Plastic Drilling Machining Guidelines
Turned plastic components are held in place on a lathe and rotated against a cutting tool
Turning Guidelines
Turning is a common method for machining plastics. In this process, a plastic piece is held in place on a lathe and rotated against a cutting tool. Below are guidelines for turning several performance plastics.
Fine, C-2 grade carbide inserts are recommended for turning. Polished top surfaces will help to reduce material build-up, allowing for better surface finishes. Cutting edges should have generous relief angles and negative back rake to minimize any rubbing action. Rough cuts should be run at a feed rate of 0.015 IPR and finish cuts should be run at a feed rate of 0.005 IPR or less.
Special Measures: Preheat material to 250°F Caution when using coolants, susceptible to stress cracking Use carbide-tipped tools
The angle of the twist of the drill bit should be approximately 12° to 16°.
Heat before drilling: From 60mm diameter - PEEK, PPS | From 80mm diameter - PET, PBT | From 100mm diameter - Nylon 6
Material |
α Clearance Angle (°) |
ϒ Rake Angle (°) |
φ Point Angle (°) |
V Cutting Speed (ft/min) |
S Feed (mils/rev) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | 8 - 12 | 10 - 30 | 90 | 165 - 650 | 0.008 - 0.012 |
| Acetal (copolymer) | 5 - 10 | 15 - 30 | 90 | 165 - 650 | 0.004 - 0.012 |
| Acetal (homopolymer) | 5 - 10 | 15 - 30 | 90 | 165 - 650 | 0.004 - 0.012 |
| Noryl | 8 - 10 | 10 - 20 | 90 | 165 - 320 | 0.008 - 0.012 |
| Nylon 6 | 5 - 15 | 10 - 20 | 90 | 165 - 490 | 0.004 - 0.012 |
| PAI | 5 - 10 | 5 - 10 | 120 | 260 - 320 | 0.008 - 0.004 |
| PBT | 5 - 10 | 10 - 20 | 90 | 165 - 320 | 0.008 - 0.012 |
| PEEK | 5 - 10 | 10 - 30 | 90 | 160 - 650 | 0.004 - 0.012 |
| PET | 5 - 10 | 10 - 20 | 90 | 165 - 320 | 0.008 - 0.012 |
| Polycarbonate | 8 - 10 | 10 - 20 | 90 | 165 - 320 | 0.008 - 0.012 |
| Polyethylene | 5 - 15 | 10 - 20 | 90 | 165 - 490 | 0.004 - 0.012 |
| Polyproylene (homopolymer) | 5 - 15 | 10 - 20 | 90 | 165 - 490 | 0.004 - 0.012 |
| Polysulfone | 3 - 10 | 10 - 20 | 90 | 65 - 260 | 0.004 - 0.012 |
| PPS | 5 - 10 | 10 - 30 | 90 | 160 - 650 | 0.004 - 0.012 |
| PTFE | 10 - 16 | 5 - 20 | 130 | 790 - 650 | 0.004 - 0.012 |
| PVDF | 10 - 16 | 5 - 20 | 130 | 790 - 650 | 0.004 - 0.012 |
| PPSU (Radel® R) | 3 - 10 | 10 - 20 | 90 | 65 - 260 | 0.004 - 0.012 |
| Ultem® | 3 - 10 | 10 - 20 | 90 | 65 - 260 | 0.004 - 0.012 |
| DuPont™ Vespel® Polyimide | 0.50 | 5 - 10 | 90 -120 | 260 - 320 | 0.022 - 0.006 |
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Plastic Applications
Discover plastic materials with characteristics important to your application.
Operating Environments
Plastic materials are engineered to perform in the most challenging conditions including temperature, chemicals, and more.
Material Selection Tools
Tools to help you select materials by plastic properties, chemical resistance, FDA compliance, or brand.
