
PA66 PEEK
TECARIM
O O O O O
CH 3
PA 6 CC (DIN designation)
C N R N C C Properties: TECAST
C T, TECAST L, TECAGLIDE CH 2
O C O
Due to the special manufacturing method used,
N H H N RTECAST
n
ˌˌSemi-crystalline
N N
CH 3
and TECARIM represent a special group within
C C the poly- ˌˌLow density, Cslightly over 1 g/cm³ CH 2
amideOfamily. TECAST is a cast polyamide 6O product manu- ˌˌHigh thermalO stability

factured by the activated anionic polymerization of caprol-
PAI ˌˌHigh strength
PEI
and hardness
actam. This cast polyamide material has high strength and ˌˌHigh moisture absorption, which impairs most
rigidity, as well as good abrasion resistance, particularly characteristic values to a greater or lesser degree:
against sliding friction partners with rough surfaces. Modi- toughness, notch impact strength and abrasion
fications using fillers, additives and lubricants are possible. resistance improve while other mechanical and
TECARIM assumes a special position within this group, as electrical characteristic values deteriorate
in this case elastomer components are additionally polym- ˌˌVery good toughness depending on moisture content
erized
O as block
O copolymers.
H H H H ˌˌVery high chemical resistance, primarily to alkalis,
O
C C O C C C C O n
solvents and fuels
O C
ˌˌSensitivity to stress cracking only under very dry
n
H H H H
conditions
PBT PEK
ˌˌAnti-adhesive properties
Properties: TECARIM
ˌˌPolyamide 6-block copolymer with high load capacity
ˌˌToughness modification of PA 6 C by the addition
of elastomer
ˌˌBalanced toughness and rigidity
ˌˌProduction using the RIM method
(Reaction Injection Moulding)
ˌˌRobust, abrasion-resistant components capable of
withstanding extreme loads
ˌˌExtremely high impact strength, also down to – 40 °C
ˌˌGood abrasion and wear resistance
ˌˌHigh energy and shock absorption
ˌˌNo brittle fractures under pressure or impact loads
ˌˌStress-relieved and draft-free moulded components
22
Values Application examples
TECAST T TECARIM Pulleys and guide rollers, chain guides, slide rails. The ad-
(PA 6 C) (PA 6 C)
justable toughness properties of TECAST T are used in
T g 40 °C 53 °C
damping plates for impact and vibration hammers applied
for pile driving; large-scale gears used for the transfer of
motion rather than power transmission.
Due to its high toughness, TECARIM is also used at low
temperatures for winter technology applications (chain sup-
Lower service temperature -40 °C -50 °C
ports, chain buffers for bulldozers); Stress relief blocks for
punching, deep drawing in automotive production, white
Identifying characteristics goods, tool building
ˌˌColour opaque / milky white
ˌˌHigh flammability Summary
ˌˌBurns with a blue flame with yellow tip, Due to its relatively high but reversible moisture absorp-
no or only minimal sooting tion, PA 6 has a high level of toughness, whereby TECAST
ˌˌHorn-like odour when burning, T demonstrates even higher crystallinity and better ma-
produces melted droplets, draws threads chinability than PA 6.
ˌˌDensity slightly above 1 g/cm³, TECAST L and TECAGLIDE are special types with modi-
floats in saturated salt solution fied sliding properties for improved sliding friction proper-
ˌˌTranslucent with thin wall thicknesses / at the edges ties and reduced abrasion.
Several TECARIM types can be varied over wide ranges (in
Products / Modifications terms of strength, creep strength and toughness from
tough elastic to hard).
TECAST T (PA 6 C) TECAST L yellow (PA 6 C, oil)
Basic type, tough-hard, Sliding properties modified, yellow
very good machining properties
TECAST TM (PA 6 C, MoS2 )
TECAGLIDE green With MoS2, improved abrasion
(PA 6 C, solid lubricant) resistance, suitable for outdoor
Cast PA 6, sliding properties exposure to UV
modified for very low friction
TECARIM 1500 yellow
TECAST L (PA 6 C, oil) (PA 6 C, elastomer)
Sliding properties modified Signal colour yellow,
high toughness, good low
TECAST L black (PA 6 C, oil) temperature impact strength
Sliding properties modified,
black, also for outdoor exposure
to weather
23
O H
100
S O C O
n n
O H
80
PES POM-H
O O H H H H
60 O
C C O C C C C O n
O C
n
H H H H
40
PBT
Structural formula PBT PEK
• Stress [MPa]
20
O O H H H H
0 C C
C C O C C O
n 0 10 n 20 30 40 50
H H H CH 3
• Strain [%]
TECAPET TF
TECADUR
PET
Structural formula PET TECAPETPPTF PBT TECADUR
TECAPET
GF 30 PBT GF30 TECAPET
TECADUR O O O O O
TECAPET
C C C C C CH 3
N -R N N -R N N
n n m
O
n
C C C C
O O O O CH 3
PI PPO > PPE?

PET, PBT (DIN designation) Properties
Polyethylenterephthalate (PET) is manufactured using a ˌˌSemi-crystalline
polycondensation reaction from terephthalic acid and eth- ˌˌRelatively high density
ylene glycol. PET belongs to the group of thermoplastic lin- ˌˌHigh degree of toughness, spring stiffness
ear polyesters and encompasses both TECAPET and the ˌˌBrittle behaviour at low temperatures
H H
related
C
non-standard types TECADUR PET. Another type is below zero degrees
C
n
TECADUR
CH 2 H
PBT, which is similar in character to PET, with ˌˌHigh strength, hardness and rigidity
lowerCHstrength but particularly good toughness and abra- ˌˌVery good sliding
S
friction properties, abrasion-resistant
H 3C CH 3 n
sion resistance. ˌˌHigh chemical resistance,
Due to these properties, TECADUR PBT is significantly preferably resistant to diluted acids
PMP PPS
easier to modify with fibres than PET, and therefore gener- ˌˌGood thermal stability
ally available as a fibre-reinforced product (TECADUR PBT ˌˌVery low moisture absorption
GF30). ˌˌMinimal thermal expansion
ˌˌVery good dimensional stability
ˌˌHydrolysis-sensitive to hot water and steam
ˌˌVery good electrical insulation properties
Values
TECADUR
TECADUR PET TECAPET PBT GF30
(PET) (PET) (PBT GF)
Tg 81 °C 81 °C 60 °C
Density 1.39 g/cm 3
1.36 g/cm
3
1.46 g/cm3
Modulus of elasticity 3,300 MPa 3,100 MPa 3,400 MPa
Service temperature, long-term 110 °C 110 °C 110 °C
Service temperature, short-term 170 °C 170 °C 200 °C
Lower service temperature –20 °C –20 °C –20 °C
(increasing brittleness)
24
Identifying characteristics Summary
ˌˌColour white, good coverage, more intensive than POM Products based on PET are used where moisture absorp-
ˌˌHigh flammability tion must be avoided and where dimensional stability is
ˌˌBurns with luminous yellow flame required in conjunction with strength. Lower water absorp-
ˌˌHigh level of sooting tion and thermal expansion than with PA and POM make
ˌˌTypical sweetish, irritant odour on thermal PET ideally suited for dimensionally stable precision com-
decomposition ponents with minimal environmental dependency. When
used in food-related applications, resistance to typical
Products / Modifications cleaners plays a decisive role. PET is more resistant to dif-
ferent cleaning acids than POM and PA, but conversely
TECADUR PET (PET) TECADUR PBT GF30 (PBT GF)
Basic type unreinforced Glass fibre reinforced, for high does not tolerate alkaline cleaning agents (caustic soda).
strength, rigidity and precision The material TECAPET is a special modification providing
TECAPET (PET) requirements
Modified for better machining improved toughness, better sliding friction properties with
TECAPET TF (PET TF) slightly reduced strength, and primarily improved ma-
TECAPET schwarz (PET) Modified as a sliding friction
chinability.
Improved for external use type with PTFE additive
with UV protection TECAPET black is the black dyed version with improved
UV protection for external applications.
Application examples TECAPET TF is a variant with improved sliding friction
Sliding parts such as bearing bushes, rollers, slide rails, properties with added polymer solid lubricant TECADUR
very good suitability for snap-effect installations, electrical PBT GF30. It is the glass-fibre reinforced modification
insulating components, components with cold water con- based on the related but significantly tougher PBT for high-
tact, various fixture parts with sliding effect, scratch-proof er strength requirements, high rigidity and low thermal
high-gloss exposed parts, engineering plastic for universal expansion, making it ideally suited for structural compo-
applications, components for food processing plants nents with a high level of precision used in electrotechnical
applications, precision mechanics and mechanical engi-
neering. PET is in any case highly rigid. Due to the high
level of brittleness, with the addition of glass fibre it could
not be further processed without damage.
25
100
80
60
40
• Stress [MPa]
20
CH 3 O
0 O O O
C O C O
n
0 O 20 C 40 O 60 C 80 C 100
CH 3 n
• Strain [%]
TECANAT
TECANAT GF 30
PC
Structural formula PC TECANAT PEKEKK TECANAT GF30
TECANAT
H
C
H
C
O
S O
n n
H H O
PE PES
PC (DIN designation) ˌˌTendency to stress crack formation
Polycarbonate (PC) is manufactured by the reaction of bis- ˌˌSensitive to notching
phenol A with phosgene, and belongs to the group of linear ˌˌUnsuitable for high mechanical loads
thermoplastic polyesters. Due to its low crystallinity, PC has ˌˌHydrolysis-sensitive (to continuous exposure
a high level of transparency. to hot water and primarily super-heated steam)
The plastic is characterized by high strength, rigidity and ˌˌLow dissipation factor
hardness, as well as very good impact strength. In contrast ˌˌGood electrical
O insulation
O H properties
H
O
to Otheir lowO chemical
C
resistance, polycarbonates are very ˌˌVery good resistance to weathering
C C O C C O
n
n
H H
resistant to external influences such as weather and UV-
radiation. Values
PEEK PET
TECANAT TECANAT GF30
(PC) (PC GF)
Properties
T g 149 °C 147 °C
ˌˌAmorphous
Density 1.19 g/cm 3
1.42 g/cm3
ˌˌHigh degree of transparency
ˌˌLowO density O O O O O
CH 3 Service temperature, long-term 120 °C 120 °C
ˌˌGoodC thermal stability CH 2 C C C C C
O C O Service temperature, short-term 140 °C 140 °C
ˌˌVery
N high toughness N -R N N -R N N
CH 3 Lower service
n temperature –60 °C n –40 °C m
ˌˌVeryC high impact strength, CH 2 C

(increasing brittleness) C C C
evenO at low temperatures O O O O
ˌˌHigh strength and hardness Identifying characteristics

PEI PI
ˌˌMaintains its rigidity over a wide ˌˌColourless
range of temperatures ˌˌHighly transparent
ˌˌVery high dimensional accuracy ˌˌHigh flammability
ˌˌLow moisture absorption ˌˌBurns with luminous yellow flame, heavy sooting
ˌˌModerate chemical resistance, ˌˌSweetish odour, irritant
H H
sensitive to solvents and alkalis ˌˌDensity 1 g/cm³ – floats in saline solution
C C
ˌˌSubject to rapid nattack by solvents,
O CH 2 H
clouding of the surface
O C CH
n H 3C CH 3
PEK PMP
26
Products / Modifications Summary
Compared to other engineering plastics, polycarbonate
TECANAT (PC) TECANAT MT (PC)
Unreinforced basic types Natural special types for use in demonstrates excellent impact strength and low tempera-
medical technology, biocompatible ture impact strength as well as exceptional transparency.
TECANAT GF30 (PC GF)
Glass fibre reinforced for Due to its high degree of hardness, PC is less susceptible to
high strength and rigidity, scratches and so maintains a high level of transparency in
dimensional stability
application. This distinguishes it from other materials and
opens up a wide range of applications across different
Application examples fields.
Areas in which high transparency and mechanical charac- The high strength and toughness of the glass-fibre rein-
teristics such as impact strength, strength and dimensional forced type TECANAT GF30 makes it particularly suited for
stability are key, such as electrical and apparatus compo- use in electrically insulating components and in structural
nents, CDs and DVDs. Spectacle lenses and optical lenses, and housing components requiring a high standard of di-
lamp covers, viewing windows used in food technology or mensional stability, strength and impact strength. Unlike
mineral oil processing. Also lenses for car headlamps, air- unmodified types, fibre-reinforced PC is not transparent
craft windows, safety screens, burglar-resistant glazing, un- but has a greyish opaque colour.
derwater housings for cameras, conservatory and green- The special type TECANAT MT is suitable for one-off ap-
house glazing, solar panels, covers, packaging, suitcases, plications in the medical sector. However, the highly-trans-
protective helmets and visors. parent material offers only minimal resistance to super-
Also suitable as a housing material for cameras, mobile heated steam. Even a few sterilization and cleaning cycles
phones, laptops and other housings, as well as durable exert a significant detrimental effect on the material (stress
identification documents. crack formation, yellowing, brittleness).
Special PC types can be used as a raw material for a wide
range of different disposable medical products.
27
F F
80
C C
n
F F
60
PTFE
F F
C C
n
40
F F
PTFE
Structural formula PTFE
20
• Stress [MPa]
H F
0
C C
n 0 5 10 15 20
H F • Strain [%]
TECAFLON PVDF (?)
PVDF
Structural formula PVDF TECAFLON PVDF
H F
C C
n
H F
PVDF
TECAFLON
PVDF, PTFE (DIN designation) Properties: PTFE

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polytetrafluoroethyl- ˌˌVery high crystallinity
ene (PTFE) belong to the group of highly chemically re- ˌˌHighest density of all polymers
sistant fluorothermoplastics. Due to its high molecular ˌˌVery tough down to low temperatures
weight, highly chemically resistant PTFE cannot be pro- ˌˌMinimal strength and hardness
cessed by melting, but only by pressing and sintering to ˌˌPoor creep strength
create semi-finished products. PVDF can be formed by ex- ˌˌExtremely high resistance to chemicals,
trusion. also to oxidizing acids
ˌˌHydrolysis-resistant
Properties: PVDF ˌˌNo stress crack formation
ˌˌHigh density ˌˌVery low moisture absorption
ˌˌStrong and tough ˌˌHigh thermal stability, but low
ˌˌMinimal toughness at low temperatures dimensional stability at temperature
ˌˌHigh chemical resistance ˌˌAnti-adhesive properties, very good
ˌˌHydrolysis-resistant sliding properties, no stick-slip behaviour
ˌˌVery low moisture absorption ˌˌHigh resistance to UV radiation
ˌˌHigh thermal expansion ˌˌVery sensitive to severe radiation (gamma and X-rays)
ˌˌHigh dissipation factor, polar, ˌˌNot bondable with conventional materials
not suitable for high-frequency applications ˌˌHigh thermal expansion
ˌˌHigh resistance to UV radiation ˌˌMinimal dissipation factor
ˌˌPVDF is significantly more resistant to energetic ˌˌVery good electrical insulation properties
radiation than all other fluorothermoplastics due to their low microstructure density, RAM extruded
ˌˌInherently flame resistant, self-extinguishing products offer characteristics such as minimal dielectric
ˌˌReleases highly toxic gas in case of fire strength under high voltage)
ˌˌInherently flame resistant, self-extinguishing
ˌˌCombustion gases are fluoric, highly toxic
28
TECAFLON PVDF TECAFLON PTFE PTFE is the most commonly used and important fluoro-
(PVDF) (PTFE)
polymer with the most extensive fields of application:
T g –40 °C –20 °C
Chemical plant engineering, food and pharmaceutical
technology. PTFE is preferred for sliding applications with
Modulus of elasticity 2,200 MPa 700 MPa
exposure to extreme chemical stress. PVDF is ideal for
chemical plant construction and high pressure loads under
exposure to elevated temperatures, for valves, filter plates,
(Exceptions fittings, pipelines, special types for ultra-pure water treat-
down to –270 °C) ment plants.
Summary
Identifying characteristics: PVDF When determining the dimension of PTFE parts, consid-
ˌˌColour opaque / milky white eration must be given to the extreme increase in the coef-
ˌˌLow flammability ficient of thermal expansion as a result of microstructure
ˌˌBurns with luminous yellow flame changes taking place in the range of around 18 °C to 20 °C.
ˌˌExtinguishes after removing the flame Dimensions should be defined at a range of appr. 23 °C.
ˌˌIrritant odour PVDF has higher strength, with strength values at 150 °C
ˌˌHigh density (tangibly evident) still approximately as high as PTFE at room temperature.
ˌˌDifficult to score with a fingernail PVDF has lower chemical resistance than PTFE.
The reinforcement of PVDF and PTFE with glass fibres is
Identifying characteristics: PTFE only recommended when taking special precautionary
ˌˌRadiant white, opaque measures and using selected additives due to a possible
ˌˌLow flammability thermal degradation reaction resulting in a release of gas
ˌˌDoes not burn and deflagration.
ˌˌIrritant odour
ˌˌHigh density (tangibly evident)
ˌˌSoft, easily deformable, easily scored using a fingernail
Products / Modifications
TECAFLON PVDF (PVDF) TECAFLON PTFE (PTFE)

Unreinforced basic types Unreinforced basic types
TECAFLON PVDF ELS

(conductive carbon black)
electrically conductive
29
O O H H H
O 160
C C O C C O C
n
O O C
n
H H H
PEEK PET120 PP
80
O 40 O O O O O
• Stress [MPa]
CH 3
C CH 2 C C C C C
O C O
N N -R N N -R N N
n n m
CH 3 0
C CH 2 C C C C
0 10 20 30 40
O O
• Strain [%] O O O
TECAPEI
PEI Structural formula PEI PI TECAPEI PPO
H H
TECAPEI
O
C
CH 2 H
C
n
O C CH
n H 3C CH 3
PEK PMP PPS

PEI (DIN designation) Properties
Polyetherimide (PEI) is an amorphous thermoplastic with ˌˌAmorphous
high mechanical strength and rigidity. Due to its character- ˌˌTransparent with thin wall thicknesses
istics, PEI has a great affinity to the group of polyarylsu- and polished surface
phones (PSU, PPSU) but belongs to the thermoplastic poly- ˌˌLow density
imides group. The material demonstrates a remarkably ˌˌHigh strength, hardness and rigidity
high creep strength over a wide temperature range. PEI ˌˌHigh degree of toughness
also demonstrates a high long-term service temperature. ˌˌHigh thermal stability
The characteristic profile is rounded off by very good hy- ˌˌVery high chemical resistance
drolysis resistance and dimensional stability. Due to its ˌˌVery low moisture absorption
amorphous molecular structure, PEI is transparent and has ˌˌMinimal thermal expansion
a golden yellow colour. ˌˌDimensionally stable
ˌˌCaution with strong solvents,
stress crack formation possible
ˌˌSuper-heated steam and hydrolysis-resistant
ˌˌLow dissipation factor,
suitable for high-frequency applications
ˌˌPermeable by and resistant to microwaves
ˌˌHigh limiting oxygen index
ˌˌVery low energy release and minimal
proportion of toxic gases in case of fire
ˌˌGood machining properties
30
TECAPEI (PEI) Food and pharmaceutical plants, chemical and lab equip-
Tg 216 °C ment, plug components, lampholders, soldering frames,
Density
1.28 g/cm3 special types for aerospace applications, electrical engineer-
Modulus of elasticity 3,200 MPa ing, high-frequency aerial holders, coil formers, microwave
Service temperature, long-term 170 °C equipment, microelectronics, test adapters
Service temperature, short-term 200 °C
Lower service temperature –50 °C Summary
The amorphous high-temperature plastics PEI, PPSU, PES
and PSU generally offer very similar characteristic profiles;
Identifying characteristics they differ predominantly in terms of the thermal values
ˌˌColour translucent, amber coloured service temperature and glass transition temperature.
ˌˌBurns with luminous yellow flame However, PEI has significantly higher mechanical charac-
ˌˌExtinguishes slowly after removing the flame teristics than polysulphones in respect of strength, rigidity
ˌˌDissolves in methylene chloride and hardness. In addition, PEI has the lowest heat develop-
ment rate in case of fire. This is a key criterion in aerospace
Products / Modifications applications.
With its non-standard types, PEI is an invaluable high-tem-
TECAPEI (PEI) TECAPEI MT (PEI)
Unreinforced basic type, suitable Special type for medical technology perature plastic for these sectors.
for contact with foodstuffs applications with biocompatibility
TECAPEI GF30 (PEI GF)

