DaVinci Prototypes utilizes high-performance engineering materials for fabricating fully functional prototypes as well as low-volume production parts.  We often receive request for parts machined from a very specific injection moldable polymer that is not available in plate or rod. While it is possible to have raw blocks of specific material made into plate, it's is extremely expensive, has a long lead time and there is no guarantee of block integrity. It is often best to choose from available materials that best satisfy the part performance requirement.   A sample listing of generally available mechanical plate or rod plastic materials is provided below.

ABS - A low cost thermoplastic material with outstanding impact resistance, machinability, and thermoforming characteristics.

Acetal - A high strength, low friction engineering plastic that has excellent wear properties in both wet and dry environments. Good dimensional stability and ease of machining make acetal an outstanding choice for applications requiring complex machining to tight tolerances.

Acrylic -  A transparent thermoplastic material with outstanding strength, stiffness, and optical clarity.
Acrylic plastic sheet is easy to fabricate, bonds well with adhesives and solventss, and is easy to thermoform.

HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) - Is available as sheet or rod stock for applications that require greater strength and stiffness than LDPE.

High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) -  A low cost, tough plastic material that is easy to thermoform and fabricate. High impact polystyrene can be assembled with mechanical fasteners, solvents and adhesives.

Noryl® - Modified PPO is an engineering thermoplastic with outstanding strength, stiffness, and electrical insulating properties.  Noryl® is available in glass-filled grades which have enhanced strength and stiffness.

PAI (Polyamide-imide) - An extremely strong and stiff plastic material. It is often used in elevated temperature environments where other thermoplastics would lose their mechanical properties.

Nylon -  A strong, stiff engineering plastic with outstanding bearing and wear properties. For enhanced strength and stiffness, nylon is also available in glass-filled grades.

PBT - A strong, stiff engineering plastic with excellent machining characteristics, chemical resistance, and bearing and wear properties.

PEEK -  A strong and stiff thermoplastic material that is often used in applications where performance at elevated temperatures is required. PEEK has outstanding chemical resistance as well as resistance to steam and hot water.

PET (Semi-Crystalline Thermoplastic) - A strong, stiff engineering plastic with excellent machining characteristics, chemical resistance, and bearing and wear properties.

Polycarbonate - A transparent thermoplastic material with good strength and stiffness and outstanding impact resistance.

Polyethylene -  A low cost, chemically resistant plastic material that can be used for a wide variety of applications. The versatility of polyethylene has made it one of the world’s most popular plastics.

Polypropylene - A low cost, chemical resistant plastic with excellent aesthetic qualities.

Polysulfone  -  A high temperature, amber colored, semi-transparent plastic material with good mechanical properties. Polysulfone is resistant to degradation from hot water and steam and it is often used in medical and food preparation applications where repeated sterilization is required.

Polyurethanes -  Engineered elastomers that can be cast into sheets or rods as well as finished parts. Polyurethanes are extremely tough, resilient, and abrasion resistant.

PPS -  A chemical and corrosion resistant thermoplastic material that is often used in applications involving exposure to corrosive chemicals at elevated temperatures.

PTFE - A soft, low friction fluoropolymer with outstanding chemical resistance and weathering resistance. PTFE is stable at temperatures up to 500°F and it is often used in high temperature environments. PTFE also has excellent electrical insulating properties.

Rigid PVC -  A strong, stiff, low cost plastic material that is easy to fabricate and easy to bond using adhesives or solvents.

PVDF (Kynar®) - A high purity engineering thermoplastic with excellent chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, flame resistance, and UV stability.

Radel R® - A high temperature thermoplastic material with outstanding impact resistance.

Ultem® - A semi-transparent high temperature plastic material with extremely high strength and stiffness. Ultem is resistant to hot water and steam and can withstand repeated cycles in a steam autoclave.

Vespel® -  Polyimide is an extremely high temperature, creep resistant material that is often used in high heat environments where thermoplastic materials would lose their mechanical properties.