Plastic Turning Machining Guidelines
Turned plastic parts 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 best practices 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.
For more information, view the turning information below for each performance plastic.
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 |
EXPLORE OTHER PLASTIC MACHINING METHODS
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