Processing to produce non-stand-
ard products, glass fibre reinforced
for very high strength, metal
replacement
31
H H H
CH O
O3 O O 100
C O S O C O C C O
l m n
O C O C C n
n
CH 3 O H H H
80
PEKEKK
PSU
Structural formula PSU POM-C
60
O O
O S S
n
40
O O
PPSU
Structural formula PPSU
• Stress [MPa]
20
F F O H
0
C C S O C O
n n 0 20
n 40 60 80
F F O H
• Strain [%]
TECASON S
TECASON
S P MT sw
PES
Structural formula PES
PTFE TECASON POM-H TECASON P MT black
H H
C C
n
PS
TECASON S, P, E
OH
CC
F
C
O
C O
H
C
H
C O
H
C
H
C
n
n n
H H H CH 3
H F
PET
PVDF PP
PSU, PPSU, PES (DIN designation) Properties
Polyaryl sulphonesCH 3
(PSU, PPSU, O PES) are a family of ther- ˌˌAmorphous
moplastic,C amorphous O and polar
S polymers.
O
n
Due to their ˌˌTransparent with thin wall thicknesses
CH 3 O
amorphous molecular structure, polyaryl sulphones are and polished surface
translucent and have
PSU O O a yellowish
O brown (amberO coloured)
O ˌˌLow density
transparent C appearance.
C EvenC at high temperatures,
C these
C ˌˌHigh strength, CH 3 hardness and rigidity
N
n
materials
-R N demonstrate a high level N of -R
n
strength
N and stability.N m
ˌ ˌ High degree of toughness
O
Polyphenyl sulphone (PPSU) combines a high melting ˌˌHigh thermal stability
n
C C C C
O O O O CH
temperature with very low moisture absorption. In addi- ˌˌHigh chemical3 resistance
tion, this polymer offers better impact strength and chemi-
PI ˌˌVery low moisture absorption
PPO > PPE?
cal resistance than PSU and PES from the group of polysul- ˌˌGood dimensional stability
phones.
F F Alongside these characteristics, compared to other ˌˌCaution with strong solvents,
representatives
C C
n
of this polymer class, PPSU lends itself far stress crack formation possible
better to superheated steam sterilization and has better re-
F F ˌˌSuper-heated steam and hydrolysis-resistant
sistance to cleaning agents and disinfectants. ˌˌLow dissipation factor
PTFEH H
The outstanding characteristics of polysulphones (PSU) in- ˌˌPermeable and with high resistance to microwaves,
C C
clude notn only a high long-term service temperature but good for high-frequency applications
CH 2 H
also CH remarkably high creep strength over a wide tempera- ˌˌVery good electrical insulation properties
S
H 3C CH 3
ture range. A high level of dimensional stability and good ˌˌInherently flame resistant, self-extinguishing
n
hydrolysis resistance complete the product characteristics. ˌˌGood machining properties

PMP PPS
The characteristics of polyether sulphone (PES) are similar
to Hthose F
of PSU. PES offers high mechanical strength and
rigidity
C C coupled with relatively low notch sensitivity. In ad-
n
dition,
H F PES offers good chemical resistance and hydrolysis
resistance. Compared to PSU, PES offers better chemical

PVDF
resistance and higher impact strength.
32
TECASON P TECASON S PPSU is used preferably in medicine in the field of joint
(PPSU) (PSU)
prosthetic surgery for adjustment models, for device han-
T g 218 °C 188 °C
dles, sterilization and storage containers, food and pharma-
Density 1.31 g/cm³ 1.24 g/cm³
(can differ depending ceuticals production plants.
on colour)
PSU for chemical and laboratory equipment, plug compo-
nents, lamp fittings, electrical engineering, for high-fre-
quency technology, aerial carriers, coil formers, microwave
equipment, microelectronics, test adapters.
(Exceptions
PES GF is used preferably for injection moulding of high-
down to –100 °C) strength, rigid precision electrical components with flame
retardant properties.
ˌˌColour translucent, amber coloured, Summary
darkening with PPSU on PES has been superseded by the product development of
rising glass transition temperature PPSU, and is only of significance nowadays for the manu-
ˌˌLow flammability facture of special products. The typical characteristic pro-
ˌˌBurns with luminous yellow, sooting flame files of the three amorphous polysulphone polymers (PSU,
ˌˌExtinguishes slowly after removing the flame PPS, PES) are very similar. The main differences are in
ˌˌPungent odour their glass transition temperatures and service temperature
ˌˌDissolves in methylene chloride ranges.
The strength value, toughness and chemical resistance lev-
Products / Modifications els of the three differ only in detail. Also in comparison to
PEI, certain properties overlap. However, it offers signifi-
TECASON P MT coloured (PPSU) TECASON S (PSU)
Special type in a variety of colours Unreinforced basic type, cantly higher mechanical characteristic values (strength,
for medical technology, tested compatible for food contact rigidity and hardness) as well as being excellently suited for
biocompatibility, suitable for
contact with foods TECASON E GF30 (PES GF)
safety-relevant applications in aviation.
non-standard production, Due to its relatively high moisture absorption, PES fre-
TECASON P VF (PPSU) preferably for injection moulding, quently demonstrates problematic behaviour during super-
Unreinforced basic type, glass fibre reinforced for high
calendered for deep-drawn strength, electrical components, heated steam sterilization with vacuum phase (crack for-
products, transparent and in flame retarded mation).
opaque colours
Alongside PEEK, PPSU is a highly important plastic for use
TECASON P MT XRO coloured in medical applications, for instance in the field of devices
(PPSU) used in imaging diagnostics, OP equipment and orthopae-
Special type for use in medical
technology, biocompatible, x-ray dic technology for joint replacement.
opaque
33
CH 3
N F F
m
O 100
n
C C
n
CH 3 F F
80
PPO > PPE? PTFE
60
40
• Stress [MPa]
20
H F
0
C C
S 0 5n 10 15 20
n
• Strain [%] F
H
TECATRON GF 40
TECATRON PVX
PPS
Structural formula PPS TECATRON PVDFGF40 TECATRON PVX
TECATRON
PPS (DIN designation) Properties

Polyphenylenesulphide (PPS) is a semi-crystalline, high ˌˌHigh crystallinity
temperature thermoplastic polymer. Its chemical structure ˌˌHigh density
makes PPS a highly resistant polymer with high strength ˌˌHigh strength, hardness and rigidity
and hardness, even in the upper temperature ranges. In ˌˌHigh thermal stability
addition to low water absorption, it also has good dimen- ˌˌVery high chemical resistance,
sional stability and excellent electrical properties. PPS is even at low temperatures
chemically very stable even at high temperatures. In the ˌˌExcellent solvent resistance
field of semi-finished products, PPS is almost exclusively ˌˌHydrolysis-resistant, not sensitive to stress cracking
available in the marketplace in fibre-reinforced form. ˌˌVery low moisture absorption
ˌˌMinimal thermal expansion
ˌˌHighly dimensionally stable in a fibre-reinforced
version
ˌˌHigh radiation resistance to gamma and X-rays
ˌˌLow ionic contamination in special types
Values
TECATRON TECATRON GF40
(PPS) (PPS GF)
T g 97 °C 93 °C
Density 1.36 g/cm 3
1.63 g/cm3
34
Identifying characteristics Application examples
ˌˌColour beige / natural, under the effects of Structural components for chemical environments, valves,
UV quickly develops localized brown patches filter housings, pump and fitting components, pump im-
ˌˌLow flammability pellers, sliding components exposed to temperature and
ˌˌSulphurous odour of rotten eggs chemical influences as well as hot water, roller bearings for
ˌˌExtinguishes after removing the flame continuous driers, electrical components, plugs, housings,
ˌˌHard, bright sound on impact core formers, lamp housings, unreinforced special types
with low ion contamination for semi-conductor production
Products / Modifications
Summary
TECATRON (PPS) TECATRON PVX (PPS CS CF TF)
Basic type, only for special Special type with modified sliding The deployment of TECATRON materials frequently offers
applications properties to comply with sliding the optimum compromise where the performance param-
requirements under high
TECATRON GF40 (PPS GF) temperatures, loads and the eters of PA 66 GF30 have reached their limits and a solu-
Glass fibre reinforced for high effects of chemicals and steam tion using PEEK materials would exceed budgetary restric-
strength and rigidity
tions. In the automotive industry, for instance, PPS is
TECATRON GF40 black frequently used predominantly for applications in the en-
(PPS GF) gine compartment where PA 66 GF30 is no longer able to
Glass fibre reinforced, dyed
black, improved UV protection provide adequate characteristics. Alongside the high level
for outdoor applications and of material strength and dimensional stability, another out-
colour-stable products
standing feature of PPS is its dimensional stability.
35
PEI PI
O O H H
O 160
C C O C C O
n
O O C
n
H H
120
PEEK formula PEEK
Structural PET H H
C C
n
O 80
CH 2 H
O C CH
n H 3C CH 3
40
PEK O formula PEK
Structural PMP O O O
• Stress [MPa]
O O
CH 3
C CH 2 C C C C C
O C O
N N -R HN H H N -R N N
O O CH 3 O 0 n n m
C OC C C O C C
O
C
C O C C
CH 2 0 5l 10m n 15C 20
n
O H
• Strain [%] O H H O O O
TECAPEEK ST sw
TECAPEEK
PEKEKK
Structural formula PEKEKK
PEI POM-C
TECAPEEK
PI ST black
TECAPEEK HT sw
TECAPEEK TECAPEEK HT black
H H
TECAPEEK O
S
O
O
H
C
C
CH 2 H
O
C
n
n n
O C CH
O n H 3 CH CH 3
PES
PEK POM-H
PMP
PAEK (DIN designation) ˌˌGood sliding friction properties,
The group of polyaryletherketones (PAEK) encompasses in good abrasion resistance
the main PEEK, PEK, PEKEKK and PEKK. ˌˌVery good chemical resistance to
The molecular structure of the members of this polymer a wide range of technical media
group differs in terms of the respective number of cohesive ˌˌHydrolysis resistance,
ether and ketone groups. Consequently, with an increasing tendency to stress crack formation
number
O of Oketone
H groups,
H underlying distinctions occur ˌˌHigh thermal
H H stability
C
with rising glass transition
C C O C C O
n and melting temperatures. Pro- C
ˌˌUnusually high radiation resistance n
H H H CH 3
cessability by melting becomes increasingly difficult, and is to gamma and X-rays
then replaced by pressing methods, which are the preferred
PET ˌˌVery low
PP
moisture absorption
option for large-scale semi-finished product dimensions. ˌˌMinimal thermal expansion
A typical characteristic of this group of materials, which is ˌˌGood dimensional stability
classified as part of the thermoplastic high-temperature ˌˌInherently flame resistant, self-extinguishing
plastic group, is that its property profile is largely main- ˌˌMinimal ion contamination
tained Oalso in high-temperature
O O ranges aboveO 100 °C; Most
O
ˌˌVery low outgassing rates in high vacuum
characteristic
C values
C change only
C moderately.CThe most im-
C ˌˌMinimal, low-toxicity
CH 3
gas development
N portant
-R N material and the one withN the-R most
N technical usesN in case of fire
n n m
O
is the polyetheretherketone
C PEEK.
C C C n
CH 3
The materials belonging to the polyaryletherketone group
O O O O Values
are characterized by an unusually complex property profile TECAPEEK TECAPEEK HT TECAPEEK ST
PI PPO > PPE? (PEEK) (PEK) (PEKEKK)
with a large number of excellent individual characteristics.
T g 150 °C 160 °C 165 °C
Density 1.31 g/cm³ 1.31 g/cm³ 1.32 g/cm³
Properties
Modulus of elasticity 4,200 MPa 4,600 MPa 4,600 MPa
ˌˌSemi-crystalline
Service temperature, long-term 260 °C 260 °C 260 °C
ˌˌLow density
H H Service temperature, short-term 300 °C 300 °C 300 °C
ˌˌHigh degree of toughness
C C Lower service temperature –40 °C –40 °C –40 °C
ˌˌHigh strength,
n
hardness and rigidity (Exceptions down to –100 °C,
CH 2 H
increasing brittleness)
ˌˌLow tendency to creep
CH S
H 3C CH 3 n
PMP PPS
36
160
120
80
40
• Stress [MPa]
0
0 5 10 15 20
• Strain [%]
TECAPEEK PVX
TECAPEEK
TECAPEEK PVX GF 30 TECAPEEK GF30 TECAPEEK CF30
TECAPEEK CF 30
Identifying characteristics: PEEK natural colour Application examples

ˌˌColour beige, characteristic Polyaryletherketones are a high-performance polymer
ˌˌLow flammability group, each member of which has an array of unusual
ˌˌExtinguishes after removing the flame properties and behaviours, making this a highly important
ˌˌMinimal sooting source of materials for modern technology and industry.
ˌˌExtreme hardness and rigidity TECAPEEK (PEEK) plays an outstanding role among this
ˌˌDensity significantly > 1 g/cm³, sinks in water group.
Sliding components, guide rollers, chain guides in ovens,
Products / Modifications tank linings, thermoformed parts, various components for
food, drinking water, medical, pharmaceutical and biotech-
TECAPEEK (PEEK) TECAPEEK CLASSIX white (PEEK)
Unreinforced basic types Special type for medical technology nological use, packaging plants, semi-conductor technolo-
applications, suitable for 30 days gy and microelectronics, nuclear and x-ray technology, gas
TECAPEEK black (PEEK)
of tissue contact, biocompatible
Improved UV radiation for and oil exploration and conveying, aerospace applications,
outdoor use TECAPEEK MT (PEEK)
Natural version for medical
gears and engine building
TECAPEEK luminous red (PEEK)
technology, biocompatible
Signal and warning colour
for industrial application, TECAPEEK MT coloured (PEEK) Summary
operating elements Special types in a variety of Compared to TECAPEEK (PEEK), the melting and glass
colours for medical technology,
TECAPEEK CF30 (PEEK CF)
biocompatible transition temperatures and strength levels of TECAPEEK
Carbon fibre reinforced for
high strength and rigidity, TECAPEEK ID blue
HT (PEKEKK) are higher.
sliding properties (PEEK, detectable filler) Its chemical resistance is tendentially better. The hydrolysis
modified for inductive detectability resistance of polyaryletherketones to superheated steam is
TECAPEEK ELS nano (PEEK CNT)
in food and pharmaceutical
Electrically conductive with CNT greater than is the case with high-temperature plastics PI
processes, suitable for food
TECAPEEK GF30 (PEEK GF) contact and PAI. Compared to PEI, their alkali resistance at high
Glass fibre reinforced for
high strength and rigidity
TECAPEEK TF10 (PEEK TF) temperatures is an outstanding feature.
Sliding properties modified with
The special materials of the TECATEC family offer extreme
TECAPEEK PVX (PEEK CS, CF, TF) PTFE , suitable for contact with
With modified sliding properties food mechanical strength and thermal dimensional stability due
for technical sliding applications to the carbon fibre fabric.
TECAPEEK TS (PEEK, mineral)
with high loading capacity
With mineral filler, high strength The PAEK-based polymer matrix also provides high resist-
TECAPEEK HT black (PEK) and rigidity, toughness, high
Unreinforced, higher thermal degree of hardness and low
ance to superheated steam and chemicals, making
mechanical loading capacity than thermal expansion TECATEC ideal for use in medical technology applications.
PEEK
TECATEC PEEK CW50 (PEEK CF)
TECAPEEK ST black (PEKEKK) Reinforced with woven carbon
Unreinforced, higher thermal fibre fabric, strength behaviour on
mechanical loading capacity the fabric level similar to steel,
than PEK biocompatible
TECAPEEK CF30 MT (PEEK CF) TECATEC PEKK CW60 (PEKK CF)

Special type, carbon fibre Reinforced with woven carbon
reinforced, for high strength, fibre fabric, strength behaviour
biocompatible, black on the fabric level similar to steel,
biocompatible
37
H H
160 O
N CH 2 N C CH 2 C
x y n
O O C
O O n
120
PA66 PEEK
80
O O O O 40 O
• Stress [MPa]
CH 3
C C N R N C C C CH 2
O C O
N H H N R N N
n CH 3
0
C C C CH 2
0 5 10 15 20
O O • Strain [%] O
TECATOR 5013
TECATOR
5013 5031 PVX
PAI
Structural formula PAI TECATORPEI TECATOR 5031 PVX
TECATOR
O
C
O
C O
H
C
H
C
H
C
H
C O
O
n
O C
n
H H H H
PBT PEK
PAI (DIN designation) Properties
Polyamidimides (PAI) are amorphous, thermoplastic high- ˌˌAmorphous
performance polymers characterized by high thermal sta- ˌˌHigh density
bility. Their high molecular weight means that these mate- ˌˌGood sliding friction properties,
rials cannot be melted, but are thermally destroyed on high abrasion resistance
testing. ˌˌHigh degree of toughness
PAI belongs to the group of thermoplastic polyimides. ˌˌVery high strength and hardness
These polyimides are characterized by an unusually com- ˌˌVery good chemical resistance
plex characteristic profile with a number of outstanding ˌˌHydrolysis sensitivity to hot water continuously at
characteristics. A high level of toughness, rigidity and creep temperatures over 100 °C, superheated steam and alkali
strength coupled with low thermal expansion ensure good ˌˌRelatively high moisture absorption impairs
mechanical loading capacity and dimensionally stable com- dimensional stability
ponents. ˌˌHigh thermal stability
Modification with graphite and PTFE produces a highly ˌˌUnusually high radiation resistance
abrasion-resistant bearing material with minimal friction to gamma and X-rays
resistance which remains efficient even in dry running sit- ˌˌInherently flame resistant, self-extinguishing
uations.
38
TECATOR 5013 TECATOR 5031 PVX Sliding components, guide rollers, chain guides, sliding
(PAI) (PAI)
bearings, gears, thrust washers (axial sliding bearings) in
T g 280 °C 280 °C
gear manufacture, balls in hydraulic controls.
Density 1.40 g/cm 3
1.46 g/cm3
Glass fibre-reinforced high-strength dimensionally stable
structures used in the aerospace industry, runners, deflec-
tion rollers, paper guides in printers, copiers, office ma-
chinery.
Plug components and test sockets for chip testing in the
microelectronics industry, lamp holders.
ˌˌTypical colours: Outer skin brown, yellow brown inside Summary
ˌˌLow flammability The amide groups have elevated moisture absorption and
ˌˌBurns with a blue flame with yellow tip also provide very good toughness, but demonstrate dimen-
ˌˌMinimal or no sooting sional changes and limited hydrolysis resistance.
For use in the higher temperature range, preliminary dry-
Products / Modifications ing is advisable in order to prevent hydrolytical damage.
Components machined as semi-finished products undergo
TECATOR (PAI) TECATOR GF30 (PAI GF)
Basic type, tough, electrically High-strength fibre-reinforced type thermal treatment at the end of the polymerization process,
insulating for injection moulding which simultaneously lends them improved abrasion re-
TECATOR 5031 PVX (PAI CS TF) sistance on running surfaces in conjunction with oxidation
Sliding properties modified with of the surface.
graphite and PTFE additive
39
DMA 3-point bending test, 1Hz, 2K/min
O O H H H H
8000 C C
C C O C C O n
n
H H H CH 3
6000
PET PP
• storage modulus E' [MPa] log

4000
O O O O O 2000
C C C C C CH 3
-R N N -R N N
n n m
0 O
n
C C C C
–200 -100 0 100 200 300 400 500
O O O O CH 3
• temperature [°C]
TECASINT 1011
PI Structural formula PI PPO >TECASINT

PPE?
TECASINT 1011 2011
TECASINT 3011
TECASINT 2011 TECASINT 3011
TECASINT 4011
TECASINT 4111
H H
C
TECASINT
CH 2 H
C
n
CH S
H 3C CH 3 n
PMP PPS
PI (DIN designation) Values
Polyimides (PI) are produced by polycondensation. They TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT
2011 4011 4111
are non-fusible due to the high amount of ring-shaped, (PI) (PI) (PI)
mostly aromatic chain links and high molecular weights. Tg [°C] 370 260 n.a.
The manufacturing of semi-finished products or direct- Density [g/cm3] 1.38 1.41 1.46
forming parts is therefore done exclusively by sintering Modulus of elasticity [MPa] 3,700 4,000 7,000
techniques. Service temperature, long-term [°C] 300 300 300
The materials belonging to the polyimide group are charac- Service temperature, short-term [°C] > 350 > 350 > 400
terised by an unusually complex property profile with a Lower service temperature [°C] –270 –270 -270
large number of excellent individual characteristics and so
take up a position at the tip of the material pyramid.
Properties ˌˌLow flammability, does not burn
ˌˌNon-melting high-temperature polyimide ˌˌDensity > 1 g/cm³, sinks in water
ˌˌHigh strength, modulus and rigidity, also in the high ˌˌVery hard to tough-soft, depending on type
temperature range ˌˌHard / muffled sound on impact
ˌˌHigh compressive strength and creep resistance
ˌˌHigh purity, low outgassing in vacuum conditions
ˌˌGood chemical resistance
ˌˌGood thermal and electrical insulation
ˌˌHigh radiation resistance
ˌˌInherently flame resistant
ˌˌHigh density
ˌˌHydrolysis sensitivity to hot water > 100 °C and
superheated steam
40
Stability against thermal oxidation at 300 °C and 70 psi over 300 h
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
• weight loss [%]
0.2
TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT

2021 3021 4021 4121
Products Modifications
TECASINT 1000 Optimum chemical resistance. Unfilled + 15 % graphite

