MaterialsPolymersTool

Polymer Finder

Describe your part and its environment in plain language. Requirements like temperature, sterilization and chemical exposure are checked against 59 engineering polymers, then the candidates are ranked by how well they fit your description.

For screening only. Values marked ✓ come from the manufacturer documents linked in each material's details; always confirm with the datasheet for the exact grade you use. About this data

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All materials (59)

  1. High-density polyethylene

    HDPECommodity
    80 °Ctyp.
    48 °Ctyp.
    28 MPa✓
    1 GPatyp.
    0.953 g/cm³✓
    $

    Tough, inexpensive polyethylene with outstanding resistance to acids, bases, bleach and water. Common for bottles, tanks and chemical containers where temperature and stiffness demands are low.

    4 watch-outs

  2. High-impact polystyrene

    HIPSCommodity
    70 °Ctyp.
    85 °Ctyp.
    25 MPatyp.
    1.8 GPa✓
    1.04 g/cm³typ.
    $

    Rubber-toughened polystyrene that thermoforms easily into trays, inserts and liners. Cheap and printable but opaque, solvent-sensitive and limited in temperature.

    3 watch-outs

  3. Low-density polyethylene

    LDPECommodity
    65 °Ctyp.
    —typ.
    10 MPatyp.
    0.2 GPatyp.
    0.92 g/cm³typ.
    $

    Soft, flexible polyethylene for squeeze bottles, droppers, films and liners. Inert to water-based chemicals but weak, low-temperature and permeable.

    3 watch-outs

  4. Polylactic acid

    PLACommodity
    50 °Ctyp.
    55 °Ctyp.
    50 MPatyp.
    2.3 GPatyp.
    1.24 g/cm³typ.
    $$

    Bio-based polyester that is the easiest material to 3D print. Stiff and cheap for prototypes and room-temperature fixtures, but softens at ~60 °C and is brittle.

    4 watch-outs

  5. Polypropylene

    PPCommodity
    90 °Ctyp.
    55 °Ctyp.
    33 MPatyp.
    1.5 GPatyp.
    0.9 g/cm³typ.
    $

    Low-cost, lightweight semi-crystalline polyolefin with excellent chemical and moisture resistance, used for disposable labware, packaging, hinged caps and molded consumables. Autoclavable but soft and creep-prone.

    5 watch-outs

  6. Polystyrene (general purpose)

    GPPSCommodity
    70 °Ctyp.
    80 °Ctyp.
    45 MPatyp.
    3.2 GPatyp.
    1.05 g/cm³typ.
    $

    Clear, stiff, inexpensive amorphous plastic used for Petri dishes, cell-culture plates and disposable labware. Gamma-stable but brittle and solvent-sensitive.

    3 watch-outs

  7. Polyvinyl chloride (rigid)

    PVCCommodity
    60 °Ctyp.
    67.8–80 °C✓
    51.7–62.1 MPa✓
    2.834–3.351 GPa✓
    1.41–1.44 g/cm³✓
    $

    Rigid vinyl that is inherently flame retardant and highly resistant to acids, bases and bleach. Widely used for chemical piping, ducts and blisters; plasticized grades make medical tubing and bags.

    3 watch-outs

  8. Styrene acrylonitrile

    SANCommodity
    75 °Ctyp.
    86 °Ctyp.
    72 MPatyp.
    3.7 GPa✓
    1.08 g/cm³typ.
    $$

    Clear, stiff, low-cost styrenic with better chemical and heat resistance than polystyrene. Used for clear labware, cassettes, cosmetics packaging and covers; brittle.

    3 watch-outs

  9. Acetal copolymer

    POM-CEngineering
    95 °Ctyp.
    95 °C✓
    64 MPa✓
    2.7 GPa✓
    1.41 g/cm³✓
    $$

    Stiff, slippery, dimensionally precise plastic for gears, snap-fits and mechanisms. Machines easily; incompatible with gamma sterilization, acids and bleach.

    6 watch-outs

  10. Acetal homopolymer

    POM-HEngineering
    90 °Ctyp.
    115 °Ctyp.
    70 MPatyp.
    3.1 GPatyp.
    1.42 g/cm³typ.
    $$

    Stiffer, stronger form of acetal for gears, springs and precision mechanisms. Better mechanically than the copolymer but less resistant to hot water and bases.

