Plastics
Plastic materials are lightweight, durable, and versatile engineering materials used for machining, fabrication, wear resistance, electrical insulation, chemical processing, and structural applications across industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, robotics, medical, marine, and food processing. OnlineMetals offers a wide selection of plastic sheets, rods, tubes, and films in materials ranging from general-purpose plastics to high-performance engineering grades for applications requiring strength, corrosion resistance, low friction, dimensional stability, or electrical insulation.
Shop all Plastics
SHOP
Acrylic
Shop by Shape & Alloy
Engineered plastics are advanced polymers designed to replace heavy metals, offering high strength-to-weight ratios, exceptional corrosion resistance, and self-lubricating properties that eliminate the need for external maintenance. Prized for their superior machinability, performance plastics like Acetal (Delrin®), Nylon, and PTFE (Teflon™) machine rapidly with minimal tool wear, producing crisp tolerances and smooth finishes without chipping. With choices ranging from crystalline polymers (for high dimensional stability and low moisture absorption) to amorphous grades (for impact resistance and optical clarity), industrial plastic is the lightweight, cost-effective standard for critical, high-wear components in corrosive or high-friction environments.
Learn More About Plastic
Thinking about using performance plastics for your next project? They aren't just everyday materials—they are advanced engineered polymers designed to solve heavy-duty problems where metals fail due to weight, friction, or chemicals. To help you utilize these materials, here are five important factors regarding industrial plastics:
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
Engineered plastics deliver impressive mechanical strength at a fraction of the weight of aluminum or steel. This reduction in mass lowers energy requirements in moving machinery, reduces shipping costs, and allows for easier handling during installation.
Acetal vs. Nylon
Acetal (Delrin®): High dimensional stability, low moisture absorption, and excellent fatigue resistance; ideal for precision gears and electrical insulators.
Nylon (6/6): Exceptional wear resistance, high tensile strength, and great impact absorption; ideal for heavy-duty bushings, rollers, and wear strips.
Self-Lubrication & Low Friction
Materials like PTFE (Teflon™) and UHMW polyethylene feature incredibly low coefficients of friction. The inherent slickness of these polymers allows parts to slide effortlessly, preventing galling and eliminating the need for messy external lubricants or greases.
Chemical & Corrosion Resistance
Unlike metals, performance plastics do not rust, scale, or corrode when exposed to moisture, harsh cleaners, or industrial chemicals. They are highly resistant to acids, solvents, and fuels, making them indispensable for fluid handling and marine applications.
Excellent Dielectric Properties
Most industrial plastics are naturally non-conductive, offering high dielectric strength to insulate high-voltage components. This makes them the material of choice for electrical housings, terminal blocks, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Some common uses for performance plastics:
Precision gears and sprockets
Bushings, bearings, and wear strips
Chemical tanks and valve bodies
Electrical insulators and housings
Rollers, pulleys, and sheaves
Food processing wear components
How Online Metals Can Help You
Online Metals makes it easy to find exactly what materials you need. With an expansive selection of plastic sheet, rod, and tube—including Acetal, Nylon, PTFE, and UHMW—we deliver both to businesses and homes with no minimum orders. We offer high-tolerance custom cuts, all supported by our first-in-class customer support, fast order processing, and economical on-time delivery.
FAQs
Is PVC a suitable choice for outdoor applications?
PVC is known for its excellent weather resistance and durability, making it a popular choice for outdoor applications such as pipes, fencing, and signage.
What makes HDPE a suitable choice for containers and packaging?
HDPE is preferred for containers and packaging due to its high chemical resistance, lightweight nature, and ability to be molded into various shapes, providing an excellent solution for storage and transportation.
How does Acetal compare to other engineering plastics in terms of machinability?
Acetal is known for its excellent machinability, allowing for precision machining and fabrication. It can be easily turned, milled, and drilled, making it a preferred material for intricate parts.
What is UHMW, and what sets it apart from other polyethylene materials
UHMW is a type of polyethylene with an extremely high molecular weight, resulting in exceptional wear resistance, low friction, and high impact strength, distinguishing it from other polyethylene variants.
How does polycarbonate compare to glass in terms of impact resistance?
Polycarbonate is significantly more impact-resistant than glass, making it a preferred choice in applications where durability and safety are crucial, such as in safety glasses, riot shields, and sports equipment.
Continue modifying your quoted cart?