Highest modulus. HDT up to 470 °C. Maximum strength and elongation. + 10 % PTFE
Highest rigidity and hardness. Different types available with high Highest modulus. Extremely low static friction and
Previous designation SINTIMID. fracture strain and toughness or Minimal thermal and electrical low coefficient of friction due to
with high flexural modulus. conductivity. PTFE modification.
TECASINT 2000 High purity. Good properties also in dry running
Very high modulus, high rigidity TECASINT 5000 Low outgassing in accordance with conditions due to self lubrication.
and hardness. Non-melting high-temperature ESA regulation ECSS-Q-70-20. For applications involving low
Compared to TECASINT 1000, polyamidimide (PAI). friction and wear characteristics at
significantly reduced moisture Extremely good dimensional + 30 % glass fibres medium temperatures and loads
absorption. stability and load capacity up Reduced thermal elongation. (< 200 °C).
Higher toughness and improved to 300 °C. High thermal-mechanical load
machining capability. properties. + 15 % MoS2
Ideally suited for direct forming TECASINT 8000 Good electrical insulation. Best friction and abrasion
components. Matrix of PTFE reinforced with properties in vacuum.
PI powder. + 15 % graphite Frequently used in aerospace
TECASINT 4000 Reduced creep under load. Enhanced wear resistance and applications, in vacuum or in inert
Compared to the other TECASINT Excellent sliding and friction thermal ageing. gases (techn. dry).
materials, TECASINT 4000 is properties. Self lubricating, Low outgassing in accordance with
characterized by the following Ideally suited for soft mating for lubricated and dry applications. ESA regulation ECSS-Q-70-20.
properties: partners (stainless steel,
Minimal water absorption. aluminium, brass, bronze). + 40 % graphite SD
Highest stability against Extreme chemical resistance and Reduced thermal elongation. Static dissipative / antistatic,
oxidation in air. simple machining properties. Maximum creep strength and permanently migration free.
Low friction. resistance to thermal ageing. Surface resistance 10 9-11 or 10 7-9 Ω.
Improved self-lubrication. For explosion-proof equipment
Reduced strength. and in semi-conductor technology
(test sockets).
Application examples
Guide rollers, chain guides in process ovens, hot glass han-
dling, special types without ion contamination for the Summary
semi-conductor industry, sliding parts with high thermal The use of polyimides is frequently either the only available
mechanical load capacity for use in engines, gears, aircraft solution or provides an economical alternative to metals,
turbines, thermal-electrical insulators in particle accelera- ceramics or other engineering plastics. Several different
tors. Used in many cases as a substitute for metal (for material settings in each of the typical application-oriented
weight reasons). Used for various components for which groups cover a wide range of user requirements:
PEEK would be easily usable given a less stringent require- ˌˌSliding types hard / soft
ment profile with temperature as the main criterion, as ˌˌStatically dissipating types
well as applications with stringent requirements of durabil- ˌˌElectrically insulating types
ity, safety and reliability. ˌˌHigh-strength glass fibre reinforced types
Indispensable material group in the aerospace industry, ˌˌHigh-strength unreinforced types
glass industry, cryogenics and vacuum technology, research
and development in general, high and low-temperature
physics, fundamental research on elementary particles,
fundamental nuclear technology.
41
In order to determine correct material for an application, it
is important to note the material characteristics and the re-
quirement profile in detail.
The greater the amount of data available on the application

conditions, the more precisely the suitable material can be
determined. The following section explains the main prod-
uct characteristics and tests. We have also compared the
most important materials in order to simplify the compari-
son.
Properties
Modifications / additives
Thermoplastics can be modified over an extremely wide Carbon fibres

spectrum by the selective integration of additives and fill- Carbon fibres have a similar effect to glass fibres, but
ers. This allows the characteristics of a material to be ˌˌcarbon fibres provide a better weight-to-strength ratio
adapted for a specific area of application. The most com- (lower density with comparable increase in strength)
mon modifications in the field of engineering and high- ˌˌcarbon fibres are not as abrasive as glass fibres, and are
temperature plastics are: consequently suitable for sliding friction applications
ˌˌthe influence of carbon fibres on electrical properties
can be disregarded (including undefined electrical
Reinforcing fibres conductivity)
ˌˌcarbon fibres are more expensive the glass fibres
Glass fibres
Glass fibres are primarily used to increase strength values. Additional reinforcing fibres
ˌˌIncreased tensile strength, ˌˌAramid fibres
compressive strength and rigidity ˌˌMineral fibres
ˌˌImproved creep strength can be offered as non-standard options
ˌˌIncreased thermal dimensional stability
ˌˌReduction of thermal expansion and shrinkage Friction-reducing additives
ˌˌReduction of toughness and consequently
breaking strength and impact strength PTFE
Under compressive stress, abraded material from PTFE-
Please note: filled plastics forms a fine polymer film with sliding prop-
Glass fibres have an abrasive effect. For this reason, glass erties on the sliding surface.
fibre-reinforced materials are ˌˌTypically pronounced anti-adhesive behaviour
ˌˌless suited for sliding friction applications (high ˌˌEffective avoidance of stick-slip effect
abrasion of the sliding partner) and when processed
bring about increased levels of tool wear (shortened UHMW-PE
service life) Demonstrates similar effects to PTFE in a less pronounced
form.
Silicone oils
800 Special oils which migrate to the surface and form a thin
700 lubricant film on the surface.
600
500 Graphite
400 Graphite is pure carbon, which in finely ground form dem-
300 onstrates a marked lubricant effect. By working graphite
evenly into a plastic, the coefficient of friction is reduced.
• Property [%]
200
100 The lubricant effect of graphite is particularly pronounced

0 in humid environments.
unreinforced 15 % 30 % 50 %
Glass fibres Glass fibres Glass fibres
Molybdenum sulphide (MoS2 )
Molybdenum sulphide is used predominantly as a nucleat-
Modulus of elasticity
Heat deflection temperature ing agent, and forms an even finely crystalline structure even
Elongation at break when added only in small quantities. Consequently this ad-
Tests performed on injection moulded test specimens ditive enhances abrasion resistance and reduces friction.
44
Fillers Conductivity-influencing additives
Fundamentally, thermoplastics are electrical insulators, but
Fillers generally offer no or only minimal technical benefits can be modified to provide electrical conduction or anti-
and serve primarily to reduce costs or weight: Chalk, tal- static properties by the addition of antistatics, conductive
cum, ceramic, hollow glass spheres. carbon black or carbon nanotubes.
Other additives Colour pigments

By integrating pigments and dyes into engineering plastics,
Barium sulphate it is possible to create customized colour effects; The selec-
This is added to render thermoplastics opaque to x-rays. It tion of pigments for high-temperature plastics is limited by
ensures that the materials are visible during medical x-ray the high processing temperatures.
applications.
General
Flame retardants It is important to bear in mind that the addition of any ad-
These can be added to certain materials in order to reduce ditive has multiple effects; Alongside the positive effect on
their combustibility. The self-extinguishing property of this a key characteristic, other characteristics can be negatively
material is a fundamental requirement in sectors such as influenced by an additive.
aviation and the railways. The Ensinger product portfolio offers a number of modi-
fied materials from stock. Alongside these materials, cus-
Impact toughness modifiers tomer-specific requirements can also be met by production
These are added to hard brittle materials to increase their to customer order.
impact toughness.
Sliding
friction Dimensional Flame
Additive Strength Elongation behaviour Toughness stability resistance
Reinforcement fibres
•• • •• • •• •
Friction-reducing
additives • • •• • • —
Impact toughness
modifiers • • • •• • •
Flame retardant
properties • • • • • ••
45
Thermal properties
Characteristic temperatures Service temperatures
Glass transition temperature Long-term service temperature

The glass transition temperature Tg is the temperature at The long-term service temperature is defined as the maxi-
which polymers change from a hard elastic and brittle state mum temperature at which a plastic has lost no more than
to a flexible rubbery elastic state. A distinction must be 50 % of its initial properties after 20,000 hours of storage in
made here between amorphous and partially crystalline hot air (in accordance with IEC 216).
thermoplastics.
Short-term service temperature
Tg
Tg The short-term service temperature is the short-term peak
temperature which the plastic can tolerate over a short pe-
Tm riod (from minutes to occasionally hours) taking into con-
sideration the stress level and duration, without sustaining
• Modulus
• Modulus
damage.
• Temperature • Temperature
The maximum service temperature is dependent upon the
amorphous semi-crystalline following factors:
ˌˌDuration of exposure to temperature
An amorphous material can be subjected to mechanical ˌˌMaximum admissible deformation
wear above the Tg, as here its mechanical strength decreas- ˌˌDegradation of strength characteristics
es sharply. Partially crystalline materials, in contrast, still due to thermal oxidation
demonstrate a certain mechanical strength beyond the Tg ˌˌAmbient conditions
due to their crystalline areas, and are therefore particularly
well suited for components exposed to mechanical stress. Negative service temperatures
The service temperature in the negative temperature range
Melting temperature is not precisely defined and depends largely on different
The melting temperature Tm is the temperature at which a characteristics and ambient conditions:
material melts, i.e. changes from the solid to the fluid ag- ˌˌToughness / brittleness of a material
gregate state and its crystalline structures break down. ˌˌModification: materials with reinforcement
fibres tend to demonstrate hard-brittle behaviour
ˌˌTemperature
ˌˌDuration of load
ˌˌType of load (e.g. impact or vibration load)
46
Service temperatures [°C] Glass transition temperature [°C]
Melting temperature [°C]
–300- –200- –100- 0 100 200 300 400 °C –100- 0 100 200 300 400 °C
TECARAN TECARAN
ABS ABS
TECANYL TECANYL
731 731
TECAFINE TECAFINE
PE PE
TECAFINE TECAFINE
PE 10 PE 10
TECAFINE TECAFINE
PP PP
TECAPRO TECAPRO
MT MT
TECAFORM TECAFORM
AD AD
TECAFORM TECAFORM
AH AH
TECAMID 6 TECAMID 6
TECAMID 66 TECAMID 66
TECAST T TECAST T
TECARIM TECARIM
1500 1500
TECAPET TECAPET
TECANAT TECANAT
TECAFLON TECAFLON
PVDF PVDF
TECAFLON TECAFLON
PTFE PTFE
TECASON S TECASON S
TECASON TECASON
P MT farbig P MT farbig
TECAPEI TECAPEI
TECATRON TECATRON
TECAPEEK TECAPEEK
TECATOR TECATOR
5013 5013
TECASINT TECASINT
–300- –200- –100- 0 100 200 300 400 °C –100- 0 100 200 300 400 °C
Negative application temperature • • Service temperature Glass transition temperature

long-term long-term Melting temperature
short-term short-term
47
Other thermal specifications Thermal dimensional stability, HDT/A [°C]
Thermal dimensional stability

Thermal dimensional stability is a measure of the tempera- 0 100 200 300 °C
ture load capacity of plastics. This is determined by subject- TECARAN
ing a material to bending stress under a defined increase in ABS
temperature. The temperature level at a defined elongation TECANYL

731
is the measure of thermal dimensional stability. The ther- TECAFINE
mal dimensional stability cannot be used directly to charac- PE
terize a material, but is used rather to make a relative com- TECAFINE

PE 10
parison between different materials. TECAFINE
When specifying thermal dimensional stability, the prod- PP
uct's manufacturing form and the test specimen must be TECAFORM

AD
taken into consideration. Measurements have shown that TECAFORM
data determined by measuring test specimens milled from AH
semi-finished products deviate from the results gained TECAMID 6

from injection moulded test specimens.
TECAMID 66
These differences are explained by the
ˌˌDifferent production techniques TECAMID 46
ˌˌDifferences in the polymer structure
TECAST T
ˌˌManufacturing influence of the test specimen
(machining versus injection moulding) TECAPET
TECANAT
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion
The coefficient of linear thermal expansion specifies the ex- TECAFLON
PVDF
tent of a change in the length of a material due to rising or TECAFLON
falling temperature. PTFE
Due to their chemical structure, plastics generally demon- TECASON S

strate a significantly higher coefficient of linear thermal TECASON
expansion than metals. This must be borne in mind in the P MT farbig
event of TECAPEI
ˌˌComponents with narrow tolerances
TECATRON
ˌˌHigh temperature fluctuations
ˌˌComposites with metal TECAPEEK
The coefficient of linear thermal expansion of plastics can TECATOR
be significantly reduced by adding reinforcing fibres. In 5013
this way, values in the range of aluminium can be achieved. TECASINT
0 100 200 300 °C
tested on injection moulded test specimens
48
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion, longitudinal Coefficient of linear thermal expansion versus
CLTE [10-5 1/K] long-term service temperature
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
300
TECANYL
731
TECAFINE
PE
TECAFORM
AD TECAPEEK TECAFLON PTFE
TECAFORM
AH
250
TECAMID 6
TECATRON GF40
TECAMID 66
TECAMID 46
TECAST T
200
TECARIM
1500
TECAPET
TECAPEI TECASON P MT farbig
TECANAT
TECASON S
TECAFLON
PVDF TECAFLON PVDF
150
TECAFLON
PTFE
TECASON S TECAMID 46
TECASON TECANAT
P MT farbig
TECAPET TECAFORM AD
TECAPEI
TECAMID 6
TECAMID 66 TECAPRO MT
100
TECAST T TECAFORM AH
TECATRON
TECARIM 1500
TECAPEEK TECANYL 731
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
• long-term service temperature [°C]
CLTE [23 – 60 °C] 50
CLTE [23 – 100 °C]
CLTE [100 – 150 °C]
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
• CLTE 23 – 100 °C, longitudinal [10 1/K]

-5
49
Mechanical properties
σR
σB
σR
Where plastic components are designed to withstand ˌˌTensile strength at yield σS is the tensile stress at which
σS
stress, the mechanical characteristics of a material have a the slope of the change of force versus length curve (see
particularly important role to play. The fundamental me- graph) equals zero for the first time.
ε
chanical material properties include σR Elongation ε is the change in length Δ L in relation to the
ˌ ˌ
σR σB original length L of the specimen at any point during
σR 0 ε el(0)
ˌˌStrength: dimension for the resistance σS testing. The elongation at maximum force is described
of a material to external stress as εB, elongation at break as εR, tensile strength εat el(t)
yield
Δσ ˌˌFormability: the capacity of a material as εS. ε = ε el(0)+ε el(t)+ ε pl
ε
to become deformed under external stress ˌˌModulus of elasticity E: A linear relationship canεonly pl be
Δε εR εS εB εR εR σR
ˌˌRigidity: dimension for the resistance observed in the lower range of the stress-strain diagram
of a material to deformation for plastics. In this range Hooke’s law applies, which
ˌˌToughness: dimension for the energy absorption says that the ratio of the stress and strain (modulus of
capacity of a material under external stress Δ σ elasticity) is constant. E = σ / ε in [MPa].
S Strength Δ ε ε ε ε ε
Basedε
on the
R
bending,
S
compression and B R
impact
R
toughness
σ F FormabilityF σ S
R Rigidity test, additional test methods are available for characterizing
T Toughness V F materials and different load cases.
Source: J. Kunz, FHNW
S R
Z T However, for the sound design of a component, the rele-
vant application conditions
σ F must also
σ be taken into consid-
S
eration: Because of their macromolecular structure, the
0 ε 0 ε V F
mechanical properties of plastics depend heavily on the
ambientSconditions such as temperature, exposure
R
period,
These material characteristics are generally determined by Z of loading and moisture content.T
type and velocity
briefly applying tensile load in one direction with a tensile
test (for example in accordance with DIN EN ISO 527):
0 ε 0 ε
σ σ
σR brittle plastics
σB
σR Influences on forming behaviour
σS
t ϑ
tough hard plastics Time Temperature
ε ε
σ ε σ
σR ε el(0)
σ σ soft, elastic
έ t ϑ
plastics ε el(t)
ε = ε el(0)+ε el(t)+ ε pl
Δσ ε ε
φ ε pl
Moisture content Velocity of load
Δε εR εS εB εR εR
ε ε
σ σ
σB Ultra-high tension εB Elongation under ultra-high tension έ
σR Tensile strength at break εR Elongation at break
σS Tensile strength at yield εS Elongation at yield
φ
ˌˌTensile stress σ is the tensile force at the smallest
ε ε
σmeasured startingF cross-section of σthe test specimen S
at any optional point in time during the test.
V F
ˌˌTensile strength σB is the tensile stress at maximum force.
ˌˌTensile stress
S at break σR is the tensile stress Rat the
Z T
moment of break.
50
0 ε 0 ε
Influence of time on mechanical characteristics Modulus of elasticity [MPa]
As mentioned above, the mechanical behaviour of plastics
depends on the progress of load application over time. Con-
sequently, for complete characterization, long-term (static) 0 2000 4000 6000 8000
tests also have to be performed alongside short-term (qua-
TECARAN ABS
si-static) tests, as well as dynamic fatigue tests (with peri-
TECANYL 731
odic application of load) and impact tests (abrupt applica-
TECANYL GF30
tion of load).
TECAFINE PMP
In terms of deformation behaviour, three types of deforma-
TECAPRO MT
tion overlap here:
TECAFORM AD
ˌˌElastic deformation (reversible deformation)
TECAFORM AH
ˌˌViscoelastic deformation (delayed, reversible
TECAFORM AH GF25
deformation)
TECAMID 6
ˌˌPlastic deformation (irreversible deformation)
TECAMID 6 GF30
TECAMID 66
ε
TECAMID 66 GF30
ϑ = const.
ε el(0) TECAMID 66 CF20
TECAMID 46
ε el(t) TECAST T
ε = ε el(0)+ε el(t)+ ε pl
TECARIM 1500
ε pl
TECAPET
Application of load Release t
σ = const. σ=0 TECADUR PBT GF30
TECANAT
Deformation of plastics
under constant load and after release of load TECANAT GF30
TECAFLON PVDF
In this context, viscoelastic deformation merits particular
TECASON S
attention. Here, a change of the macromolecular structure
TECASON P MT coloured
takes place. This change follows the application of load
TECAPEI
F with a time delay and is highly temperature dependent. De-
TECATRON
pending on the progress of load application, the following
TECATRON GF40
processes are characteristic of viscoelastic deformation:
TECATRON PVX
ˌˌRetardation: Increase in deformation
TECAPEEK
over time under constant load
TECAPEEK GF30
ε ˌˌRelaxation: Decrease in tension
TECAPEEK CF30
over time under constant load
TECAPEEK PVX
ˌˌRestitution: Decrease in deformation
TECATOR 5013
over time after release of load
TECASINT 1011
TECASINT 2011
This time-dependent deformation behaviour is illustrated
TECASINT 4011
in time-to-rupture diagrams, creep diagrams, isochronous
TECASINT 4111
stress-strain diagrams and creep modulus diagrams. Taken
in this context, component designs should not be carried 0 2000 4000 6000 8000
out solely on the basis of single-point characteristic values
taken from short-term tests. All application conditions Tensile modulus of elasticity
Flexural modulus of elasticity
must always be taken into account in the calculation in or-
der to prevent design errors.
51
Strength / Stress [MPa] Strain [%]
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 0 20 40 60 80 100
TECARAN ABS TECARAN ABS

TECANYL 731 TECANYL 731
TECANYL GF30 TECANYL GF30
TECAFINE PMP TECAFINE PMP
TECAPRO MT TECAPRO MT
TECAFORM AD TECAFORM AD
TECAFORM AH TECAFORM AH
TECAFORM AH GF25 TECAFORM AH GF25
TECAMID 6 TECAMID 6 130
TECAMID 6 GF30 TECAMID 6 GF30
TECAMID 66 CF20 TECAMID 66 CF20
TECAST T TECAST T
TECARIM 1500 TECARIM 1500
TECAPET TECAPET
TECADUR PBT GF30 TECADUR PBT GF30
TECANAT TECANAT
TECANAT GF30 TECANAT GF30
TECAFLON PVDF TECAFLON PVDF
TECASON S TECASON S
TECASON P MT coloured TECASON P MT coloured
TECAPEI TECAPEI
TECATRON TECATRON
TECATRON GF40 TECATRON GF40
TECATRON PVX TECATRON PVX
TECAPEEK TECAPEEK
TECAPEEK GF30 TECAPEEK GF30
TECAPEEK CF30 TECAPEEK CF30
TECAPEEK PVX TECAPEEK PVX
TECATOR 5013 TECATOR 5013
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 0 20 40 60 80 100
Tensile strength Elongation at yield

Tensile strength at yield Tensile elongation at break
52
Compressive strength [MPa] Ball impression hardness [MPa]
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 0 100 200 300 400
TECARAN ABS TECARAN ABS

TECANYL 731 TECANYL 731
TECANYL GF30 TECANYL GF30
TECAFINE PMP TECAFINE PMP
TECAPRO MT TECAPRO MT
TECAFORM AD TECAFORM AD
TECAFORM AH TECAFORM AH
TECAFORM AH GF25 TECAFORM AH GF25
TECAMID 6 TECAMID 6
TECAMID 66 CF20 TECAMID 66 CF20
TECAST T TECAST T
TECARIM 1500 TECARIM 1500
TECAPET TECAPET
TECADUR PBT GF30 TECADUR PBT GF30
TECANAT TECANAT
TECANAT GF30 TECANAT GF30
TECAFLON PVDF TECAFLON PVDF
TECAFLON PTFE TECASON S
TECASON S TECASON P MT coloured
TECASON P MT coloured TECAPEI
TECAPEI TECATRON PVX
TECATRON TECAPEEK
TECATRON GF40 TECAPEEK GF30
TECATRON PVX TECAPEEK CF30
TECAPEEK TECAPEEK PVX
TECAPEEK GF30 TECATOR 5013
TECAPEEK CF30
TECAPEEK PVX
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 0 100 200 300 400
Compressive strength 1 %