    6 watch-outs

  11. Acrylic

    PMMAEngineering
    75 °Ctyp.
    95 °Ctyp.
    70 MPatyp.
    3.1 GPatyp.
    1.18 g/cm³typ.
    $$

    Highest-clarity, UV-stable transparent plastic used for lenses, light pipes, display windows and laser-cut microfluidic prototypes. Brittle and craze-prone with alcohols.

    3 watch-outs

  12. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

    ABSEngineering
    70 °Ctyp.
    92 °C✓
    42 MPatyp.
    2.3 GPa✓
    1.05 g/cm³typ.
    $$

    Tough, easy-to-mold amorphous plastic with a good cosmetic finish. The default choice for housings and enclosures, but sensitive to solvents, disinfectants and UV.

    3 watch-outs

  13. Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate

    ASAEngineering
    80 °Ctyp.
    97 °C✓
    48 MPa✓
    2.3 GPa✓
    1.07 g/cm³✓
    $$

    Weather-resistant alternative to ABS that keeps its color and toughness in sunlight. Used for outdoor housings, exterior trim and outdoor printed parts.

    2 watch-outs

  14. Cyclic olefin copolymer

    COC/COPEngineering
    110 °Ctyp.
    —typ.
    63 MPa✓
    2.9 GPa✓
    1.02 g/cm³✓
    $$$$

    Ultra-pure, glass-clear plastic with near-zero water uptake and low autofluorescence. Preferred for microfluidic diagnostic cartridges, PCR plates, optics and prefilled syringes.

    4 watch-outs

  15. Glycol-modified PET

    PETGEngineering
    60 °Ctyp.
    64 °C✓
    50 MPatyp.
    2 GPatyp.
    1.27 g/cm³✓
    $$

    Clear, tough copolyester that thermoforms and prints easily. A go-to material for sterile packaging trays, guards and clear prototypes; limited to low temperatures.

    3 watch-outs

  16. Modified polyphenylene ether

    PPE/PSEngineering
    105 °Ctyp.
    120 °Ctyp.
    55 MPatyp.
    2.4 GPatyp.
    1.06 g/cm³typ.
    $$$

    Dimensionally stable, low-moisture amorphous blend with excellent hot-water and hydrolysis resistance. Used for pumps, fluid handling and flame-retardant electrical housings.

    2 watch-outs

  17. Nylon 11

    PA11Engineering
    90 °Ctyp.
    50 °C✓
    38 MPa✓
    1.28 GPa✓
    1.02 g/cm³✓
    $$$

    Bio-based, flexible, tough nylon with low moisture uptake. Used for fuel and air lines, catheters and ductile SLS-printed parts.

    2 watch-outs

  18. Nylon 12

    PA12Engineering
    90 °Ctyp.
    55 °C✓
    50 MPa✓
    1.5 GPa✓
    1.01 g/cm³✓
    $$$

    Low-moisture, flexible nylon used for tubing, catheters and fuel lines, and as the standard SLS/MJF 3D-printing powder for functional prototypes.

    3 watch-outs

  19. Nylon 6

    PA6Engineering
    100 °Ctyp.
    65 °C✓
    90 MPa✓
    3.5 GPa✓
    1.13 g/cm³✓
    $$

    Tough, fatigue-resistant polyamide with excellent oil and fuel resistance. Used for gears, clips and brackets; absorbs moisture, which changes dimensions and stiffness.

    4 watch-outs

  20. Nylon 66

    PA66Engineering
    105 °Ctyp.
    75 °C✓
    85 MPa✓
    3 GPa✓
    1.13 g/cm³✓
    $$

    Stiffer, higher-melting nylon used for structural, mechanical and under-hood parts, usually glass-filled. Strong and wear-resistant but moisture-sensitive.

    3 watch-outs

  21. Nylon 66, 30% glass-filled

    PA66-GF30Engineering
    120 °Ctyp.
    250 °C✓
    190 MPa✓
    10 GPa✓
    1.366 g/cm³✓
    $$

    Glass-reinforced nylon 66: the workhorse structural plastic for brackets, frames and housings replacing metal. Stiff and heat-resistant but moisture-sensitive, and warps if poorly gated.

    4 watch-outs

  22. PBT, 30% glass-filled

    PBT-GF30Engineering
    140 °Ctyp.
    205 °C✓
    130 MPa✓
    8.7 GPa✓
    1.51 g/cm³✓
    $$

    Glass-reinforced PBT that stays dimensionally stable because it absorbs little water. Fast-cycling workhorse for connectors and sensor housings; watch hydrolysis in damp heat.

