High Temperature

High temperature and heat resistant plastics for hot operating environments

High temperature applications require plastic materials that can resist thermal degradation and maintain sufficient strength and stiffness at the required operating temperature. These materials are often considered for hot operating environments where plastic parts must retain mechanical performance, dimensional stability, chemical resistance, or friction and wear properties.

High performance plastics such as PEEK, Ultem®, Torlon® PAI, and DuPont™ Vespel® may be considered for elevated temperature applications depending on the load, service life, chemical exposure, and part design. Selecting a plastic for high heat should involve more than a single temperature rating because material performance can change across the required operating temperature range.

Important selection factors include creep resistance, thermal expansion, dimensional stability with mating metal parts, chemical exposure, and whether the part will experience cyclic stress or wear at elevated temperatures. For material selection guidance, review Considerations for High Temperature Applications, ask a plastics expert for help with your application, or request a quote.

Curbell Plastics can help you:

• Compare high temperature and heat resistant plastics for thermal stability, mechanical performance, creep resistance, and dimensional stability.
• Evaluate material options for hot operating environments, mating metal parts, friction and wear, chemical exposure, and service-life requirements.
• Identify plastic materials to consider for your application, operating temperature range, part geometry, fabrication process, and documentation needs.