Compressive strength 2 %
53
The influence of processing on test results
The macroscopic characteristics of thermoplastics depend The thermal prior history of a thermoplastic also exerts a
heavily on the relevant processing method used. Because of considerable influence on the relevant characteristic values.
the higher shear rates typical of the processing method, in- The cooling process of injection moulded components tends
jection moulded components demonstrate a far more pro- to be faster than for extruded semi-finished products. Con-
nounced orientation of macromolecules and any additives sequently there is a noticeable difference in the degree of
in the filling direction than, for instance, semi-finished ex- crystallinity, particularly in the partially crystalline plastics.
truded products which are exposed to rather lower shear
rates. Special additives with a high aspect ratio (such as In the same way as processing methods, the shapes of
glass or carbon fibres) tend to align themselves predomi- semi-finished products (rods, plates, tubes) and their differ-
nantly in the direction of flow at higher shear rates. The ent dimensions (diameter and thickness) also exert an in-
anisotropy which occurs as a result brings about higher fluence on the macroscopic properties and determined
strengths in tensile testing, as here the direction of flow characteristic values.
corresponds to the direction of testing.
The table below provides a schematic overview of the influ-
ence exerted by the different processing methods on typical
characteristics.
To allow a comparison of the different test results in this

context, DIN EN 15 860 "Thermoplastic semi-finished
Test specimen made of an extruded and machined semi-finished product products" stipulates that test specimens must be taken
Chaotic alignment of fibres and macromolecules from rods with a diameter of 40 – 60 mm as follows:
Test specimen
Injection moulded test specimen
Alignment of fibres and macromolecules in the direction d Diameter d/4 d/4
w d/4
t Thickness d/4 w d/4 d/4
of testing (parallel to the direction of flow) w ss w w tt w
s w Width t
d/4
d/4 d/4
d/4
d/4 d/4
d
d d
d
d d
Tendential influence of processing on characteristic values
unreinforced fibre-reinforced
thermoplastics thermoplastics
Injection Extrusion Injection Extrusion

moulding moulding
Tensile strength • • • •
Modulus of elasticity • • • •
Tensile elongation
at break
• • • •
54
Tribological characteristics
Generally speaking, plastics are very good sliding materials Given these circumstances, tribological variables (such as
with a low coefficient of friction. Conversely, their abrasion the coefficient of friction and abrasion) must always be con-
resistance is also high under dry running conditions. In a sidered in the light of the test system used. Typical meas-
similar way to the mechanical characteristics, tribological urement methods such as ball prism and pin-on-disc test-
characteristics depend heavily on ambient conditions, in ing are described in ISO 7148. However, when performing
other words on the sliding system. Load, sliding speed and service life calculations and similar, application-specific
type of movement (oscillating, rotating etc.) exert a consid- tests should be carried out.
erable influence here. In addition, the material characteris-
tics of the sliding partner and its surface properties also The following diagram is designed to illustrate the depend-
exert an influence on the sliding properties of the system. ency of friction coefficients on load and sliding velocity un-
der different sliding conditions using the example of
For example the rough surfaces of harder sliding partners TECAFORM AD (POM-H):
(steel) are more likely to cause wear in softer sliding part-
ners. Also where a combination of high sliding speeds and
high pressing forces are at work, the sliding partners are Coefficient of
exposed to high levels of stress. friction f
1,0
0,70
0,50
Velocity v
0,30 [mm/s]
0,20
0,1 210
0,07 170
0,05
130
0,03 90
0,02
50
0,01 Last [N]

1,0 3,0 6,0
Ball-prism test under different load stages and different sliding

speeds with TECAFORM AD (POM-H)
Tribological system according to H. Czichos
Collective of tribological loads • Tribological test system • Tribological measurement variables
Movement form a Body Friction force FR

b Counter-body
Movement sequence Coefficient of friction µ = FR / FS
c Intermediate film
Load FS d Ambient medium Contribution to abrasion S
Velocity v d Friction temperature TR
Temperature T c b Electrical contact resistance RÜ
Exposure period t a Noise emissions
Surface variables:
Surface roughness
Surface composition
Source: Czichos, H. – The principles of system analysis and their application to tribology ASLE Trans. 17 (1974), p. 300 / 306
55
Coefficient of friction Coefficient of friction versus abrasion
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8
TECAMID 6 0.6
TECAMID 66
TECAST T
TECAST L
TECAPEEK
TECAGLIDE
TECAFORM AD
TECAFORM AD AF
0.5
TECAFORM AH
TECAPET
TECAFLON PVDF
TECATRON PVX
TECAPEEK
TECAPEEK TF10 blue
0.4
TECAPEEK PVX
TECATOR 5031 TECAMID 66
TECASINT 2021 TECAMID 6
Mean coefficient of friction Pin on disc tests against TECAST T

Mean coefficient of static friction steel, dry, RT; load stages: TECAFLON PVDF
3N at medium velocity 0.3
Abrasion indicators
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6

TECATRON PVX
TECAMID 6
0.2
TECAMID 66
TECAST T TECAST L
TECAST L
TECAGLIDE TECAFORM AD
TECAFORM AD TECAFORM AH TECAPEEK TF10 blue

TECAFORM AD AF TECAPEEK PVX
0.1
TECAFORM AH
• Mean abrasion rate [mm]
TECAPET
TECAPET
TECAFLON PVDF TECAFORM AD AF
TECATRON PVX TECAGLIDE
TECAPEEK
TECAPEEK TF10 blue
0
TECAPEEK PVX
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8
TECATOR 5031
• Mean coefficient of friction [–]
TECASINT 2021
Rotating ball prism against steel, dry, RT,

load stage: 30N over 100h at medium velocity
56
Electrical properties
Surface resistance Dissipation factor

The specific surface resistance describes the resistance that The dissipation factor represents the energy loss of a mate-
a material exerts against the flow of electricity at the sur- rial due to dipolar movement of the molecules in dielectric
face. This is expressed by the ratio of applied voltage (in applications with alternating voltage.
Volts) and the created current (in Amperes) with the aid of A high dissipation factor causes the generation of heat in
Ohm's law. Consequently the unit used to describe specific the plastic part, which acts as a dielectric. The dissipation
surface resistance is Ohm (1 Ω = 1 V/A). factor of plastic insulators in high-frequency applications
For measurement, a standardized set-up must be used, as such as radar devices, antenna applications and microwave
the specific surface resistance depends on different factors. parts should consequently be as low as possible.
ˌˌMaterial The dissipation factor depends on
ˌˌHumidity ˌˌMoisture content
ˌˌSurface contamination ˌˌTemperature
ˌˌMeasurement set-up ˌˌFrequency
It is also impossible to prevent volume resistivity from en- ˌˌVoltage
tering the equation to an indeterminable degree when
measuring surface resistance. Comparative tracking index
To determine a material's insulating capacity, the compara-
Specific volume resistivity tive tracking index (CTI) is frequently used. This provides a
The specific volume resistivity describes the electrical re- statement on the insulation resistance of the surface (creep
sistance of a homogeneous material to the flow of current distance) of insulating materials. Even in the case of good
through the specimen. As the volume resistivity of many insulating plastics, however, humidity and contamination
materials follows Ohm's law, it is independent of the ap- on the surface (even temporarily) can result in failure of a
plied voltage and can be specified proportionally to the component.
length or conversely proportionally to the cross-section of Frequently, leakage current is accompanied by small light
the measured specimen. The unit of specific volume resis- arcs which can bridge well insulated areas if the soiling is
tivity is consequently Ω cm. unevenly spread. This can cause the insulating material to
thermally decompose; a creep track forms. If this damage
Dielectric strength is allowed to continue, a creep path is created. This creep
Dielectric strength is the resistance of insulating materials path can develop such a level of conductivity that it results
to high voltage. The characteristic value is the quotient of in a short circuit.
the voltage level and the test specimen thickness (unit of The comparative tracking index can be heavily influenced
measurement kV/mm). Dielectric strength is particularly by combination with material additives, in particular colour
decisive with thin-walled components. pigments.
Note: In the case of black materials coloured with carbon
black, a marked reduction of dielectric strength can occur.
57
Electrical resistance [Ω] Dielectric strength [kV/mm]
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 0 50 100 150 200 250 300

80
TECARAN
ABS
TECANYL
731 TECAPEEK
TECAFORM
AD
70
TECAFORM
AH
TECAFORM
AH SD
TECAFORM
AH ELS
60
TECAMID 6
TECAMID 66
TECAMID 66
CF20
50 TECAFORM AH
TECAMID 46
TECAST T
TECARIM
1500
40
TECAPET TECAFORM AD
TECANAT
TECAMID 6 GF30 TECATRON GF40
TECASON S
30
TECAPEI
TECATRON
GF40
TECATOR 5013
TECATRON
PVX
20
TECAPEEK
TCAPEEK
PVX
• Dielectric strength [kV/mm]
TECAPEEK
CF30
TECAPEEK 10
ELS nano
TECAMID 6
TECATOR
5013
TECAFORM AH SD
TECASINT
2011
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 0 50 100 150 200 250 300
• Long term service temperature [°C]

Specific surface resistance [Ω]
Specific volume resistivity [Ωcm]
58
Comparative tracking index [V] Conductivity ranges
Surface resistance [Ω]
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
TECANYL Standard SD ELS Metal

731* plastic
TECAPRO
MT* insulating antistatic static conductive conducting
TECAFORM
AD
TECAFORM 1016 1014 1012 1010 108 106 104 102 100 10-2 10-4
AH
TECAFORM Plastics without TECAFORM TECAFORM AH ELS
AH SD carbon fibres AH SD TECAPEEK ELS nano
or conductivity
TECAMID 6 additives
TECAMID 6
MO Carbon fibre-filled plastics
TECAMID 6
GF30
TECAMID 66
GF30
TECAMID 66
MH
TECAMID 46*
TECAST T
TECAPET*
TECANAT*
TECASON S*
TECAPEI*
TECATRON
GF40
TECAPEEK
TECAPEEK
GF30*
TECASINT
2011*
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
* Published values
59
Chemical resistance
Consequently, temperature, the concentration of agents, provide any legally binding assurance or guarantee of the
exposure periods and also mechanical load are all impor- chemical resistance of our products or their suitability for a
tant criteria when testing for chemical resistance. The fol- specific application. Any existing industrial property rights
lowing table lists resistance to different chemicals. This must be taken into account. For a more specific application,
information is provided to the best of our current knowl- we recommend producing your own verification. Standard
edge and is designed to provide data about our products tests are performed under normal climatic conditions
and their applications. Consequently it is not intended to 23/50 in accordance with DIN 50 014.
TECAPET (PET), TECADUR PBT (PBT)

TECAPEEK HT, ST (PEK, PEKEKK)
TECARIM (PA 6 C + Elastomer)

TECAMID 46, 66 (PA 46, 66)
TECAMID 11, 12 (PA 11, 12)
TECAFLON PVDF (PVDF)
TECAFORM AD (POM-H)
TECAFORM AH (POM-C)
TECAFLON PTFE (PTFE)
TECARAN ABS (ABS)

TECASON P (PPSU)
TECAFINE PP (PP)
TECAPEEK (PEEK)
TECAFINE PE (PE)
TECAMID 6 (PA 6)
TECASON S (PSU)
TECASON E (PES)
TECATRON (PPS)
TECANYL (PPE)
TECANAT (PC)
TECASINT (PI)
TECAPEI (PEI)
Acetamide 50% + + + + + + + + + + +
Acetone + + + + – – – – + o + + o + – o + + + + – –
Formic acid, aqueous solution 10% + + + + + + + + + + – – – – – o – – + + + +
Ammonia, aqueous solution 10% – + + + – o o + + o o o o – – + o + + + +
Anone – + o + + + + – + + o
Benzine + + + + + + + + + + + + + + – + + + o o o –
Benzene + + o – + – – + o + + + + – o + + – – – –
Bitumen + + + + + o – + + o +
Boric acid, aqueous solution 10% + o + o + + – – – – + – – – + + +
Butyl acetate + + + – – – – + – + + + + – – + + o o –
Calcium chloride, aqueous solution 10% + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + o + + +
Chlorbenzene + + o o – – – + o + + + + – – + + o – –
Chloroform + + + – – – – + + – – – – – – – – o – – –
Cyclohexane + + + + + + o + + + + + + – + + + + + + +
Cyclohexanone + + + – – – + o + + + + – – + + + + – +
Diesel oil + + + + + + + + + + + + + o + + + o + + +
Dimethyl formamide o + + – – – + – + + o + – + + o + + –
Diocthyl phthalate + + o + + o + o + + + + o + + + + + +
Dioxane + + + + o – – + + + + + + – o o o + + o
Acetic acid, concentrated o o + – + + – + o – – – – – – – – o o – +
Acetic acid, aqueous solution 10% + + + + + + + + + – – o – + o + o + + + +
Acetic acid, aqueous solution 5% + + + + + + + + + + + o + + + + o + + + +
Ethanol 96% + + + + + + + + + + o o o o o + + + + + + +
Ethylacetate + + + o – o – + o + + + + – o + + + + +
Ethyl ether + + + + + + + + + + + + + – + + + + +
Ethylene chloride + + + + + o + – – – – + o –
Hydrofluoric acid, 40% – o – – – – o + – – – – – – – + + o +
Formaldehyde, aqueous solution 30% + + + + + + + + + o o o o + + + + + + +
Formamide + + + + o + + + o o
Freon, frigen, liquid + – – + + + + + + + + – + + – o o +
Fruit juices + + + + + + + + + + + + + + o + + o + + + +
Glycol + + + + o + + + + + + + + + + o o o + + + +
Glysantine, aqueous solution 40% + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Glycerine + + + + + + + + + + + + + + – + + + + + + +
Urea, aqueous solution + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Fuel oil + + + + + + o + + + + + + o + + + o + + +
Heptane, hexane + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + – + +
Iso-octane + + + + + o + + + + + + + + +
Isopropanol + + + + + + o + + + + o + – o + + + + o +
Iodine solution, alcohol solution + o + o + + – – – – – o + + o +
Potassium lye, aqueous solution 50% – + + + + + o + o o o o o – – + – + + + +
Potassium lye, aqueous solution 10% o + + o + + + + o + + + + – – + – + + + +
Potassium dichromate, aqueous solution 10% – + + + + o + + + o + + + +
+ resistant o conditionally resistant – not resistant, also depending on concentration, time and temperature
60
TECAPET (PET), TECADUR PBT (PBT)
TECAPEEK HT, ST (PEK, PEKEKK)
TECARIM (PA 6 C + Elastomer)

TECAMID 46, 66 (PA 46, 66)
TECAMID 11, 12 (PA 11, 12)
TECAFLON PVDF (PVDF)
TECAFORM AD (POM-H)
TECAFORM AH (POM-C)
TECAFLON PTFE (PTFE)
TECARAN ABS (ABS)

TECASON P (PPSU)
TECAFINE PP (PP)
TECAPEEK (PEEK)
TECAFINE PE (PE)
TECAMID 6 (PA 6)
TECASON S (PSU)
TECASON E (PES)
TECATRON (PPS)
TECANYL (PPE)
TECANAT (PC)
TECASINT (PI)
TECAPEI (PEI)
Potassium permanganate, aqueous solution 1% + + + + + + + + + – – – – + + + + + + o +
Cupric (II) sulphate, 10% + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + – + + + +
Linseed oil + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Methanol + + + o + o o + o + + o + – + + + + + o +
Methyl ethyl ketone + + + + – – o – + o + + + + – o o o o o – –
Methylene chloride + + o – – – + + o o – o – – o o – o –
Milk + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Lactic acid, aqueous solution 90% + + + + o + + – – o – + + – + + – –
Lactic acid, aqueous solution 10% + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + o + + + +
Sodium carbonate, aqueous solution 10% o + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + o + + + +
Sodium chloride, aqueous solution 10% + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Sodium bisulphite, aqueous solution 10% + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + – – + + +
Sodium nitrate, aqueous solution 10% + + + + + + + + + o + + + + + +
Sodium thiosulphate, aqueous solution 10% + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Soda lye, aqueous solution 5% o + + o + + + + o + + + + – o + – + + +
Soda lye, aqueous solution 50% – + + + – + + + o o o o o o – – + – + + + +
Nitrobenzene + o o – + o – – – – – o o o + + –
Oxalic acid, aqueous solution 10% + + + + + + + + + o o o o + + – + + + +
Ozone o + + + + + – – – – + o – – o
Paraffin oil + + + + + + + + + + + + – + + + + + + +
Perchlorethylene + + + + – o – + + o o – o – o o o – – o
Petroleum + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + o +
Phenol, aqueous solution + o + – – – + + – – – – – – – – + + o
Phosphoric acid, concentrated o + + + + + + – – – – + + + +
Phosphoric acid, aqueous solution 10% o + + + + + + + + – – – – + + o – + + + +
Propanol + + + + + + + + + – + + + + + + + + +
Pyridine – + o – – + o + + o + – o o o o –
Salicylc acid + – + + + + + + o – + +
Nitric acid, aqueous solution 2% + + + + + + + + + + – – – – o + – – + + + –
Hydrochloric acid, aqueous solution 2% + + + + + + + + + + – – o – + + – – + + + +
Hydrochloric acid, aqueous solution 36% – + + o + + + o + – – – – o – – – + + + +
Hydrogen sulphide + + + o + + + + + + – + + + o o –
Sulphuric acid, concentrated 98% – – – + – – – – + o – – – – – – – – + o – –
Sulphuric acid, aqueous solution 2% + + + + + + + + + + – – – – + + + – + + + +
Hydrogen sulphide, aqueous solution + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + – +
Soap solution, aqueous solution o + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Silicon oils + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Soda solution, aqueous solution 10% o + + + + + + + + + + +
Edible fats, edible oils + + + + + + + o + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Styrene + + + o + + + + – o + + o o –
Tar + + + + + + o o o o + + + +
Carbon tetrachloride + + + + + o – + + + + – + – + o o – – – –
Tetrahydrofurane + + + + – – + o + + + + – o o o o o –
Tetralin + + + + + + + – + o o –
Toluene + + + o – – o – + + + + + + – o + o + o –
Transformer oil + + + + + + + + + + + + + + o + +
Triethanolamine – o o + o + + + + – + + – + + +
Trichlorethylene + + + o – – – – + + o o o o – – – – o o – –
Vaseline + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + o +
Wax, molten + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + o o +
Water, cold + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Water, warm – + + + + + + + + + o o o o o – o – o o + +
Hydrogen peroxide, aqueous solution 30% – o o + + + + o – – – – + + – – + + +
Hydrogen peroxide, aqueous solution 0.5% + + + + + + + + – – – – + + + o + + + +
Wine, brandy + + + + + + + o o o o + + + + + + + +
Tartaric acid + + + + + + + + + + + o o + + + +
Xylene + + + + – o o – + + + + o + – o + + – – – –
Zinc chloride, aqueous solution 10% + + + + + + + + + + o o o o + + + – + + + +
Citric acid, aqueous solution 10% + + + + + + o + + o o o o + + o – + + + +
+ resistant o conditionally resistant – not resistant, also depending on concentration, time and temperature
61
Moisture absorption
Moisture or water absorption is the ability of a material to Moisture absorption 96 h [%]

absorb moisture from its environment (air, water). The de-
gree of moisture absorption depends on the type of plastic
and the ambient conditions such as temperature, humidity 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8
16
and contact time. This can influence primarily material
properties such as dimensional stability, mechanical
strength and electrical properties such as electrical conduc- 15
tivity and the dissipation factor.

Polyamides in particular tend to absorb higher amounts of 14
moisture compared to other thermoplastics.
TECAFLON PVDF
This property results in dimensional changes and lower 13
strength values in finished parts. In addition, its electrical
insulating behaviour also changes. For this reason, particu- 12
TECAFLON PTFE
larly in the case of components with narrow tolerances, the

suitability of polyamide must be examined beforehand.
11
Alongside polyamides, most polyimides also demonstrate
relatively high moisture absorption. With this material TECAFORM AH
10
group, the main consequence of this characteristic is that
the materials have very low hydrolysis resistance (humid
9
environment at high temperatures).
8
TECAPET
7
TECANAT
TECAPEEK
TECAPEI
5
TECATRON
TECAFLON PTFE
4
TECADUR PBT GF30
• Linear thermal expansion [10–5 1/K]
TECASON P TECAMID 46
3
TECATRON GF 40
TECAMID 66 GF 30
2
TECAPEEK
Steel
1
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8
• Moisture absorption [%]
62
Flame retardant classification
With regard to flame retardant classification, a variety of Combustibility testing to UL94 is generally performed on
characteristics are of relevance. Combustibility is defined raw material. Alongside testing in accordance with the
as the chemical property of materials to react with oxygen specifications of UL or using a UL-accredited laboratory,
while emitting radiant energy. Only combustible materials listing (using so-called yellow cards) is also performed di-
are able to burn. rectly by UL itself. For this reason, a distinction must be
Flammability is another important property of a material. made between materials with a UL listing and materials
Most organic compounds are combustible on the direct ap- which only comply with the requirements of the respective
plication of energy. However, some plastics, in particular UL classification (without listing).
high-performance plastics, are flame retardant by their na- Alongside flame retardant classification in accordance with
ture or inherently self-extinguishing, making them suitable UL94, a wide range of other industry-specific tests exists
for use where fire protection is an issue. which classify the combustion behaviour of plastics. De-
There are various standards available which classify the pending on the specific branch of industry, not only com-
combustibility of polymers. Generally speaking, in most bustion behaviour but under certain circumstances smoke
cases the internationally adopted combustibility tests set development, drip behaviour and fume toxicity are also as-
out by UL94 are performed. sessed.
Classification of combustibility behaviour according to
UL94 takes place predominantly in accordance with the fol- Examples of typical additional
lowing criteria: flame retardant classification tests
ˌˌ UL94-HB (horizontal burning): Material burns and drips.
ˌˌ UL94-V2 (vertical burning): Burning period < 30 seconds. Railway testing standards
After repeated flaming: Burning period ˌˌDIN ISO 5510-2
< 250 seconds, flaming drips are admissible ˌˌCEN TS 45545-2
ˌˌ UL94-V1 (vertical burning): Burning period < 30 seconds. ˌˌNFF 16101
After repeated flaming:
< 250 seconds, flaming drips are not admissible Aerospace
ˌˌ UL94-V0 (vertical burning): Burning period < 10 seconds. ˌˌFAR25-853
After repeated flaming:
< 50 seconds, flaming drips are not admissible Automotive
ˌˌFMVSS 302
63
Radiation resistance
Radiation resistance Ionizing radiation