    3 watch-outs

  23. PC/ABS blend

    PC/ABSEngineering
    95 °Ctyp.
    106 °C✓
    56 MPa✓
    2.3 GPa✓
    1.14 g/cm³✓
    $$

    Blend combining PC heat and impact performance with ABS processability. Popular for enclosures, especially flame-retardant electronics and instrument housings.

    3 watch-outs

  24. Polybutylene terephthalate

    PBTEngineering
    120 °Ctyp.
    55 °C✓
    55 MPa✓
    2.4 GPa✓
    1.3 g/cm³✓
    $$

    Fast-cycling semi-crystalline polyester with low moisture uptake and good electrical properties. A workhorse for connectors and sensor housings, usually glass-filled.

    3 watch-outs

  25. Polycarbonate

    PCEngineering
    115 °Ctyp.
    124 °C✓
    65 MPa✓
    2.4 GPa✓
    1.2 g/cm³✓
    $$

    Transparent, virtually unbreakable amorphous plastic with good heat resistance. Widely used for clear housings, connectors, shields and medical fluid paths; watch for chemical stress cracking.

    6 watch-outs

  26. Polyethylene terephthalate

    PETEngineering
    100 °Ctyp.
    104.4–115.6 °C✓
    68.9–82.7 MPa✓
    3.172–3.241 GPa✓
    1.38–1.41 g/cm³✓
    $

    Strong, low-cost polyester best known as clear bottles and films. Good barrier and stiffness as film; hydrolysis-sensitive in hot water and alkalis.

    3 watch-outs

  27. Polymethylpentene

    PMPEngineering
    120 °Ctyp.
    85 °Ctyp.
    30 MPa✓
    1.9 GPa✓
    0.833 g/cm³✓
    $$$$

    Very light, transparent and autoclavable polyolefin with excellent release properties. Used for reusable clear labware, microwave ware and release films.

    3 watch-outs

  28. Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene

    UHMWPEEngineering
    80 °Ctyp.
    45 °Ctyp.
    40 MPatyp.
    0.7 GPatyp.
    0.93 g/cm³typ.
    $$

    Polyethylene with extremely long chains giving exceptional abrasion resistance, low friction and impact toughness. Machined into wear strips, slides and bushings; used in joint replacements.

    4 watch-outs

  29. Liquid crystal polymer

    LCPHigh-performance
    220 °Ctyp.
    235 °Ctyp.
    190 MPatyp.
    15 GPatyp.
    1.62 g/cm³typ.
    $$$$

    Exceptionally free-flowing high-temperature polymer for micro-molded and thin-wall parts with tight tolerances. Standard for fine-pitch connectors and miniature medical components.

    4 watch-outs

  30. Nylon 46

    PA46High-performance
    150 °Ctyp.
    190 °C✓
    100 MPa✓
    3.3 GPa✓
    1.18 g/cm³✓
    $$$

    Highest-temperature aliphatic nylon, keeping wear and fatigue performance well above 120 °C. Used for hot gears, chain tensioners and SMT connectors; absorbs a lot of moisture.

    2 watch-outs

  31. PEEK, 30% carbon-filled

    PEEK-CF30High-performance
    240 °C✓
    336 °C✓
    265 MPa✓
    28 GPa✓
    1.4 g/cm³✓
    $$$$$

    Carbon-reinforced PEEK with metal-like stiffness at low weight. Used for aerospace brackets, wear parts and radiolucent orthopedic implants; expensive and anisotropic.

    3 watch-outs

  32. Polyamide-imide

    PAIHigh-performance
    250 °Ctyp.
    278 °C✓
    152 MPa✓
    4.48 GPa✓
    1.42 g/cm³✓
    $$$$$

    Strongest unreinforced thermoplastic, keeping strength and wear resistance near 250 °C. Machined into high-temperature bearings, seals and test sockets.

    3 watch-outs

  33. Polyether ether ketone

    PEEKHigh-performance
    240 °C✓
    152 °C✓
    98 MPa✓
    4 GPa✓
    1.3 g/cm³✓
    $$$$$

    Top-tier semi-crystalline thermoplastic for continuous use to 250 °C with outstanding chemical, steam and radiation resistance. Used for implants, HPLC fittings, seals, bearings and aerospace parts.

    5 watch-outs

  34. Polyetherimide

    PEIHigh-performance
    170 °Ctyp.
    201 °C✓
    109.8 MPa✓
    3.579 GPa✓
    1.27 g/cm³✓
    $$$$

    Strong, stiff, transparent amber plastic that holds properties near 200 °C with inherent flame retardance. Used in thermal and electrical components, aerospace interiors and sterilizable medical parts.

