Plastic Turning 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 nose radius r must be at least 0.5mm
Material |
α Clearance Angle (°) |
ϒ Rake Angle (°) |
X Side Angle (°) |
V Cutting Speed (ft/min) |
S Feed (mils/rev) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | 5 - 15 | 25 - 30 | 15 | 650 - 1640 | 0.008 - 0.020 |
| Acetal (copolymer) | 6 - 8 | 0 - 5 | 45 - 60 | 980 - 1960 | 0.004 - 0.015 |
| Acetal (homopolymer) | 6 - 8 | 0 - 5 | 45 - 60 | 980 - 1960 | 0.004 - 0.015 |
| Noryl | 5 - 10 | 6 - 8 | 45 - 60 | 980 | 0.004 - 0.020 |
| Nylon 6 | 6 - 10 | 0 - 5 | 45 - 60 | 920 - 1640 | 0.004 - 0.020 |
| PAI | 2 - 5 | 0 - 5 | 7 - 10 | 320 - 390 | 0.002 - 0.003 |
| PBT | 5 - 10 | 0 - 5 | 45 - 60 | 980 - 1300 | 0.008 - 0.015 |
| PEEK | 6 - 8 | 0 - 5 | 45 - 60 | 920 - 1640 | 0.004 - 0.020 |
| PET | 5 - 10 | 0 - 5 | 45 - 60 | 980 - 1300 | 0.008 - 0.015 |
| Polycarbonate | 5 - 10 | 6 - 8 | 45 - 60 | 980 | 0.004 - 0.020 |
| Polyethylene | 6 - 10 | 0 - 5 | 45 - 60 | 920 - 1640 | 0.004 - 0.20 |
| Polyproylene (homopolymer) | 6 - 10 | 0 - 5 | 45 - 60 | 920 - 1640 | 0.004 - 0.020 |
| Polysulfone | 6 | 0 | 45 - 60 | 1140 - 1300 | 0.004 - 0.012 |
| PPS | 6 - 8 | 0 - 5 | 45 - 60 | 920 - 1640 | 0.004 - 0.020 |
| PTFE | 10 | 5 - 8 | 10 | 490 - 1640 | 0.004 - 0.012 |
| PVDF | 10 | 5 - 8 | 10 | 490 - 1640 | 0.004 - 0.012 |
| PPSU (Radel® R) | 6 | 0 | 45 - 60 | 1140 - 1300 | 0.004 - 0.012 |
| Ultem® | 6 | 0 | 45 - 60 | 1140 - 1300 | 0.004 - 0.012 |
| DuPont™ Vespel® Polyimide | 2 - 5 | 0 - 5 | 7 - 10 | 320 - 390 | 0.0200 - 0.010 |
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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.