Depending on their field of application, plastics can come Ionizing radiation such as gamma and X-rays are frequent-
into contact with different types of radiation, which under ly to be found in medical diagnostics, radiation therapy, in
certain circumstances can permanently influence the struc- the sterilization of disposable articles and also in the testing
ture of the plastics. The spectrum of electromagnetic waves of materials and in test instrumentation, as well as in radio-
ranges from radio waves with a large wavelength, through active and other radiant environments.
normal daylight with its short-wave UV radiation, to ex- The high energy radiation in these applications often leads
tremely short-wave X and gamma rays. The shorter the to a decrease in the elongation characteristics and the de-
wavelength of the radiation, the greater the susceptibility of velopment of brittleness.
a plastic to damage. The overall service life of the plastic is dependent upon the
total amount of radiation absorbed. PEEK HT, PEEK, PI
Electromagnetic radiation and the amorphous sulphur-containing polymers, for ex-
An important characteristic in combination with electro- ample, are proved to have very good resistance towards
magnetic waves is the dissipation factor. This describes the gamma radiation and X-rays. By contrast, PTFE and POM
proportion of energy which can be absorbed by the plastic. are very sensitive and therefore are practically unsuitable
Plastics with high dissipation factors heat up considerably for this purpose.
in alternating electrical fields and are consequently not The effect of high-energy radiation results in degradation
suitable for use as a material for high-frequency and micro- or networking of the macromolecules in most plastics. If
wave insulating applications. Polyamides, for example, can atmospheric oxygen is present when high-energy radiation
fracture or explode when used for a microwave application is applied, as a rule oxidative degradation of the material
due to their high moisture absorption (due to extreme ex- occurs. During this process, the oxygen molecules diffuse
pansion of water molecules in the material). into the plastic and occupy the free valences created by the
radiation.
Ultraviolet radiation If no oxygen is present, the radiation will result rather in
UV radiation from sunlight is decisive in unprotected splitting of the molecule chains and subsequent crosslink-
open-air applications. Plastics which are inherently re- ing. Generally speaking, both variants occur simultane-
sistant are to be found in the group of fluorinated polymers, ously to differing extents. In every case, the influence of
for example PTFE and PVDF. Without suitable protective high-energy radiation results in a change to the mechanical
measures, various other plastics begin to yellow and be- characteristics (strength, rigidity, hardness or brittleness).
come brittle depending upon the level of irradiation. UV This influence on the mechanical characteristics is rein-
protection is usually achieved using additives (UV stabilis- forced under the influence of the radiation dose. Conse-
ers, black colouration using carbon black) or protective sur- quently no sudden return to the prior state takes place.
face coatings (paints, metallization). The addition of carbon Information relating to the resistance of plastics (as shown
black is a low-cost and very effective way of stabilizing in the following table) should only ever be considered a
many plastics. point of reference, as different parameters play a co-deter-
In this context, please refer to the light and weather resist- mining role (for instance part geometry, dosing rate, me-
ance of plastics and our product handling and storage rec- chanical stress, temperature or ambient medium). For this
ommendations (� p. 86). reason, it is impossible to provide a generalized statement
of the different damaging radiation doses for individual
plastics.
64
Weather resistance Radiation resistance [kGy]
Response to 0 500 1000 1500

Material atmospheric weathering

TECAFORM AH natural – TECAFINE PE
(
TECAFORM AH black +)
TECAFINE PP
(
TECAFORM AH ELS +)
TECAFORM

TECAPET – AH
(
TECAPET black +) TECAMID

TECAMID 6 – 6 / 66
TECAPET /
(
TECAM 6 MO +) TECADUR PET
(
TECAMID 6 GF30 black +)
TECAPET

TECAST T –
(
TECAST TM +) TECANAT

TECAFLON PVDF + TECAFLON

TECAFLON PTFE + PTFE
TECAFLON

TECASON S – PVDF

TECAPEI –
TECASON S

TECATRON GF40 –
(
TECATRON PVX +) TECATRON

TECAPEEK –
TECAPEEK 20000

TECAPEEK black –
TECASINT 40000
0 500 1000 1500
Radiation dose in Kilogray [kGy]

which reduces elongation by less than 25 %
65
Certifications and approvals
To ensure that our products comply with the latest valid Food approvals
standards and regulations, a thorough working knowledge Materials which come into direct contact with food must be
and continuous checking of the relevant rules and regula- produced in accordance with the principles of good manu-
tions is essential. It is the task of our Product Compliance facturing practice in such a way that they do not give off any
Management Department to ensure that our products com- of their constituent parts to the food under normal or fore-
ply with these rules and to provide you with the relevant seeable conditions which could pose a threat to human
certifications. health.
Ensinger supplies materials which form the basis for a This stipulation is defined in food regulatory standards and
wide range of different products and processing applica- safeguarded by means of tests, controls and stipulations.
tions. In some cases, these in turn require approval by the Significant institutions in this field are the FDA (Food and
relevant regulatory bodies. The Ensinger product portfolio Drug Administration) in the USA, the BfR (Federal Insti-
contains materials with a variety of different approvals, tute for Risk Assessment) in Germany and the EFSA (Euro-
which include the following areas: pean Food Safety Authority) for the EU. Particular focus is
ˌˌDirect food contact on the EU regulations (1935/2004/EC, 10/2011/EC, …).
(in compliance with FDA, BfR, 10/2011/EC, 1935/2004/
EC 2002/72/EC, 3A SSI amongst others) Ensinger offers a broad portfolio of plastics from stock
ˌˌBiocompatibility (in accordance with ISO 10993, USP which comply with the requirements for direct food contact
Class VI amongst others) as stipulated by BfR, FDA and EU regulations.
ˌˌDrinking water contact (including KTW, WRAS, NSF61)
ˌˌFlammability (including UL94, BAM)
ˌˌRestriction of Hazardous Substances
(RoHS amongst others) For detailed information please refer to our
brochure "Plastics used in food technology"
ˌˌOther approvals at www.ensinger-online.com
Working in close cooperation with our raw materials sup-

pliers, authorities and institutes, we check the possible ap-
provals and ensure, by using methods such as regular ma-
terial tests, that the manufactured products comply, to as
great an extent as possible, with the relevant regulatory re-
quirements.
Depending on the material involved, we offer to issue the

listed confirmations relating to the materials from our sup-
ply range if these are required by customers. In the inter-
ests of ensuring seamless traceability, these confirmations
are only issued by Ensinger in direct connection with an
actual order and with the material supplied. This minimiz-
es the risk of nonconforming special-purpose products be-
ing inadvertently issued with certifications and gaining ac-
cess to the market, as could occur if we permitted
uncontrolled downloading of certificates from our website.
Special attention is currently being paid to approvals in the

food and medical technology sector. Due to the strict regu-
lations applicable to these areas of application, they deserve
particular mention.
66
Medical technology approvals Works certificates
The biocompatibility of a material is a prerequisite for its Alongside various approval certificates, Ensinger also is-
use in medical applications with direct tissue contact, such sues works certificates in compliance with DIN ISO 10204.
as short-term implants, medical appliances or medicines. The following variants are available:
Biocompatibility is the attribute used for materials or as-
semblies which initiate no toxic or allergic reactions in the Works certificate in accordance with 2.1
human body. A certificate in which the manufacturer confirms that the
supplied products comply with the requirements of the
Ensinger materials suitable for medical applications (MT purchase order. No indication of test results.
products) comply with requirements relating to direct con-
tact with human tissue over a period of up to 24 hours. Spe- Works certificate in accordance with 2.2
cial materials are also approved for longer contact periods. A certificate in which the manufacturer confirms that the
Ensinger offers biocompatible high-performance plastics supplied products comply with the requirements of the
for medical applications in a wide variety of colours. purchase order.
Additional indication of non-specific tests which are in-
By definition, plastic semi-finished products are not medi- tended to determine whether products have been manufac-
cal products or pharmaceutical products, but only an input tured in accordance with the same product specification
material used in their production. As there is consequently and using the same method or from input material or
no standardized stipulation of assessment of the biological semi-finished products and comply with the requirements
suitability of semi-finished products, Ensinger has made its set out in the purchase order. The tested products do not
own selection from the wide spectrum of different biocom- necessarily have to originate from the delivery itself, but
patibility tests contained in ISO 10993 and USP. This is in- can originate from comparable products using the same
tended to offer our customers the greatest possible support material.
with the approval process for their medical or pharmaceuti-
cal end products. For this reason, Ensinger subjects stocked Acceptance test in accordance with 3.1
medical technology semi-finished products suitable for use A certificate in which the manufacturer confirms that the
as medical products with a contact period of <24 hours to a supplied products comply with the requirements of the
combined test at regular intervals: cytotoxicity / growth in- purchase order. With an indication of batch-related test
hibition (ISO 10993-5), haemolysis (ISO 10993-4) and results.
chemical analysis / fingerprinting (ISO 10993-18). These In the acceptance test certificate in accordance with 3.1, the
tests are biologically and toxicologically assessed (ISO manufacturer is permitted to adopt test results which were
10993-1). Consequently Ensinger complies with the recom- determined on the basis of batch-specific testing of the in-
mendations of ISO 10993-1 by following a step-by-step bio- put material or semi-finished products used. The condition
logical qualification process. for this is the assurance of traceability.
However, the biocompatibility demonstrated by Ensinger

only provides confirmation of the semi-finished product.
The finished component still has to be tested and approved
by the distributor.
For detailed information please refer to our

brochure "Plastics used in food technology"
at www.ensinger-online.com
67
It is only with the correct material that a design can achieve
its required functionality, safety and service life. Primarily,
the application conditions are what determine what is the
right choice of material. Alongside the planned application,
the search for a suitable plastic also takes into account all
further reaching detailed requirements.
In a qualified material recommendation, the existing

information is compared with technical data and industry-
specific empirical values. When the optimum material for
the individual application has been determined, during the
component design phase the suitability of the plastic is
compared at an early stage with the aid of calculations
before the material selection is then confirmed by practical
testing.
Material selection and calculations

Material chosen
Criteria for material selection Field of application / sector of industry

When looking for a suitable plastic, the application condi- When the question of the application or sector of industry
tions involved determine the material selection. For this arises, this often significantly limits the material selection,
reason, different specific framework conditions must be as for different sectors generally speaking only special ma-
known and assessed, for example the planned purpose, the terials can be considered, for example due to the required
fields of application and further-reaching details relating to approvals. Examples of this are the medical and food tech-
the characteristics and application conditions. With the aid nology sectors. In the medical technology sector, generally
of this information, qualified experts can compare the re- only those materials are admissible which come with ap-
quirements to technical values and make an assessment. proval for direct bodily contact.
On the basis of defined criteria, in this way it is possible to This means that the materials must be biocompatible. In
continuously limit the choice of suitable materials. the field of food technology, by contrast, approvals in com-
However, the selection can only be a recommendation, pliance with FDA and also European standards (e.g.
which cannot replace practical testing. 10/2011/EC, 1935/2004/EC) are required.
Consequently, for these industries only materials which
comply with requirements of the approvals can be consid-
4. Tribological ered.
stress
3. Mechanical
5. Chemical
stress Thermal stress
stress
2. Thermal
Thermal stress is another key criterion restricting the selec-
6. Required
stress
certifications /
tion of material. The temperatures transferred to the mate-
Physiological rials as a result of the application conditions must be taken
harmlessness into account here. Alongside the action of heat transferred
1. Industry from the outside, system-related heat created by factors
Application 7. Electrical
Material selection requirements such as friction must also be taken into consideration. Par-
ticularly characteristic temperatures are:
12. Non-standard
specifications ˌˌLong-term service temperature
8. Optical
behaviour ˌˌShort-term maximum service temperature
11. Process ˌˌNegative service temperature
technology 9. Fire
10. Radiation/ behaviour ˌˌGlass transition temperature
part
Weather resistance ˌˌThermal dimensional stability
ˌˌCoefficient of linear thermal expansion
Mechanical stress
Fundamental questions relating to the choice of material To allow the suitability of a material to be assessed in terms
Fundamental questions relating to the choice of material of exposure to mechanical stress levels, the most detailed
Generally speaking, thought must first be given to which possible information about the envisaged stress must be
type of material is preferred for the relevant application. available. In most cases, it is very helpful to obtain a sketch
This begs a number of different questions: of the component with information relating to the mechan-
ˌˌIs plastic generally speaking an option ical stress. Particularly decisive factors here are:
for this application? ˌˌThe type of stress (static, dynamic)
ˌˌWhy plastic? Weight savings, improved ˌˌLevel of occurring forces
characteristics in use? ˌˌPoint and direction of force application
ˌˌWhat was used previously? ˌˌThermal stress during the application of force
ˌˌIf a different material was used, what ˌˌTime sequence
is the reason for changing? ˌˌSpeed where applicable
ˌˌWhy did the previous material not work? ˌˌAdmissible compression and elongation
ˌˌWhat problems occurred?
70
Chemical stress Electrical requirements
If a component comes into contact with chemicals, its re- When electrical requirements exist, the key issue is gener-
sistance to the substances in question must be considered ally whether an electrically dissipating / conducting or elec-
in the light of the application conditions. Decisive factors trically insulating material is required. In order to avoid
here are: static charges, for example when producing electronic com-
ˌˌContact temperature ponents, dissipating or conductive materials are required.
ˌˌContact time This also applies in the case of ATEX applications (ATmos-
ˌˌConcentration phere EXplosive). In contrast, in the case of components
It should be noted that the substances should be consid- required to demonstrate high dielectric strength, good in-
ered not only in the light of their application but also dur- sulating materials are required.
ing processing (cooling lubricants etc.). In addition, in the
case of substance mixtures, it should be borne in mind that Optical requirements
these can behave completely differently in relation to a ma- Frequently optical requirements are imposed on a compo-
terial than the individual substances alone. nent. This can range from simple colouration, for example
to reflect a corporate design, to transparent components for
Tribological stress viewing windows through to colour coding (e.g. blue in
If the case in consideration is a sliding-friction application, food-related applications) for optical detection.
then on principle good sliding properties and abrasion
characteristics are required. However, these variables usu- Requirements imposed on fire behaviour
ally depend directly on the other application conditions. In In many fields such as aerospace engineering, railways and
addition, the sliding system as such plays a key role. so on, stringent demands are made on fire protection, in
ˌˌApplication temperature order to guarantee the safety of an application. Here, a ma-
ˌˌSliding speed terial is frequently required to be self-extinguishing. Wide-
ˌˌCompression ranging different sector-specific approvals exist with which
ˌˌSliding partner the material / component is required to comply.
ˌˌSurface properties
In principle it is only conditionally possible to assess the Requirements imposed on radiation / weather resistance
general suitability of a material in respect of its sliding fric- If components are used for instance for outdoor applica-
tion abrasion behaviour, as the interaction of all occurring tions, in radiology or in applications involving exposure to
parameters can only be assessed in detail by conducting a high-energy radiation such as power stations, the materials
practical test. used require suitable radiation resistance. Decisive to the
material selection are the exposure dosage and the relevant
Required approvals / Physiological harmlessness application conditions.
The application conditions frequently provide a clue to the
necessary approvals and certifications. As the relevant ap- How is the component intended to be produced?
provals are often dependent on the raw material used, a The material selection is also dependent on the planned
prior detailed clarification of the necessary certifications is processing method. It should be known in advance, for in-
required. stance, whether the component will be produced using a
ˌˌFood (FDA, 10/2011, NSF 51 …) machining process, by injection moulding, direct forming
ˌˌMedicine (ISO 10993, USP class VI, …) or a similar process.
ˌˌDrinking water (KTW, NSF 61, …)
ˌˌAerospace (ABS, ABD, …) Non-standard specifications
Alongside the requirements listed here, there may be a
wide range of additional framework conditions, specifica-
tions or approvals to which a material must comply in a
certain application. The relevant points must be separately
tested and determined.
71
Calculations
In order to clarify the correlations described under the head- ˌˌCrack formation (application of load until irreversible
ing "Mechanical properties", the described influencing fac- damage in the micro-range, crazing)
tors will first be explained in detail using a simple example: ˌˌApplication-specific max. admissible deformation
Description: For the application described here, a maximum admissible

Let us assume that we have to produce a simple square ma- deformation of 1 % is assumed.
chine underlay.
With this value, the admissible surface compression may
The underlay is placed flush with its surface on a level floor be determined with the aid of a quasi-statistical stress-
and is exposed over its whole surface to an even load of 1 ton. strain curve. Even if the stress involved in the described
case is compression stress, it is possible to revert here to
Given: FG results from the tensile test, as with only a few exceptions
h = 10 mm the tensile strength of a material is smaller than the com-
w = 50 mm pressive strength. Consequently, at the same time a certain
l = 50 mm safety allowance is also taken into consideration. As the re-
l
m = 1,000 kg h sults of the tensile test are easily accessible, this also means
w that a good data base is available.
1. The following applies: Fig. 1 120 120

Stress-strain
To be able to calculate the occurring surface compression, 100 100
curve
first of all the weight force is calculated as follows: PA 66 (dry) 80 80
FG = m × g = 1,000 kg × 10 m/s² = 10,000 N (simplified)
60 60
40 40
This force must then be projected onto the contact surface.
• Stress [MPa]
35
For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the force is ide- 20 20
17
ally distributed over the contact surface. Initially, however, TECAMID 66 0 0
the contact surface in this case must be calculated as fol- 0 1 2 3 4
• Strain [%]
lows:
A = w × l = 50 mm × 50 mm = 2,500 mm² With a load of 4 MPa and admissible deformation of 1%, for
in order to allow the surface compression to be subsequent- example, the material TECAMID 66 may be used. Under
ly calculated as follows: these conditions, surface compression can be applied up to
p = F / A = 10,000N / 2,500 mm² = 4.0 MPa appr. 35 MPa
In the application described above (simplified calculation) a
surface compression of 4.0 MPa is determined. 2. Influence of moisture
In order to allow a suitable material to be recommended, The data used above was determined on test specimens
however, the failure criterion still has to be determined. A which had just been freshly injected. However, their appli-
distinction can be made here between several criteria: cation takes place under normal climatic conditions. For
ˌˌBreakage (application of load until material breakage) this reason, particularly in the case of polyamides, which
ˌˌStretching (application of load to the yield point) generally have relatively high moisture absorption, the ac-
tual strength under normal climatic conditions must be
taken as a basis for assessment of the application:
72
20 Fig. 2 120 4. Influence
20 of temperature 20
10 100 1
Stress-strain
00 100 Let us assume that the machine
10 100 1000being
10000 supported heats up
curve PA 66 15 15
80 (conditioned) 80
to a temperature of appr. 60 °C in use. As the strength and
rigidity of a material reduce at elevated temperatures while
60 60 10 10
toughness increases, this circumstance must also be taken
40 40
into account in the configuration of the underlays. 5
• Stress [MPa]
35 5
20 20 For this, isochronous stress-strain diagrams can be 2.5
used
17
0 TECAMID 66 0 which were 0 determined at a corresponding temperature.
0
0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 4
• Strain [%]
As a result of the moisture absorption, the mechanical

strength
20 drops tangibly. Surface compression of204 MPa at Fig. 10
4 100 1000 10000 20
10 100 1000 10000
Isochronous
1 % admissible deformation
10 100 1000is10000
still possible, but under
stress-strain
these conditions a load of appr. 17 MPa can no 15longer be
15
curve PA 66 (60 °C)
15
supported.
10 10 10
3. Influence of time
• Stress [MPa]
5 5 5
The machine is required to remain standing over 2.5
a long 2.5
period 0on the underlay. The maximum underlay 0deforma- TECAMID 66 0
3 4
tion of 1 %
0
should
1
not
2
be3 exceeded.
4 5
Here, we assume 0
a1val-2 4 6 8 0 1 2 4 6 8
• Strain [%]
ue for time of 10,000 h. This corresponds roughly to one
year. For this type of estimate, isochronous stress-strain With a load duration of 10,000 h and an admissible defor-
curves can be used. These show the stress-strain progres- mation of 1 % at an elevated temperature of 60 °C, an ad-
sion for different stress periods in a single diagram. missible surface area compression of appr. 2.5 MPa is de-
termined. This is lower than the actual effective surface
area compression. In this case, suitable measures must be
taken to counteract this effect. The actual surface area com-
20 Fig. 3 20 pression20can be reduced,10for instance,
100 1000 10000 by making20design 10 100 10
Isochronous stress-strain
00 10 100 1000 10000 adjustments such as increasing the support surface area.
curve PA 66 15
80 (23 °C, conditioned) Another 15possibility is to improve the material characteris-
15
tics, for example by means of glass fibre reinforcement, or