    4 watch-outs

  35. Polyetherketoneketone

    PEKKHigh-performance
    250 °Ctyp.
    139 °C✓
    88 MPa✓
    2.9 GPa✓
    1.27 g/cm³✓
    $$$$$

    PEEK-class polymer with a higher Tg and slower crystallization, which makes it the preferred high-performance material for 3D printing in aerospace and implants.

    2 watch-outs

  36. Polyethersulfone

    PESHigh-performance
    180 °Ctyp.
    205 °C✓
    86 MPa✓
    2.64 GPa✓
    1.37 g/cm³✓
    $$$$

    Transparent amber sulfone with the highest temperature rating of the family. Used for membranes, sterilizable medical parts and hot electrical components.

    3 watch-outs

  37. Polyimide

    PIHigh-performance
    290 °Ctyp.
    360 °Ctyp.
    86.2 MPa✓
    2.5 GPatyp.
    1.43 g/cm³✓
    $$$$$

    Infusible polymer that works continuously near 290 °C with excellent wear and creep resistance. Machined into high-temperature bushings, seals and vacuum parts; very expensive.

    3 watch-outs

  38. Polyphenylene sulfide

    PPSHigh-performance
    220 °Ctyp.
    260 °Ctyp.
    195 MPatyp.
    14.7 GPatyp.
    1.65 g/cm³typ.
    $$$

    Stiff, glass-filled semi-crystalline plastic with outstanding chemical resistance, near-zero moisture uptake and inherent flame retardance. Used for pumps, coolant parts and high-temperature electrical components.

    4 watch-outs

  39. Polyphenylsulfone

    PPSUHigh-performance
    180 °Ctyp.
    197 °C✓
    74 MPa✓
    2.25 GPa✓
    1.29 g/cm³✓
    $$$$

    Tough, transparent amber thermoplastic that withstands thousands of steam sterilization cycles and hospital disinfectants. The standard for reusable surgical trays, handles and cases.

    3 watch-outs

  40. Polyphthalamide, 33% glass-filled

    PPA-GF33High-performance
    160 °Ctyp.
    280 °Ctyp.
    210 MPatyp.
    11 GPatyp.
    1.45 g/cm³typ.
    $$$

    High-temperature nylon that holds stiffness above 150 °C and absorbs far less moisture than PA66. Used for coolant parts, LED reflectors and reflow-soldered connectors.

    3 watch-outs

  41. Polysulfone

    PSUHigh-performance
    140 °Ctyp.
    176 °C✓
    75 MPa✓
    2.55 GPa✓
    1.23 g/cm³✓
    $$$

    Transparent amber high-temperature plastic that survives repeated steam sterilization and hot water. Used for sterilizable medical parts, membranes and plumbing fittings.

    4 watch-outs

  42. Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene

    ETFEFluoropolymer
    150 °C✓
    74 °Ctyp.
    45 MPa✓
    0.8 GPatyp.
    1.7 g/cm³✓
    $$$$

    Toughest and most radiation-resistant of the common fluoropolymers. Used for wire insulation, lined pump and valve parts, and labware where gamma sterilization is needed.

    2 watch-outs

  43. Fluorinated ethylene propylene

    FEPFluoropolymer
    200 °C✓
    50 °Ctyp.
    26 MPa✓
    0.5 GPatyp.
    2.15 g/cm³✓
    $$$$

    Melt-processable fluoropolymer with near-PTFE chemical inertness. Extruded into clear inert tubing, heat-shrink and wire insulation; rated to ~200 °C.

    4 watch-outs

  44. Perfluoroalkoxy

    PFAFluoropolymer
    260 °C✓
    48 °Ctyp.
    31 MPa✓
    0.6 GPatyp.
    2.15 g/cm³✓
    $$$$$

    Fluoropolymer that matches PTFE's 260 °C rating and chemical inertness but can be melt-processed. The standard for high-purity semiconductor fluid systems.

    3 watch-outs

  45. Polychlorotrifluoroethylene

    PCTFEFluoropolymer
    180 °Ctyp.
    75 °Ctyp.
    43.5 MPa✓
    1.4 GPatyp.
    2.13 g/cm³✓
    $$$$$

    Stiff, dimensionally stable fluoropolymer with the lowest moisture permeability of any plastic. Used for cryogenic valve seats and high-barrier pharma blister film.

