Material Comparison Charts
Side-by-side property comparisons to help you select the right material for your application.
Engineering Plastics Comparison
Compare key properties across common engineering plastics
| Property | PEEK | Ultem | Delrin | Nylon | PTFE | UHMW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Service Temp | 480°F | 338°F | 180°F | 185°F | 500°F | 180°F |
| Tensile Strength (psi) | 16,000at yield | 17,000at yield † | 11,000at yield | 12,000at yield | 3,200at break | 3,100at yield |
| Flexural Modulus (psi) | 600,000 | 500,000 | 470,000 | 450,000 | 72,000 | 87,000 |
| Notched Izod Impact (ft-lb/in) | 0.6 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 3.5 | No break |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent | Good | Good | Fair | Excellent | Excellent |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good | Fair | Excellent |
| Machinability | Good | Good | Excellent | Good | Fair | Good |
| FDA Compliant | Yes, natural grade | Yes, natural grade | Yes, natural grade | Yes | Yes, virgin grade | Yes, natural grade |
| Relative Cost | $$$$$ | $$$$ | $$ | $$ | $$$ | $ |
* Values shown are typical and may vary by grade. Contact us for specific material data sheets.
Service temperature, tensile strength, flexural modulus and notched Izod are typical values for unfilled stock shapes, taken from manufacturer and distributor datasheets; figures vary by supplier and test method. Where suppliers rate service temperature differently, the lower long-term figure is shown. Tensile strength is at yield where the material yields. PTFE has no yield point, so its figure is at break and is not a design stress. Nylon: Figures are dry, as machined. Strength and stiffness fall as the part takes up moisture; impact resistance rises. FDA compliance applies to the grade named and should be confirmed on the mill cert.
† Ultem: Yield basis inferred from the datasheet; 16,000–17,500 psi across suppliers.
Quick Selection Guide
High Temperature
PEEK, Ultem, PTFE
For applications above 250°F
Chemical Resistance
PTFE, PEEK, UHMW
For harsh chemical environments
Wear Resistance
UHMW, Delrin, PEEK
For sliding and bearing applications
FDA Compliance
UHMW, Delrin, PTFE, Nylon
Natural or virgin grades; confirm on the mill cert
Low Cost
UHMW, Nylon, Delrin
Budget-friendly options
Easy Machining
Delrin, Nylon, UHMW
For complex geometries
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