60 10 10 10
by changing to a different material.
40
• Stress [MPa]
5 5 5
20 This calculation
2.5
has been simplified in a number 2.5 of ways,
17
0 TECAMID 66 0 and is intended
0 only to demonstrate the extent to which
0 the
0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4 5
plastic characteristics
0 1 2
depend
4
on the8 ambient conditions.
6 0 1 2 4 6
• Strain [%]
The more data is available, the more effectively it is possible
The diagram above indicates an admissible surface area to make a correct material choice.
compression of appr. 5 MPa for a load duration of 10,000 h
and an admissible deformation of 1 %. The underlay would In many cases, extensive material data is not available.
still fulfil its purpose under these conditions. However, the However, estimated calculations can be made by interpolat-
influencing factors of humidity and time already substan- ing or extrapolating the existing data.
tially reduce the admissible surface area compression.
73
Machining is the predominant method used for further pro-
cessing plastic semi-finished products. In order to produce
high-quality, durable, precisely dimensioned and flawless
components, as much attention must be paid to the tools
and processing parameters as to the characteristics of the
specific materials.
In most cases, thermoplastics can be very successfully

joined by means of welding and bonding (or to other mate-
rials). A general rule for all further processing steps is to
ensure that the components are thoroughly cleaned.
The following pages contain an overview of different fur-

ther processing methods and an indication of which mate-
rial-specific differences have to be taken into account.
Further processing
Processing plastics
General remarks* 2. Milling For plane surfaces, end milling is more econom-
Unreinforced thermoplastics can be machined using high- ical than peripheral milling. During circumferential and
speed steel tools. Machining reinforced materials calls for profile milling, tools should not have more than two cut-
the use of carbide tools. In either case, only flawlessly ting edges in order to minimize vibrations caused by a high
sharpened tools should be used. Due to the poor thermal number of cutting edges, and chip spaces should be ade-
conductivity of plastics, steps must be taken to ensure good quately dimensioned. Optimum cutting performance and
heat dissipation. The best form of cooling is heat dissipa- surface finish quality are achieved with single-cutter tools.
tion through the produced chips.
3. Drilling Generally speaking, twist drills can be used;
Dimensional stability These should have a twist angle of 12° to 16° and very smooth
Dimensionally precise parts can only be made from stress- spiral grooves for optimum chip removal. Larger diameters
annealed semi-finished products. Otherwise, the heat gen- should be pre-drilled or should be produced using hollow
erated by machining will inevitably lead to release of pro- drills or by cutting out. When drilling into solid material,
cessing tension and component warping. If high stock particular attention should be paid to properly sharpened
removal volumes occur, intermediate annealing may be drills, as otherwise the resulting compressive stress can in-
advisable after the main machining process in order to dis- crease to the point that the material can split
sipate any build-up of thermal tension. We can provide in-
formation on the necessary temperatures and timings on a
material-specific basis. Materials with excessive moisture
absorption (e.g. polyamides) must be conditioned before
Stress development with blunt drill Stress development with sharpened drill
machining where applicable. Plastics require greater pro-
duction tolerances than metals. In addition, it is important Reinforced plastics have higher residual processing stress-
to bear in mind that thermal expansion is many times es with lower impact strength than unreinforced plastics,
greater than with metal. and are consequently particularly susceptible to cracking.
Where possible they should be heated prior to drilling to a
Machining methods temperature of around 120 °C (heating time appr. 1 hour
1. Turning Guideline values for tool geometry are given in per 10 mm cross-section). This method is also advisable
the table (� S. 77). For surfaces of particularly high quality, when machining polyamide 66 and polyester.
the cutting edge must be configured as a broad-nosed fin-
ishing cutting edge as illustrated in Fig. 1. For parting-off 4. Sawing It is important to avoid unnecessary heat gen-
operations, the lathe tool should be ground as illustrated in eration due to friction as, when sawing mostly thick-walled
Fig. 2, in order to prevent the formation of burrs. When parts, relatively thin tools are used. Well sharpened saw
working with thin-walled and particularly flexible work- blades with large tooth offsets are therefore recommended
pieces, however, it is more advantageous to work with tools for sawing.
which have a knife-like cutting geometry (Fig. 3).
Fig. 1 Fig. 2 5. Thread cutting The best way to cut threads is using
Broad-nosed finishing cutting edge Grinding prevents burr formation
thread chasers; the formation of burr can be avoided by us-
ing twin-toothed chasers. Die nuts are not advisable, as
these can cause additional cutting when withdrawing the
nut. When using tap drills, a machining allowance (depend-
Secondary cutter Lathe tool ent on the material and diameter, guideline value: 0.1 mm)
is frequently required.
Fig. 3
Parting off flexible plastics
6. Safety precautions Failure to observe the machining
guidelines can result in localized overheating which can
lead to material degradation. The decomposition products
released from materials such as PTFE fillers must be cap-
tured by an extraction device. In this context, tobacco prod-
* We provide written and oral application advice designed to support you in your work.
ucts must be kept out of the production area due to the risk
This is offered in the form of a non-binding recommendation, also in respect of any of toxic effects.
third-party industrial property rights. We are unable to accept any liability for damage
occurring during machining.
76
t
α
Machining Guidelines
Sawing Drilling Bohren

Sägen
β Sägen
α clearance angle [°] α clearance angle [°]
t
α γ rake angle [°] t β twist angle [°]
t pitch [mm]
α γ
γ rake angle [°]
γ φ
γ φ point angle [°]
α
φ
clearance rake cutting number twist rake cutting feed

angle angle speed pitch of teeth angle angle speed rate
TECAFINE PE, PP 20 – 30 2 – 5 500 3 – 8 Z2 25 90 50 – 150Fräsen
0.1 – 0.3
TECAFINE PMP 20 – 30 2 – 5 500 3 – 8
Bohren Z2 α 25 90 50 – 150 0.1 – 0.3
TECARAN ABS 15 – 30 0 – 5 300 2 – 8 Z2 25 90 Bohren
50 – 200 0.2 – 0.3
β Sägen γ
TECANYL 15 – 30 5 – 8 300 3 – 8 β Z2 25 90 50 – 100 0.2 – 0.3
t
TECAFORM AD, AH 20 – 30
α γ 0 – 5 500 – 800 2 – 5 Z2 25 90 50 – 150 0.1 – 0.3
γ
TECAMID, TECARIM, TECAST 20 – 30 2 – 5 500 3 – 8
φ Z2 25 90 50 – 150 0.1 – 0.3
γ φ
TECADUR/TECAPET 15 – 30 5 – 8 300 3 – 8 Z2 25 90 50 – 100 0.2 – 0.3
α
TECANAT 15 – 30
φ 5 – 8 300 3 – 8 Z2 25 α 90 50 – 100 0.2 – 0.3
φ
TECAFLON PTFE, PVDF 20 – 30 5 – 8 300 2 – 5 Z2 25 90 150 – 200 0.1 – 0.3
TECAPEI 15 – 30 0 – 4 500 2 – 5 Z2 25 90 20 – 80 0.1 – 0.3
TECASON S, P, E 15 – 30 0 – 4 500 2 – 5 Z2 25 90 20 – 80Drehen
0.1 – 0.3
TECATRON 15 – 30 0 – 5 500 – 800 3 – 5
Fräsen Z2 25 90 50 – 200 0.1 – 0.3
TECAPEEK 15 – 30 0 – 5 500 – 800 3 – 5 Z2 25 90 Fräsen
50 – 200 0.1 – 0.3
α Bohren α
TECATOR 15 – 30 0 – 3 800 – 900 10 – 14 Z2 αχ 25 90 80 – 100 0.02 – 0.1
β γ0 – 3 γ
TECASINT 5 – 10 800 – 900 3 – 4 Z2 γ25 120 80 – 100 0.02 – 0.1
Reinforced/filled TECA products* 15 – 30 γ 10 – 15 200 – 300 3 – 5 Z2 25 100 80 – 100 0.1 – 0.3
φ
* Reinforcing agents/fillers: Heat before sawing: Heat before drilling in the centre:
Glass fibres, glass beads, carbon from Ø 60 mm TECAPEEK GF/PVX, TECATRON GF/PVX from Ø 60 mm TECAPEEK GF/PVX, TECATRON GF/PVX
fibres, graphite, mica, talcum, etc. α from Ø 80 mm TECAMID 66 MH, 66 GF, TECAPET, TECADUR PBT GF
φfrom Ø 80 mm TECAMID 66 GF, TECAPET, TECADUR PBT GF
from Ø 100 mm TECAMID 6 GF, 66, 66 MH from Ø 100 mm TECAMID 6 GF, 66, TECAM 6 MO, TECANYL GF
Drehen
Milling Turning Drehen
Fräsen
α clearance angle [°] α clearance angle [°]
α
γ rake angle [°] γ rake angle [°]
α
χ γ Tangential feed α χ side angle [°]
χ
γ Feed rate can be up The nose radius r
γ must be at least 0.5 mm
to 0.5 mm / tooth
number cutting feed clearance rake side cutting feed

of teeth speed rate angle angle angle speed rate
TECAFINE PE, PP Z1 – Z2 250 – 500 0.1 – 0.45 6 – 10 0 – 5 45 – 60 250 – 500 0.1 – 0.5
TECAFINE PMP Z1 – Z2 250 – 500 0.1 – 0.45 6 – 10 0 – 5 45 – 60 250 – 500 0.1 – 0.5
Drehen
TECARAN ABS Z1 – Z2 300 – 500 0.1 – 0.45 5 – 15 25 – 30 15 200 – 500 0.2 – 0.5
TECANYL Z1 – Z2 300 0.15 – 0.5 5 – 10 6 – 8 45 – 60 300 0.1 – 0.5
TECAFORM AD, AH Z1 – Z2 300 0.15 – 0.5 6 – 8 0 – 5 45 – 60 300 – 600 0.1 – 0.4
α
TECAMID, TECARIM, TECAST Z1 – Z2
χ 250 – 500 0.1 – 0.45 6 – 10 0 – 5 45 – 60 250 – 500 0.1 – 0.5
TECADUR/TECAPET Z1 – Z2 γ 300 0.15 – 0.5 5 – 10 0 – 5 45 – 60 300 – 400 0.2 – 0.4
TECANAT Z1 – Z2 300 0.15 – 0.4 5 – 10 6 – 8 45 – 60 300 0.1 – 0.5
TECAFLON PTFE, PVDF Z1 – Z2 150 – 500 0.1 – 0.45 5 – 10 5 – 8 10 150 – 500 0.1 – 0.3
TECAPEI Z1 – Z2 250 – 500 0.1 – 0.45 10 0 45 – 60 350 – 400 0.1 – 0.3
TECASON S, P, E Z1 – Z2 250 – 500 0.1 – 0.45 6 0 45 – 60 350 – 400 0.1 – 0.3
TECATRON Z1 – Z2 250 – 500 0.1 – 0.45 6 0 – 5 45 – 60 250 – 500 0.1 – 0.5
TECAPEEK Z1 – Z2 250 – 500 0.1 – 0.45 6 – 8 0 – 5 45 – 60 250 – 500 0.1 – 0.5
TECATOR Z1 – Z2 60 – 100 0.05 – 0.35 6 – 8 0 – 5 7 – 10 100 – 120 0.05 – 0.08
TECASINT Z1 – Z2 90 – 100 0.05 – 0.35 2 – 5 0 – 5 7 – 10 100 – 120 0.05 – 0.08
Reinforced/filled TECA products* Z1 – Z2 80 – 450 0.05 – 0.4 6 – 8 2 – 8 45 – 60 150 – 200 0.1 – 0.5
* Reinforcing agents/fillers: Preheat material to 120 °C For detailed information,
Glass fibres, glass beads, carbon
Caution when using coolants: please also refer to our brochure
fibres, graphite, mica, talcum, etc.
susceptible to stress cracking "Guidelines for Machining Ensinger
Semi-Finished Engineering Plastics"
77
Annealing
Annealing Annealing to reduce stress

The annealing process is a heat treatment for semi-finished Ensinger semi-finished products are always subjected in
products, mouldings and finished parts. The products are principle to a special annealing process after production to
heated slowly and evenly to a material-specific defined tem- reduce the internal tension created during manufacture.
perature level. This is followed by a holding time which de- Annealing is carried out in a special recirculating air oven,
pends on the material thickness in order to fully heat but can also take place in an oven with circulating nitrogen
through the shaped component. Subsequently the material or in an oil bath.
has to be slowly and evenly cooled back down to room tem- Annealing results in increased crystallinity, as well as im-
perature. proved strength and chemical resistance. It also brings
about a reduction of inner stress as described above and
increases dimensional stability over a wide temperature
Typical annealing cycle
range. This ensures that the material you receive remains
Temperature [°C] dimensionally stable during and after the machining pro-
cess and can be more easily machined.
Benefits of annealing:
ˌˌResidual stress created during the manufacturing or
processing phase can be largely reduced by annealing.
ˌˌOptimized material crystallinity and mechanical
material characteristic values.
Zeitdauer ˌˌFormation of an even crystalline structure
[h] in the materials.
ˌˌIn some cases improved chemical resistance.
t1 t2 t3 t4
ˌˌReduced tendency for warping and dimensional
Warm-up Holding Cooling Additional
time time time time changes (during or after processing)
Temperature of oven ˌˌSustainable improvement of dimensional stability
Temperature in the centre of the semi-finished or finished product
Polymer
Material designation Warm-up Holding* Cooling
TECASINT PI 2 hrs to 160 °C 6 hrs to 280 °C 2 hrs to 160 °C / 10 hrs at 280 °C at 20 °C per hour to 40 °C
TECAPEEK PEEK 3 hrs to 120 °C 4 hrs to 220 °C 1.5 hrs per cm of wall thickness at 20 °C per hour to 40 °C
TECATRON PPS 3 hrs to 120 °C 4 hrs to 220 °C 1.5 hrs per cm of wall thickness at 20 °C per hour to 40 °C
TECASON E PES 3 hrs to 100 °C 4 hrs to 200 °C 1 hrs per cm of wall thickness at 20 °C per hour to 40 °C
TECASON P PPSU 3 hrs to 100 °C 4 hrs to 200 °C 1 hrs per cm of wall thickness at 20 °C per hour to 40 °C
TECASON S PSU 3 hrs to 100 °C 3 hrs to 165 °C 1 hrs per cm of wall thickness at 20 °C per hour to 40 °C
TECAFLON PVDF PVDF 3 hrs to 90 °C 3 hrs to 150 °C 1 hrs per cm of wall thickness at 20 °C per hour to 40 °C
TECANAT PC 3 hrs to 80 °C 3 hrs to 130 °C 1 hrs per cm of wall thickness at 20 °C per hour to 40 °C
TECAPET PET 3 hrs to 100 °C 4 hrs to 180 °C 1 hrs per cm of wall thickness at 20 °C per hour to 40 °C
TECADUR PBT GF30 PBT 3 hrs to 100 °C 4 hrs to 180 °C 1 hrs per cm of wall thickness at 20 °C per hour to 40 °C
TECAMID 6 PA 6 3 hrs to 90 °C 3 hrs to 160 °C 1 hrs per cm of wall thickness at 20 °C per hour to 40 °C
TECAMID 66 PA 66 3 hrs to 100 °C 4 hrs to 180 °C 1 hrs per cm of wall thickness at 20 °C per hour to 40 °C
TECAFORM AH POM-C 3 hrs to 90 °C 3 hrs to 155 °C 1 hrs per cm of wall thickness at 20 °C per hour to 40 °C
TECAFORM AD POM-H 3 hrs to 90 °C 3 hrs to 160 °C 1 hrs per cm of wall thickness at 20 °C per hour to 40 °C
* At maximum temperature, unless otherwise specified.
78
Intermediate annealing
An intermediate annealing stage can be expedient when
machining critical components. This applies in particular:
ˌˌWhere narrow tolerances are required
ˌˌIf the parts being produced have a tendency to warp due
to their shape (asymmetry, restricted cross-sections,
pockets or grooves).
ˌˌWhen machining fibre-reinforced / filled materials
(fibre orientation can increase the tendency to warp)
hhThe machining process can result in additional
higher levels of stress being created in the
component
ˌˌWhen using blunt or unsuitable tools:
hhInner stress is created
ˌˌ In case of excessive transfer of heat into the component –
created by using unsuitable speeds and feed rates
ˌˌWith high stock removal volumes – particularly where
machining takes place on one side
An intermediate annealing step can help to reduce these
tensions and alleviate the risk of warping. Here, to ensure
adherence to required dimensions and tolerances, the
following should be noted:
ˌˌBefore the intermediate annealing phase, first rough
machine the component, leaving a machining
allowance (roughing), as annealing can result in a
certain degree of component shrinkage.
ˌˌFinal dimensioning of the part should only take place
after annealing.
ˌˌProvide adequate support for the component during
the intermediate annealing phase:
hhAvoids warping occurring during annealing
For detailed information,

please also refer to our brochure
"Guidelines for Machining Ensinger
Semi-Finished Engineering Plastics"
79
Welding
Plastic welding to join two thermoplastic materials is a Contacts for

welding plastics:
common and highly developed joining technique. A variety
of different processes are available which work either on a bielomatik Leuze
no-contact basis (heating element, ultrasound, laser, infra- GmbH + Co. KG
Daimlerstrasse 6 – 10
red, gas convection welding) or by contact (friction, vibra- 72639 Neuffen
tion welding). Depending on the process used, certain de- Tel. +49 (0)7025 12 0
Fax +49 (0)7025 12 200
sign guidelines must be observed during the design phase
www.bielomatik.de
in order to guarantee optimum connection. In the case of
high-temperature plastics, it should be noted that an ex- Kuypers Kunststoftechniek BV
Koningshoek 8
tremely high input of energy is required for plastification of 5094 CD Lage Mierde
materials. The welding method to be used depends on Niederlande
Tel. +31 (0)13 509 66 11
these factors (shaped part geometry and size, material).
Fax +31 (0)13 509 25 87
Common welding techniques used for processing plastics www.kuypers.com
are:
Widos
ˌˌHeating element welding Wilhelm Dommer Söhne GmbH
ˌˌInfrared welding Einsteinstr. 5
71254 Ditzingen-Heimerdingen
ˌˌGas convection welding
Tel. +49 (0)7152 9939 0
ˌˌFriction welding Fax +49 (0)7152 9939 40
ˌˌLaser welding www.widos.de
ˌˌUltrasound welding
ˌˌThermal contact welding
ˌˌHigh-frequency welding
Materials and suitable welding processes
Mechanical welding processes: ultrasound, vibration, rotation

No-contact heating methods: infrared light, hot gas, laser
Heating element welding with contact heating Radiation heating
350
300
250
200
150
Source: bielomatik Leuze
• Temperature [°C]
100
50
0
TECAFINE TECAFINE TECARAN TECANAT TECAPET / TECAMID TECAPEI TECATRON TECAPEEK
PE PP ABS TECADUR 6 / 66 PPS
PET
80
Welding processes
Heating element and Vibration /

Method hot gas welding Ultrasound welding friction welding Laser welding
Heating element
1. Carriage Sonotrode
with tool
2.
Workpieces
Joining / cooling
Principle Heating the joining Heating a joining zone Heating the joining partners Heating the joining partners
partners using a heating (with a specific geometry) by vibration or friction, using a laser beam
element or hot gas, by ultrasound vibration joining under pressure
joining under pressure
Welding time 20 to 40 s 0.1 to 2 s 0.2 to 10 s
Benefits High strength, Minimal cycle times, Suitable for large parts, High strength, almost any
low cost easy process automation oxidation-sensitive optional seam geometry,
plastics an be welded high precision
Thermal conduction Radiation Convection Friction

Heating element Heating element Laser beam Hot gas Extrusion Inner Outer
welding welding welding welding welding friction friction
Source: bielomatik Leuze

Induction welding with insert IR light Hot gas High-frequency Rotation
heating element in metal welding riveting welding welding
Welding with insert Ultrasound Vibration
heating element in metal welding welding
81
Bonding
Bonding technology is a very efficient joining method To increase the strength of a bonded joint, it is advisable to
which permits plastics to be permanently joined to them- pre-treat the surfaces when bonding plastics in order to en-
selves or other materials. The chemical joining (bonding) hance surface activity.
of components offers a range of benefits compared to other ˌˌCleaning and degreasing the material surface
joining methods: ˌˌIncreasing the size of the mechanical surface by
ˌˌEven distribution of stress grinding or sand blasting (particularly recommended)
ˌˌNo damage to materials ˌˌPhysical activation of the surface by flame, plasma or
ˌˌNo warping of joined parts corona treatment
ˌˌDifferent material combinations can be joined ˌˌChemical etching for the formation of a defined
ˌˌThe separating joint is sealed at the same time boundary layer
ˌˌA smaller number of components is required ˌˌPrimer application
Decisive factors for a good bonded joint: When bonding plastics, tension peaks should be avoided
ˌˌMaterial characteristics and a compressive, tensile or shear load should preferably
ˌˌAdhesive be applied to the adhesive bond joint. Avoid flexural, peel-
ˌˌAdhesive layer ing or plain tensile stresses. Where applicable, the design
ˌˌSurface (preliminary treatment) should be adjusted so that the bonded joint can be config-
ˌˌGeometric design of the bonded joint ured for suitable levels of stress.
ˌˌApplication and load conditions
When bonding plastics, tensional

load should be avoided and a compressive,
tensile or shear load should preferably be
applied to the adhesive bond joint.
Avoid flexural, peeling or plain tensile

stresses.
Source: DELO Industrieklebstoffe
82
Bonding PEEK The following manufacturers
offer adhesives for engineering
Compressive strength and high-performance plastics:
in accordance with
Material / preliminary treatment Delo Standard 5 Strength Summary
PEEK / PEEK PEEK / PEEK bonding DELO Industrieklebstoffe

Cleaning with Delothen EP 10 MPa + Good strength levels with GmbH & Co. KG
DELOMONOPOX adhesives; DELO-Allee 1
PEEK / PEEK
86949 Windach

Atmospheric pressure plasma 23 MPa ++ marked increase of strength
levels due to plasma treatment Tel. 08193 9900 131
PEEK / PEEK Fax 08193 9900 185
or sand blasting

Sand blasted 25 MPa ++ www.delo.de
PEEK / aluminium PEEK aluminium bonding

Cleaning with Delothen EP 4 MPa o Without preliminary treatment, 3M Deutschland GmbH
PEEK / aluminium low strength levels with Carl-Schurz-Str. 1

PEEK: Atmospheric pressure plasma 21 MPa ++ DELOMONOPOX glues; very good 41453 Neuss
strength levels after plasma Tel. 02131 14 0
PEEK / aluminium
Source: DELO Industrieklebstoffe

treatment or sand blasting www.3Mdeutschland.de

PEEK: Sand blasted 22 MPa ++
PEEK / steel PEEK-steel bonding Henkel Loctite

PEEK: Cleaning with Delothen EP 3.5 MPa o Without preliminary treatment, Deutschland GmbH
PEEK / steel low strength levels with Arabellastraße 17

PEEK: Sand blasted 21 MPa ++ DELOMONOPOX glues; very good 81925 München
strength levels after sand blasting Tel. 089 9268 0
++ very good strength + good strength o low strength Fax 089 9101978
www.loctite.com
Dymax Europe GmbH

