15Plastics105Db
Selection guide

High-temperature plastics

When metal is too heavy or too conductive, high-temperature thermoplastics take over. PPS, PEI, PPSU, PEEK, PEKK and polyimides define the ceiling — with continuous service temperatures ranging from 170 °C to over 260 °C.

What to look for

  • Continuous service temperature ≥ 150 °C
  • Preserved mechanical properties near Tg / Tm
  • Low coefficient of thermal expansion for dimensional stability

Top materials for high-temperature plastics

  1. #1Ceramic SLA ResinCeramic-Filled Photopolymer Resin for SLA
    Continuous Service Temperature: High (depends on ceramic, e.g., >1000 °C)

    SLA resin filled with ceramic particles for producing ceramic parts after firing.

  2. #2PEEKPolyether Ether Ketone
    Continuous Service Temperature: 260 °C

    A semi-crystalline high-performance polymer with outstanding thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties.

  3. #3Extreme Chemical and Temperature Perfluoroelastomer (Kalrez)Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM - Kalrez family)
    Continuous Service Temperature: -20 to 327 °C

    An elastomer offering the highest level of chemical resistance and thermal stability, approaching that of PTFE.

  4. #4PET Fiber GradePolyethylene Terephthalate for Fiber Applications
    Continuous Service Temperature: Up to 150 °C (intermittent)

    Strong, durable fibers for textiles, ropes, and industrial applications.

  5. #5PolycarbonatePolycarbonate
    Continuous Service Temperature: 115 – 130 °C

    A transparent, high-impact engineering plastic used in glazing, electronics and safety equipment.

  6. #6Chemical-Resistant Fluoroelastomer (Viton)Fluoroelastomer (FKM - Viton family)
    Continuous Service Temperature: -20 to 250 °C

    A high-performance elastomer with exceptional resistance to high temperatures, chemicals, oils, and fuels.

  7. #7PA66Polyamide 6,6 (Nylon)
    Continuous Service Temperature: 100 – 120 °C

    A tough, wear-resistant nylon widely used for gears, bushings, and under-the-hood automotive parts.

  8. #8PolypropylenePolypropylene
    Continuous Service Temperature: 100 °C

    A lightweight, fatigue-resistant polymer ubiquitous in packaging, textiles, and living hinges.

  9. #9POM (Delrin)Polyoxymethylene
    Continuous Service Temperature: 100 °C

    A stiff, low-friction acetal polymer engineered for precision gears and mechanical parts.

  10. #10High-Temperature Sealant Silicone RubberHigh-Temperature Sealant Grade Vinyl Methyl Silicone Rubber (VMQ)
    Continuous Service Temperature: -50 to 250 °C

    A silicone rubber formulation optimized for high-temperature sealing applications, providing excellent thermal stability and flexibility.

Values are indicative and vary by grade and manufacturer. Always confirm against the official datasheet before specification.