Trakehner Straße 3
60487 Frankfurt
Tel. 069 7165 3568
General adhesive recommendations Fax 069 7165 3830
www.dymax.de
Ensinger Polymer Solvent Reaction adhesive on the basis of …

designation designation adhesive Epoxy resin Polyurethane Cyanoacrylate
TECAFINE PE PE X X
TECAFINE PP PP X X
TECAFORM AD POM-H X X
TECAFORM AH POM-C X X
TECAMID 66
PA 66 X X X X
TECAMID 6 PA 6 X X X X
TECADUR PBT
PBT X X X
TECAPET PET X X X
TECANAT PC X X X X
TECAFLON PVDF
PVDF X X X
TECASON S PSU X X X X
TECASON P PPSU X X X X
TECASON E PES X X X
TECATRON PPS X X X
TECAPEEK PEEK X X X
TECASINT PI X X X
X Suitable adhesives
Materials which are not suitable or only conditionally suitable for bonding:
TECAFLON PTFE, TECAFLON PVDF, TECAFORM AH / AD,
TECAFINE PE, TECAFINE PP / TECAPRO MT
83
Cleaning plastics
According to DIN 8592, cleaning is a chemical process The following cleaning methods are particularly suitable
used in manufacturing to remove residues. for plastic cleaning:
Wet chemical methods

ˌˌAlso suitable for components with ultra-complex
The four factors relevant to cleaning
component geometries
ˌˌUsable for most plastics
Chemical Mechanical
• Type of cleaning • Ultrasound ˌˌNo abrasive influence on components
• Cleaning chemical • Flow mechanism ˌˌCaution in the case of materials which absorb
• Concentration • Spraying
• Brushing moisture (PA), due to tolerances
• Geometry adjustment ˌˌCaution in the case of materials sensitive to stress
cracking (amorphous) such as PC, PSU, PPSU etc.
Temperature Time
• Cleaning temperature • Cleaning time Mechanical processes
• Rinsing temperature • Rinsing time ˌˌPrimarily suitable for the rough cleaning of plastics
• Drying temperature • Drying time
(brushing, wiping, …)
ˌˌCaution with soft plastics due to possible surface
damage (scratching)
Depending on the type of soiling, the relevant areas have to
be adapted in order to achieve adequate cleanliness. Every CO2 snow - dry ice blasting
process must be taken in context with the input parameters ˌˌVery suitable, as blasted material is subjected
(material, geometry, contamination) and the output param- to practically no damage or influence.
eters (cleanliness requirement) ˌˌThe process is dry, non-abrasive and does not
result in transfer of heat to the component.
Process is influenced by: ˌˌIdeally suited also for soft materials and materials with
ˌˌContamination high moisture absorbing properties (PTFE, PA, …)
(film, particulate, coating, germs)
ˌˌComponent geometry Plasma method
(bulk material, single part, scooping, functional surface) ˌˌSuitable for components with
ˌˌComponent material (plastic) ultra-complex component geometries
ˌˌRequirements ˌˌSimultaneously exerts an activating effect
(rough cleaning, cleaning, precision cleaning, ultra- on the plastic surface
precision cleaning) ˌˌNo abrasive influence on the surface,
no humidity in the system
84
Situation in the food and medical technology sector
Problem issue:
ˌˌFor these sectors, to date no definition exits of which
maximum residual contamination may be present on
a component
ˌˌNo parts with a defined level of cleanliness
ˌˌIndividual producers must set out / define their own
limiting values for admissible contamination
ˌˌThe FDA and EU guidelines define directives and
regulations on the migration of substances into
products, but not on the degree of soiling
Solution:
ˌˌManual definition of limiting values for admissible
soiling
ˌˌBlank value cleaning
ˌˌSemi-finished products from Ensinger:
hhBiocompatibiltiy tests are performed on semi-
finished products for the medical technology sector.
These provide a statement regarding suitability for
bodily contact
hhSemi-finished products for food contact are tested
for the migration behaviour of certain materials
hhCooling lubricants in conformity with food
regulations are used for grinding
hhEnsinger works in compliance with the GMP
regulations for the food sector
Summary
ˌˌIndividual customers are required to set up their own
definition of technical cleanliness
ˌˌTechnical cleanliness can only be measured and
assessed at the finished component following
completion of all machining and cleaning steps
ˌˌAs far as possible and feasible, semi-finished products
from Ensinger comply with sector-specific cleanliness
criteria:
hhProduction in compliance with cleanliness
requirements Do you have any other questions?
hhUse of special cooling lubricants
hhCytotoxicity tests for semi-finished products Our technical application advisory service
suitable for use in medical applications will be pleased to help:
hhMigration tests for semi-finished products techservice.shapes@de.ensinger-online.com
suitable for use in food applications or by telephone on Tel. +49 7032 819-101 / -116
hhPackaging for semi-finished products suitable
for medical applications
85
Product handling
Ensinger plastics are used as the raw material for a wide The following materials in particular should be protected
range of high-quality components and end products in against the influence of the weather:
fields such as the food industry and medical technology, as ˌˌTECAPEEK (PEEK)*
well as mechanical and automotive engineering, semi-con- ˌˌTECATRON (PPS)*
ductor technology and in the aerospace industry. To main- ˌˌTECASON P (PPSU)*
tain the high standard of quality and functionality in our ˌˌTECASON S (PSU)*
materials for these applications also over extended storage ˌˌTECASON E (PES)*
periods, certain factors must be taken into consideration in ˌˌTECAFORM AH, AD (POM-C, POM-H)**
the storage, treatment and handling of Ensinger semi-fin- ˌˌTECAPET (PET)**
ished products. By taking these precautions, it is possible to ˌˌTECAMID 6, 66, 11, 12, 46 (PA 6, 66, 11, 12, 46)**
ensure that external influences are unable to significantly ˌˌTECAST (PA 6 C)**
diminish the material properties. In the case of finished ˌˌTECAFINE (PE, PP)**
parts, the individual manufacturer or user is required to ˌˌTECARAN ABS (ABS)*
submit an individual confirmation of this, as conditions can * All variations should be generally protected
differ considerably depending on the storage or utilization ** Variants not dyed black should be protected
period.
3. Wherever possible, plastics should not be exposed to low
1. Storage and handling should take place in such a way temperatures over long periods. In particular, marked fluc-
that the material designations and product numbers (batch tuations in temperature should be avoided, as this can
number) are clearly recognizable on the semi-finished cause semi-finished products to warp or become brittle.
products and can be maintained. This allows clear identifi- Hard knocks and equally throwing or dropping should be
cation and traceability of products in the event of a possible avoided, as otherwise cracks and fracture damage can oc-
complaint, allowing the possible root cause of the problem cur. In addition, semi-finished products stored in cold con-
to be determined. ditions should be allowed sufficient time to acclimatize to
room temperature before processing. This can help to pre-
2. Weathering effects can impact on the properties of plas- vent defects such as cavities occurring during processing. It
tics. As result of the impact of solar radiation (UV radia- will also help to compensate for shrinkage or also elonga-
tion), atmospheric oxygen and moisture (precipitation, hu- tion after exposure to hot atmospheres caused by the high
midity) can exert a lasting negative impact on material coefficient of linear thermal expansion of plastics.
characteristics. These influences can result in colour In order to store finished and semi-finished products for
changes, oxidation of surfaces, swelling, warping, brittle- high levels of manufacturing precision, we consequently
ness or even a change in mechanical properties. For this recommend storage under constant conditions in a normal
reason, semi-finished products should not be exposed to climate (23 °C / 50 %rH). This allows external influences to
direct sunlight or the effects of weather over protracted pe- be minimized and dimensional stability to be maintained
riods. over long periods.
If possible, the semi-finished products should be stored in It is not possible to specify a maximum storage period, as
closed rooms under normal climatic conditions (23 °C / this depends heavily on the materials, storage conditions
50 %rH). and external influences.
86
4. Semi-finished products made of plastic should conse- 10. If the above recommendations are adhered to, it may be
quently always be stored flat or on a suitable support (in the assumed that no significant changes to typical properties
case of rods and tubes) and with the greatest possible sur- will occur during the storage period. It is possible that min-
face contact in order to avoid deformation through their imal surface discolouration may occur due to environmen-
own intrinsic weight or warmth. tal influences. However, this does not represent any signifi-
cant deterioration of material properties, as the surface is
5. When handling plastic semi-finished products, ensure generally only affected down to a few microns in depth.
that suitable warehousing equipment is used. Ensure that
storage facilities, lifting gear, slings and other lifting equip- 11. Plastic waste and chips can be processed and recycled
ment are stable and secure. Stock shapes must also be by professional recycling companies. It is also possible to
stored and stacked so as to eliminate any danger of tipping send the waste for thermal processing to generate energy
or falling. Bear in mind here that plastics often have a rela- by a professional company in a combustion plant with a
tively low coefficient of friction and are consequently easily suitable emission control in place. This applies in particu-
able to slip out of load suspension devices, with the possi- lar to applications where the plastic waste produced is con-
bility of serious injury to staff members. taminated, e.g. in the case of machining chips contaminat-
ed with oil.
6. Avoid the effects of high-energy radiation such as gam-
ma or X-rays wherever possible due to possible microstruc- These recommendations should be adjusted expediently in
ture damage through molecular breakdown. line with individual requirements and circumstances.
They do not replace the fundamentally applicable statutory
7. Plastic stock shapes should be kept away from all kinds regulations, or exonerate customers using the products
of chemicals and water in order to prevent possible chemi- from their responsibility or individuals from their duty of
cal attack or the absorption of moisture. Contact with care. These are merely intended as recommendations
chemicals or water can result in swelling, chemical decom- drawn up on the basis of current knowledge. They do not
position or stress crack formation. constitute any generally applicable assurance.
8. Plastics are organic materials and consequently com-

bustible. The combustion or decomposition products may
have a toxic or corrosive effect. If correctly stored, plastics
themselves do not pose a fire risk. However, they should
not be stored together with other combustible substances.
On this subject, observe the product handling information
sheets for the individual materials.
9. Under normal conditions, plastic semi-finished or fin-

ished products do not release any toxic constituents and
permit risk-free surface contact.
Tobacco products should not be allowed in the vicinity
when handling and machining plastics, as particles of
some plastics (in particular fluoropolymers) can release
strong toxic gases in some cases during pyrolization of the
smouldering tobacco. In respect of health protection, please
also note the product handling information sheets for the
individual materials.
87
Material standard values
Material TECARAN TECANYL TECANYL TECANYL TECAFINE TECAPRO TECAFORM TECAFORM TECAFORM TECAFORM
ABS MT GF30 731 PMP MT AH AH AH GF25 AH ELS
grey coloured grey natural black
Chemical Designation ABS PPE PPE PPE PMP PP POM–C POM–C POM–C POM–C
Fillers glass fibres heat glass fibres conductive

stabilized carbon black
Density [g / cm³] 1.04 1.04 – 1.10 1.3 1.1 0.83 0.93 1.41 1.41 1.59 1.41
(DIN EN ISO 1183)
Modulus of elasticity (tensile test) [MPa] 1,700 2,400 4,100 2,400 1,000 2,000 2,800 2,800 4,200 1,800
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
Tensile strength [MPa] 32 65 73 57 26 34 67 67 51 42
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
Tensile strength at yield [MPa] 32 67 73 57 26 34 67 67 51 42
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
Elongation at yield [%] 3 4 5 15 6 5 9 9 9 11
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
Elongation at break [%] 49 8 5 22 67 67 32 32 12 11
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
Modulus of elasticity (flexural test) [MPa] 1,600 2,400 3,900 2,500 800 1,800 2,600 2,600 4,100 1,500
(DIN EN ISO 178)
Flexural strength [MPa] 49 95 116 85 31 54 91 91 88 56
(DIN EN ISO 178)
Compression modulus [MPa] 1,400 2,100 3,300 2,100 1,000 1,600 2,300 2,300 3,600 1,500
(EN ISO 604)
Compressive strength (1% / 2%) [MPa] 15 / 26 17 / 30 23 / 41 18 / 33 11 / 19 16 / 26 20 / 35 20 / 35 23 / 39 16 / 25
(EN ISO 604)
Impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] n.b. 70 37 69 17 140 n.b. 150 36 74
(DIN EN ISO 179-1eU)
Notched impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] 34 8 6
(DIN EN ISO 179-1eA)
Ball intendation hardness [MPa] 74 140 205 146 58 100 165 165 180 96
(ISO 2039-1)
Thermal properties
Glass transition temperature [°C] 104 174 150 145 –10 –60 –60 –60 –60
(DIN 53765)
Melting temperature [°C] n.a. n.a. n.a. 165 166 166 170 169
(DIN 53765)
Service temperature, [°C] 100 110 110 110 170 140 140 140 140 140
short term
long term
Thermal expansion (CLTE), [10-5 K-1] 8 4 8 13 13 13 8 13
23 – 60 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
Thermal expansion (CLTE), [10 K ]
-5 -1
8 4 8 14 14 14 8 14
23 – 100 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
Specific heat [J / (g*K)] 1.3 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.2 1.3
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
Thermal conductivity [W / (m*K)] 0.21 0.28 0.21 0.39 0.39 0.47 0.46
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
Surface resistance [Ω] 1014 1014 1013 1014 1014 1012 1014 104
(DIN IEC 60093)
Miscellaneous data
Water absorption 24h / 96h (23 °C) [%] 0.07 / 0.2 0.02 / 0.04 0.01 / 0.02 0.02 / 0.04 <0.01/<0.01 0.01 / 0.02 0.05 / 0.1 0.05 / 0.1 0.07 / 0.2 0.05 / 0.2
(DIN EN ISO 62)
Resistance – (+) (+) (+) (+) (+) (+) (+) (+) (+)
to hot water / bases
Resistance to weathering – – – – – – – (+) – (+)
Flammability (UL94) HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB HB
(DIN IEC 60695-11-10;)
Data generated directly after machining (standard + good resistance (a) Glass transition temperature
climate Germany). For polyamides the values strongly (+) limited resistance testing according to DIN EN ISO 11357
depend on the humidity content. – poor resistance (depending on concen- (b) Thermal conductivity testing according to ISO 8302
tration, time and temperature) (c) Thermal conductivity testing according to ASTM E1530
n.b. not broken (d) Surface resistance testing according to ASTM D 257
n.a. not applicable
Test specimen to DIN EN ISO 527-2
88
Material TECAFORM TECAFORM TECAFORM TECAFORM TECAFORM TECAFORM TECAFORM TECAFORM TECAST TECAST
AH SD AH ID AH LA AH SAN AH MT AD AD AD AF T TM
blue coloured black
Chemical Designation POM–C POM–C POM–C POM–C POM–C POM–H POM–H POM–H PA 6 C PA 6 C
Fillers antistatic detectable solid antimicrobic PTFE molyb-

agent filler lubricant denum
disulfide
Density [g / cm³] 1.35 1.49 1.36 1.41 1.41 1.43 1.43 1.49 1.15 1.15
(DIN EN ISO 1183)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
Modulus of elasticity (flexural test) [MPa] 1,200 3,100 2,000 2,800 2,800 3,600 3,600 3,000 3,200 3,000
(DIN EN ISO 178)
(DIN EN ISO 178)
(EN ISO 604)
(EN ISO 604)
Impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] n.b. 59 27 102 n.b. n.b. n.b. n.b. n.b. n.b.
Notched impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] 9 11 9 15 14 25 4 4
(ISO 2039-1)
Thermal properties
Glass transition temperature [°C] –60 –60 –60 –60 –60 –60 –60 –60 40 43
(DIN 53765)
Melting temperature [°C] 165 169 166 166 169 182 182 179 215 217
(DIN 53765)
short term
long term
Thermal expansion (CLTE), [10-5 K-1] 16 13 13 13 13 12 11 12 12 11
23 – 60 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
-5 -1
17 14 14 14 14 13 11 13 12 11
23 – 100 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
Specific heat [J / (g*K)] 1.6 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.7 1.6
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
Thermal conductivity [W / (m*K)] 0.30 0.39 0.39 0.39 0.39 0.43 0.43 0.46 0.38 0.33
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
Surface resistance [Ω] 1011 1013 1014 1012 1014 1012 1014 1014 1012
(DIN IEC 60093)
Miscellaneous data
Water absorption 24h / 96h (23 °C) [%] 0.9 / 1.8 0.05 / 0.1 0.05 / 0.1 0.05 / 0.1 0.05 / 0.1 0.05 / 0.1 0.05 / 0.1 0.05 / 0.1 0.2 / 0.4 0.2 / 0.5
(DIN EN ISO 62)
Resistance (+) (+) (+) (+) (+) – – – (+) (+)
Resistance to weathering – – – – – – – – – (+)
(DIN IEC 60695-11-10;)
The corresponding values and information are no minimum determined by tests at reference dimensions (typically rods Data sheet values are subject to periodic review, the most
or maximum values, but guideline values that can be used with diameter 40-60 mm according to DIN EN 15860) on recent update can be found at www.ensinger-online.com
primarily for comparison purposes for material selection. extruded, cast, compression moulded and machined speci-
These values are within the normal tolerance range of mens. As the properties depend on the dimensions of the Technical changes reserved.
product properties and do not represent guaranteed property semi-finished products and the orientation in the component
values. Therefore they shall not be used for specification (esp. in reinforced grades), the material may not be used
purposes. Unless otherwise noted, these values were without separate testing under individual circumstances.
89
Material TECAST TECAST TECAST TECAGLIDE TECARIM TECAMID TECAM TECAMID TECAMID TECAMID
L L L green 1500 6 6 MO 6 GF25 6 GF30 66
black yellow yellow black black
Chemical Designation PA 6 C PA 6 C PA 6 C PA 6 C PA 6 C PA 6 PA 6 PA 6 PA 6 PA 66
Fillers oil oil oil solid elastomer molyb- glass fibres glass fibres
lubricant denum
disulfide
Density [g / cm³] 1.13 1.14 1.14 1.13 1.11 1.14 1.14 1.33 1.36 1.15
(DIN EN ISO 1183)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 178)
(DIN EN ISO 178)
(EN ISO 604)
(EN ISO 604)
Impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] n.b. n.b. n.b. n.b. n.b. n.b. n.b. 78 60 n.b.
Notched impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] 5 5 6 4 16 7 5 5
(ISO 2039-1)
Thermal properties
Glass transition temperature [°C] 48 42 42 45 53 45 51 49 49 47

(DIN 53765)
(DIN 53765)
short term
long term
23 – 60 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
-5 -1
13 13 13 12 13 13 8 8 6 12
23 – 100 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
Surface resistance [Ω] 1014 1012 1014 1014 1014 1014 1012 1012 1012 1014
(DIN IEC 60093)
Miscellaneous data
(DIN EN ISO 62)
Resistance (+) (+) (+) (+) (+) (+) (+) (+) (+) (+)
Resistance to weathering – (+) – – – – (+) (+) (+) –
(DIN IEC 60695-11-10;)
n.a. not applicable
90
Material TECAMID TECAMID TECAMID TECAMID TECAMID TECAMID TECAMID TECAMID TECAPET TECAPET
66 MH 66 GF30 66 CF20 66 HI 66 LA 66/X GF50 46 12 black
black black redbrown
Chemical Designation PA 66 PA 66 PA 66 PA 66 PA 66 PA 66 PA 46 PA 12 PET PET
Fillers molyb- glass fibres carbon heat lubricant glass fibres

denum fibres stabilized
disulfide
Density [g / cm³] 1.15 1.34 1.23 1.15 1.11 1.61 1.19 1.02 1.36 1.39
(DIN EN ISO 1183)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 178)
(DIN EN ISO 178)
(EN ISO 604)
(EN ISO 604)
Impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] n.b. 97 116 n.b. 37 n.b. n.b. 81 27
Notched impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] 5 5 9 7 4
Ball intendation hardness [MPa] 168 216 200 191 145 187 105 175 195
(ISO 2039-1)
Thermal properties

(DIN 53765)
(DIN 53765)
short term
long term
Thermal expansion (CLTE), [10-5 K-1] 10 5 9 12 11 13 15 8 8
23 – 60 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
-5 -1
10 5 10 12 12 13 16 10 10
23 – 100 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
Specific heat [J / (g*K)] 1.5 1.2 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
Thermal conductivity [W / (m*K)] 0.36 0.39 0.72 0.36 0.36 0.37 0.30
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
(DIN IEC 60093)
Miscellaneous data
(DIN EN ISO 62)
Resistance (+) (+) (+) (+) (+) – (+) + – –
Resistance to weathering (+) (+) (+) – – (+) – – – (+)
Flammability (UL94) HB HB HB HB HB HB V2 HB HB HB
(DIN IEC 60695-11-10;)
91
Material TECAPET TECADUR TECADUR TECANAT TECANAT TECAFLON TECASON TECAPEI TECASON TECASON
TF PET PBT GF30 GF30 PVDF S P P MT
white coloured
Chemical Designation PET PET PBT PC PC PVDF PSU PEI PPSU PPSU
Fillers solid glass fibres glass fibres

lubricant
Density [g / cm³] 1.43 1.39 1.46 1.19 1.42 1.78 1.24 1.28 1.31 1.31
(DIN EN ISO 1183)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 178)
(DIN EN ISO 178)
(EN ISO 604)
(EN ISO 604)
Impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] 42 150 37 n.b. 71 150 175 113 n.b. n.b.
Notched impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] 14 4 13 13
(ISO 2039-1)
Thermal properties
Glass transition temperature [°C] 82 81 149 147 –40 188 216 218 218
(DIN 53765)
Melting temperature [°C] 249 244 224 n.a. n.a. 171 n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.
(DIN 53765)
short term
long term
23 – 60 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
-5 -1
10 10 10 8 5 18 6 5 6 6
23 – 100 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
Specific heat [J / (g*K)] 1.2 1.3 1.1 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.1
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
Thermal conductivity [W / (m*K)] 0.33 0.25 0.32 0.25 0.21 0.21 0.25 0.25
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
(DIN IEC 60093)
Miscellaneous data
Water absorption 24h / 96h (23 °C) [%] 0.02 / 0.03 0.02 / 0.03 0.02 / 0.04 0.03 / 0.06 0.03 / 0.05 <0.01/<0.01 0.06 / 0.1 0.05 / 0.1 0.1 / 0.2 0.1 / 0.2
(DIN EN ISO 62)
Resistance – – – – – + + + + +
Resistance to weathering – – – (+) – + – – – –
Flammability (UL94) HB HB HB HB HB V0 V0 V0 V0 V0
(DIN IEC 60695-11-10;)
n.a. not applicable
92
Material TECATRON TECATRON TECATRON TECATRON TECAPEEK TECAPEEK TECAPEEK TECAPEEK TECAPEEK TECAPEEK
GF40 GF40 PVX black bright red GF30 CF30 PVX
black
Chemical Designation PPS PPS PPS PPS PEEK PEEK PEEK PEEK PEEK PEEK
Fillers glass fibres glass fibres carbon glass fibres carbon carbon
fibres, PTFE, fibres fibres, PTFE,
graphite graphite
Density [g / cm³] 1.36 1.63 1.63 1.5 1.31 1.31 1.36 1.53 1.38 1.44
(DIN EN ISO 1183)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 178)
(DIN EN ISO 178)
(EN ISO 604)
(EN ISO 604)
Impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] 29 24 24 14 n.b. 75 50 33 62 28
Notched impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] 4
Ball intendation hardness [MPa] 238 253 253 244 316 355 250
(ISO 2039-1)
Thermal properties
(DIN 53765)
(DIN 53765)
short term
long term
23 – 60 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
-5 -1
7 5 5 6 5 5 5 4 4 3
23 – 100 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
(DIN IEC 60093)
Miscellaneous data
Water absorption 24h / 96h (23 °C) [%] <0.01 / 0.01 <0.01 / 0.01 <0.01 / 0.01 <0.01 / 0.01 0.02 / 0.03 0.02 / 0.03 0.02 / 0.03 0.02 / 0.03 0.02 / 0.03 0.02 / 0.03
(DIN EN ISO 62)
Resistance + + + + + + + + + +
Resistance to weathering – – (+) (+) – – – – – –
Flammability (UL94) V0 V0 V0 V0 V0 V0 V0 V0 V0 V0
(DIN IEC 60695-11-10;)
93
Material TECAPEEK TECAPEEK TECAPEEK TECAPEEK TECAPEEK TECAPEEK TECAPEEK TECAPEEK TECAPEEK TECAPEEK
ELS nano TF10 ID MT MT MT MT MT MT MT
blue black blue green yellow bright red ivory
Chemical Designation PEEK PEEK PEEK PEEK PEEK PEEK PEEK PEEK PEEK PEEK
Fillers CNT PTFE
Density [g / cm³] 1.36 1.38 1.49 1.31 1.31 1.34 1.32 1.38 1.36 1.42
(DIN EN ISO 1183)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 178)
(DIN EN ISO 178)
(EN ISO 604)
(EN ISO 604)
Impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] 58 48 72 n.b. n.b. n.b. n.b. n.b. 50 n.b.
Notched impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] 4 5 7 4 5 4
(ISO 2039-1)
Thermal properties
(DIN 53765)
(DIN 53765)
short term
long term
23 – 60 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
-5 -1
5 6 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
23 – 100 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
Specific heat [J / (g*K)] 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
Thermal conductivity [W / (m*K)] 0.46 0.27 0.27 0.3 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.27
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
Surface resistance [Ω] 104 1013 1014 1012 1014 1014 1014 1014 1014
(DIN IEC 60093)
Miscellaneous data
(DIN EN ISO 62)
Resistance + + + + + + + + + +
Resistance to weathering (+) – – – – – – – – –
(DIN IEC 60695-11-10;)
n.a. not applicable
94
Material TECAPEEK TECAPEEK TECAPEEK TECAPEEK TECAPEEK TECAPEEK TECAPEEK TECATEC TECATEC TECATOR
CF30 MT CLASSIX TS CMF CMF HT ST PEEK CW50 PEKK CW60 5013
white grey black black
Chemical Designation PEEK PEEK PEEK PEEK PEEK PEK PEKEKK PEEK PEKK PAI
Fillers carbon mineral ceramic ceramic

fibres filler
Density [g / cm³] 1.42 1.4 1.49 1.65 1.65 1.31 1.32 1.49 1.61 1.4
(DIN EN ISO 1183)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
Tensile strength at yield [MPa] 115 117 110 102 102 120 134 151
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
Elongation at yield [%] 5 5 4 3 4 4 5
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
Elongation at break [%] 5 11 4 4 5 5 13 21
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 178)
Flexural strength [MPa] 188 177 175 170 170 192 193 813 960
(DIN EN ISO 178)
Compression modulus [MPa] 4,500 3,500 4,300 4,300 4,300 3,500 3,500 4,050 5,100
(EN ISO 604)
Compressive strength (1% / 2%) [MPa] 23 / 44 25 / 45 17 / 34 25 / 46 25 / 46 25 / 45 24 / 42 51 / 509
(EN ISO 604)
Impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] 58 n.b. n.b. 65 35 n.b. n.b.
Notched impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] 5 7 4 4 13.2
Ball intendation hardness [MPa] 318 263 290 286 286 282 275 240
(ISO 2039-1)
Thermal properties
(DIN 53765)
Melting temperature [°C] 341 341 339 339 339 375 384 343 380 n.a.
(DIN 53765)
Service temperature, [°C] 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 270
short term
long term
Thermal expansion (CLTE), [10-5 K-1] 5 5 4 5 5 5 5
23 – 60 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
-5 -1
5 5 4 5 5 5 5
23 – 100 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
Specific heat [J / (g*K)] 1.7 1.0 1.0 1.0
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
Thermal conductivity [W / (m*K)] 0.59 0.30 0.38 0.38 0.29 (c)
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
Surface resistance [Ω] 108 1014 1013 1014 1013 109 109 1018 (d)
(DIN IEC 60093)
Miscellaneous data
Water absorption 24h / 96h (23 °C) [%] 0.02 / 0.03 0.02 / 0.03 0.02 / 0.03 0.02 / 0.03 0.02 / 0.03 0.02 / 0.04 0.02 / 0.03
(DIN EN ISO 62)
Resistance + + + + + + + + + –
Resistance to weathering – – – – – (+) (+) – –
(DIN IEC 60695-11-10;)
95
Material TECATOR TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT
5031 PVX 1011 1021 1031 1041 1061 1101 1611 2011 2021
Chemical Designation PAI PI PI PI PI PI PI PI PI PI
Fillers graphite, 15% 40% 30% molyb- 15% 30% PTFE 15%

PTFE graphite graphite denum graphite, graphite
disulfide 10% PTFE
Density [g / cm³] 1.46 1.34 1.42 1.57 1.67 1.48 1.34 1.51 1.38 1.45
(DIN EN ISO 1183)
Modulus of elasticity (tensile test) [MPa] 5,900 4,000 4,000 4,340 4,000 3,700 4,400
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
Tensile strength at yield [MPa] 135
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
Elongation at yield [%]
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
Elongation at break [%] 7 9.0 2.8 2.2 2.8 2.9 7.4 4.1 4.5 3.7
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
Modulus of elasticity (flexural test) [MPa] 6,200 3,448 4,000 4,330 4,000 3,600 4,300
(DIN EN ISO 178)
Flexural strength [MPa] 210 150 88 126 120 209 122 177 145
(DIN EN ISO 178)
Compression modulus [MPa] 4,000 1,880 4,000 1,713 1,900
(EN ISO 604)
Compressive strength (1% / 2%) [MPa] 556 210 180 204 227 400 211 486 300
(EN ISO 604)
Impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] 87 75.8 35.1 16.5 29.6 25.8 67.6 – 87.9 20.6
Notched impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] 5.6 3.3 4.8 3.6 2.8 3.9 – – 9.3 1.6
Ball intendation hardness [MPa] 228
(ISO 2039-1)
Thermal properties
Glass transition temperature [°C] 280 368 (a) 330 (a) 330 (a) 330 (a) 330 (a) 330 (a) 330 (a) 370 (a) 370 (a)
(DIN 53765)
Melting temperature [°C] n.a.
(DIN 53765)
Service temperature, [°C] 270
short term
Service temperature, [°C] 250 – – – – – – – – –
long term
Thermal expansion (CLTE), [10-5 K-1]
23 – 60 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
23 – 100 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
Specific heat [J / (g*K)] 1.04 1.13 1.04 0.925
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
Thermal conductivity [W / (m*K)] 0.60 (c) 0.22 (b) 0.53 (b) 0.22 (b) 0.22 (b)
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
Surface resistance [Ω] 1017 (d) 1016 107 103 1015 1016 1015
(DIN IEC 60093)
Miscellaneous data
Water absorption 24h / 96h (23 °C) [%]

(DIN EN ISO 62)
Resistance –
Resistance to weathering
(DIN IEC 60695-11-10;)
n.a. not applicable
96
Material TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT
2031 2391 4011 4021 4111 4121 5051 5201 SD 8001
Chemical Designation PI PI PI PI PI PI PAI PAI PTFE
Fillers 40% 15% molyb- 15% 15% 30% carbon 20%

graphite denum graphite graphite glass fibres fibres, polyimide
disulfide glass fibres
Density [g / cm³] 1.59 1.54 1.41 1.49 1.46 1.53 1.57 1.54 1.88
(DIN EN ISO 1183)
Modulus of elasticity (tensile test) [MPa] 6,300 4,400 4,000 4,943 7,000 6,600 5,800 4,500
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
Tensile strength [MPa] 65 95 130 93 100 34 94 85 15
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
Tensile strength at yield [MPa]
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
Elongation at yield [%]
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
Elongation at break [%] 2.1 2.9 4.5 3 1.7 0.5 3.4 4.0 200
(DIN EN ISO 527-2)
Modulus of elasticity (flexural test) [MPa] 5,200 4,136 4,300 4,930 6,100 6,100 6,625 4,200
(DIN EN ISO 178)
Flexural strength [MPa] 87.5 137 180 131 160 113 163 135
(DIN EN ISO 178)
Compression modulus [MPa] 2,027 2,200 2,100 2,067 2,500 2,200 2,590
(EN ISO 604)
Compressive strength (1% / 2%) [MPa] 131 253 40 208 250 200 260 240
(EN ISO 604)
Impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] 14.2 87 24.4 24 11 27.3 17.8
Notched impact strength (Charpy) [kJ / m²] 3.3 9.6 4.8 1.1 1.4 5.1 2.8
Ball intendation hardness [MPa]
(ISO 2039-1)
Thermal properties
Glass transition temperature [°C] 370 (a) 370 (a) 260 (a) 260 (a) n.a. (a) n.a. (a) 340 (a) 340 (a) 20 (a)
(DIN 53765)
Melting temperature [°C]
(DIN 53765)
Service temperature, [°C]
short term
Service temperature, [°C] – – 300 300 250
long term
23 – 60 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
23 – 100 °C (DIN EN ISO 11359-1;2)
Specific heat [J / (g*K)] 1.04 1
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
Thermal conductivity [W / (m*K)] 0.4 (b) 0.35 (b) 0.25 (b)
(ISO 22007-4:2008)
Surface resistance [Ω] 1016 (d) 1016 (d) 1014 1011

(DIN IEC 60093)
Miscellaneous data
Water absorption 24h / 96h (23 °C) [%]

(DIN EN ISO 62)
Resistance
Resistance to weathering
Flammability (UL94) V0 V0 V0 V0 V0 V0 V0 V0 V0
(DIN IEC 60695-11-10;)
97
Liability disclaimer
Our information and statements do not constitute a prom- We are responsible for ensuring that our products are free
ise or guarantee whether these are express or inferred. This from any rights or claims by third parties based on com-
information is provided to the best of our current knowl- mercial or other intellectual property (patents, patented de-
edge and is designed to provide data about our products signs, registered designs, authors' rights and other rights).
and their applications. They are consequently not intended This obligation applies for Germany; it only applies for the
to provide any legally binding guarantee or assurance of other member states of the European Union and the other
chemical resistance, product properties or saleability. states who are signatory to the agreement on the European
Economic Area and Switzerland and the USA if the cus-
The suitability for the end use of the products is influenced tomer expressly points out to us in writing that he intends
by various factors such as choice of materials, additions to to export our products – after processing or installation if
the material, design of shaped parts and tools, and process- applicable - and we expressly confirm in writing that the
ing or environmental conditions. Unless otherwise indi- products can be exported. We shall not accept liability for
cated, the measured values are guideline values which are any other states than those listed.
based on laboratory tests under standardized conditions.
The information provided does not, alone, form any suffi- We reserve the right to make changes to the design or form,
cient basis for component or tool design. The decision as to deviations in colour and changes to the scope of delivery or
the suitability of a particular material or procedure or a par- service in so far as the changes or deviations are reasonable
ticular component and tool design for a specific purpose is for the customer whilst taking our interests into account.
left exclusively to the customer in question. Suitability for a
specific purpose or a particular use is not assured or guar- Our products are not intended for use in medical or dental
anteed on a legally binding basis, unless we have been in- implants.
formed in writing about the specific purpose and condi-
PEEK-CLASSIXTM and Invibio® are registered trademarks of Invibio Ltd.
tions of use and we have confirmed in writing that our
product is specifically suitable for the application or for the VICTREX® PEEK is a registered trademark of Victrex plc.
planned use described in writing. Ensinger®, TECA®, TECADUR®, TECAFLON®, TECAFORM®, TECAM®, TECAMID®, TECANAT®,
TECANYL®, TECAPEEK®, TECAPET®, TECAPRO®, TECASINT®, TECASON®, TECAST®,
TECATRON® are registered trademarks of Ensinger GmbH.
The nature of our products conforms to statutory provi-
TECATOR® is a registered trademark of Ensinger Inc.
sions valid in Germany at the time of the transfer of risk, in
so far as these statutory provisions contain regulations re-
garding the nature of these products specifically. Only if the
customer points out expressly in writing that he intends to
export our products – also after processing or installation if
applicable – and only if we expressly confirm the suitability
of the goods for export, shall we also ensure compliance
with the export regulations of the European Union, its
member states, the other states who are signatory to the
agreement on the European Economic Area (Norway, Ice-
land, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland and the USA. We are
not obliged to take any steps to comply with the statutory
regulations of other states.
98
Ensinger: Facts and figures
Headquarter Products
Nufringen, Germany Compounds
Stock shapes
Workforce (extruded, cast, sintered)
appr. 2000
Profiles
Year of formation Finished parts
1966 (machined, injection moulded)
Custom castings
Producing locations (direct formed, cast polyamide)
in Germany
3 Applications
Mechanical and plant engineering
Locations and Construction industry
branches worldwide Automotive engineering
27 Medical technology
Aerospace industry
Directors
Oil and gas industry
Klaus Ensinger, Dr. Roland Reber
Electrical and semiconductor
engineering
Many other branches of industry
Ensinger Germany Ensinger worldwide
Ensinger GmbH Austria France Spain

Rudolf-Diesel-Straße 8 Ensinger Sintimid GmbH Ensinger France S.A.R.L. Ensinger S.A.
71154 Nufringen Werkstraße 3 ZAC les Batterses Girona, 21-27
Tel. +49 7032 819 0 4860 Lenzing ZI Nord 08120 La Llagosta
Fax +49 7032 819 100 Tel. +43 7672 7012800 01700 Beynost Barcelona
www.ensinger-online.com Fax +43 7672 96865 Tel. +33 4 78553635 Tel. +34 93 5745726
www.ensinger-sintimid.at Fax +33 4 78556841 Fax +34 93 5742730
Ensinger GmbH www.ensinger.fr www.ensinger.es
Mercedesstraße 21 Brazil
72108 Rottenburg a. N. Ensinger Indústria de Italy Sweden
Tel. +49 7457 9467 100 Plásticos Técnicos Ltda. Ensinger Italia S.r.l. Ensinger Sweden AB
Fax +49 7457 9467 122 Av. São Borja 3185 Via Franco Tosi 1/3 Stenvretsgatan 5
www.ensinger-online.com 93.032-000 São Leopoldo-RS 20020 Olcella di Busto SE-749 40 Enköping
Tel. +55 51 35798800 Garolfo Tel. +46 171 477 050
Ensinger GmbH Fax +55 51 35882804 Tel. +39 0331 568348 Fax +46 171 440 418
Wilfried-Ensinger-Straße 1 www.ensinger.com.br Fax +39 0331 567822 www.ensinger.se
93413 Cham www.ensinger.it
Tel. +49 9971 396 0 China United Kingdom
Fax +49 9971 396 570 Ensinger (China) Co., Ltd. Japan Ensinger Limited
www.ensinger-online.com 1F, Building A3 Ensinger Japan Co., Ltd. Wilfried Way
No. 1528 Gumei Road 3-5-1, Rinkaicho, Tonyrefail
Ensinger GmbH Shanghai 200233 Edogawa-ku, Tokyo Mid Glamorgan CF39 8JQ
Borsigstraße 7 P.R.China 134-0086, Japan Tel. +44 1443 678400
59609 Anröchte Tel. +86 21 52285111 Tel. +81 3 5878 1903 Fax +44 1443 675777
Tel. +49 2947 9722 0 Fax +86 21 52285222 Fax +81 3 5878 1904 www.ensinger.co.uk
Fax +49 2947 9722 77 www.ensinger-china.com www.ensinger.jp
www.ensinger-online.com USA
Czech Republic Poland Ensinger Inc.
Ensinger GmbH Ensinger s.r.o. Ensinger Polska Sp. z o.o. 365 Meadowlands Boulevard
Mooswiesen 13 Prùmyslová 991 ul. Spóldzielcza 2h Washington, PA 15301
88214 Ravensburg P.O. Box 15 64-100 Leszno Tel. +1 724 746 6050
Tel. +49 751 35452 0 33441 Dobřany Tel. +48 65 5295810 Fax +1 724 746 9209
Fax +49 751 35452 22 Tel. +420 37 7972056 Fax +48 65 5295811 www.ensinger-inc.com
www.thermix.de Fax +420 37 7972059 www.ensinger.pl
www.ensinger.cz
Singapur
Denmark Ensinger International GmbH
Ensinger Danmark (Singapore Branch)
Rugvænget 6 63 Hillview Avenue # 04-07
4100 Ringsted Lam Soon Industrial Building
Tel. +45 7810 4410 Singapore 669569
Fax +45 7810 4420 Tel. +65 65524177
www.ensinger.dk Fax +65 65525177
info@ensinger.com.sg
Thermoplastic engineering and high-performance plastics from

Ensinger are used in almost every important sector of industry today.
10/12 E9911075A011GB
Their economy and performance benefits have seen them frequently

supplant classically used materials.
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Stock shapes

Material selection and calculations

Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity

Tensile strength Tensile strength Tensile strength Tensile strength

Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity

Tensile strength Tensile strength Tensile strength Tensile strength

TECAFINE PE (PE) TECAFORM AD (POM-H) TECAST (PA 6 C) TECADUR PET (PET)

Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity

Tensile strength Tensile strength Tensile strength Tensile strength

Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity

Tensile strength Tensile strength Tensile strength Tensile strength

TECAFLON PTFE (PTFE) TECASON S (PSU) TECAPEEK (PEEK) TECASINT (PI)

Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity

Tensile strength Tensile strength Tensile strength Tensile strength

TECAFLON PVDF (PVDF) TECASON P (PPSU)

Long-term service temperature Long-term service temperature

Glass transition temperature Glass transition temperature

Modulus of elasticity Modulus of elasticity

Tensile strength Tensile strength

New polymer materials represent an important driving Grading of plastics within

cross-linking. Elastomers are also cross linked materials

Ensinger processes thermoplastics. These can be deformed

Compounds, semi-finished and finished products are man-

Ensinger offers a wide variety of different engineering plas-

The different material groups are presented over the fol-

TECANYL 731 grey (PPE) TECANYL GF30 (PPE GF)

PMP (DIN designation) Identifying characteristics

cases than with other transparent plastics

PPO > PPE? PTFE

Identifying characteristics Application examples

ˌˌHigh chemical resistance, especially ˌˌHigh density, sinks in water

TECAFORM AD natural (POM-H) TECAFORM AH ID

TECAFORM AH ELS TECAFORM AH MT coloured

amideOfamily. TECAST is a cast polyamide 6O product manu- ˌˌHigh thermalO stability

PI PPO > PPE?

ˌˌVeryC high impact strength, CH 2 C

evenO at low temperatures O O O O

ˌˌHigh strength and hardness Identifying characteristics

PVDF, PTFE (DIN designation) Properties: PTFE

TECAFLON PVDF (PVDF) TECAFLON PTFE (PTFE)

TECAFLON PVDF ELS

PEI Structural formula PEI PI TECAPEI PPO

PEK PMP PPS

TECAPEI GF30 (PEI GF)

hydrolysis resistance complete the product characteristics. ˌˌGood machining properties

resistance. Compared to PSU, PES offers better chemical

PPS (DIN designation) Properties

Identifying characteristics: PEEK natural colour Application examples

TECAPEEK CF30 MT (PEEK CF) TECATEC PEKK CW60 (PEKK CF)

• storage modulus E' [MPa] log

PI Structural formula PI PPO >TECASINT

TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT TECASINT

TECASINT 1000 Optimum chemical resistance. Unfilled + 15 % graphite

The greater the amount of data available on the application

Thermoplastics can be modified over an extremely wide Carbon fibres

100 The lubricant effect of graphite is particularly pronounced

Other additives Colour pigments

Characteristic temperatures Service temperatures

Glass transition temperature Long-term service temperature

Negative application temperature • • Service temperature Glass transition temperature

Thermal dimensional stability

temperature. The temperature level at a defined elongation TECANYL

terize a material, but is used rather to make a relative com- TECAFINE

uct's manufacturing form and the test specimen must be TECAFORM