    2 watch-outs

  46. Polytetrafluoroethylene

    PTFEFluoropolymer
    260 °Ctyp.
    50 °Ctyp.
    63 MPa✓
    0.5 GPatyp.
    2.15 g/cm³✓
    $$$$

    Chemically inert, ultra-low-friction fluoropolymer usable from cryogenic to 260 °C. Machined into seals, liners and slides; cannot be injection molded and is not gamma compatible.

    5 watch-outs

  47. Polyvinylidene fluoride

    PVDFFluoropolymer
    150 °Ctyp.
    105 °C✓
    44.8–55.2 MPa✓
    1.8 GPa✓
    1.77–1.79 g/cm³✓
    $$$$

    Melt-processable fluoropolymer that is stiff, high-purity and resistant to acids, halogens, oxidizers and UV. Used for chemical-process piping, valves and membranes.

    3 watch-outs

  48. Butyl rubber

    IIRElastomer
    120 °Ctyp.
    —typ.
    12.2 MPa✓
    75A✓
    1.2 g/cm³typ.
    $$

    Rubber with the lowest gas and moisture permeability, which is why it is the standard for vial stoppers and syringe plungers. Swells in oils and has limited gamma tolerance.

    4 watch-outs

  49. Copolyester elastomer

    TPC-ETElastomer
    120 °Ctyp.
    —typ.
    43 MPa✓
    51D✓
    1.19 g/cm³✓
    $$$

    Engineering TPE with excellent flex-fatigue and oil resistance. Used for boots, bellows, diaphragms and molded-in springs; hydrolyzes in hot water unless stabilized.

    2 watch-outs

  50. Ethylene propylene diene rubber

    EPDMElastomer
    130 °Ctyp.
    —typ.
    14 MPa✓
    65A✓
    1.15 g/cm³typ.
    $

    Low-cost rubber for seals and O-rings in water, steam, glycol and outdoor service. Excellent weathering, but swells badly in oils and fuels.

    3 watch-outs

  51. Fluoroelastomer

    FKMElastomer
    200 °Ctyp.
    —typ.
    11.7 MPa✓
    75A✓
    1.85 g/cm³typ.
    $$$

    High-temperature rubber for O-rings and seals in fuel, oil, aromatic-solvent and acid service. Avoid ketones, amines, strong bases and repeated steam with standard grades.

    4 watch-outs

  52. Hydrogenated nitrile rubber

    HNBRElastomer
    150 °Ctyp.
    —typ.
    23.9 MPa✓
    74A✓
    1.2 g/cm³typ.
    $$$

    Upgraded nitrile with oil resistance to ~150 °C and good ozone resistance. Used for timing belts, oilfield seals and hot oil O-rings when NBR runs out of temperature.

    3 watch-outs

  53. Neoprene (polychloroprene)

    CRElastomer
    100 °Ctyp.
    —typ.
    12.6 MPa✓
    72A✓
    1.3 g/cm³typ.
    $$

    All-rounder rubber with moderate oil resistance plus good weathering and flame resistance. Used for gaskets, bellows, vibration mounts and cable jackets.

    3 watch-outs

  54. Nitrile rubber

    NBRElastomer
    100 °Ctyp.
    —typ.
    17.6 MPa✓
    71A✓
    1.2 g/cm³typ.
    $

    The default O-ring and seal rubber: low cost with excellent resistance to oils, fuels and greases. Poor in ozone, sunlight, ketones and brake fluid, and limited to ~100–120 °C.

    5 watch-outs

  55. Perfluoroelastomer

    FFKMElastomer
    300 °Ctyp.
    —typ.
    11.5 MPa✓
    75A✓
    2 g/cm³typ.
    $$$$$

    Perfluorinated elastomer that seals against virtually any chemical up to ~300 °C. Used where FKM fails: semiconductor, aggressive chemical pumps and analytical instruments.

    4 watch-outs

  56. Polyether block amide

    PEBAElastomer
    80 °Ctyp.
    —typ.
    40 MPa✓
    42D✓
    1 g/cm³✓
    $$$

    Light, resilient polyamide elastomer available across a wide hardness range. Standard for catheter shafts and balloons; also used in high-rebound shoe soles.

    3 watch-outs

  57. Silicone rubber

    LSRElastomer
    200 °Ctyp.
    —typ.
    9 MPatyp.
    50Atyp.
    1.13 g/cm³typ.
    $$$

    Soft, biocompatible elastomer that stays flexible from about −50 to 200 °C and survives steam sterilization. Used for seals, valves, membranes, masks and medical tubing.

    5 watch-outs

  58. Thermoplastic polyurethane

    TPUElastomer
    80 °Ctyp.
    —typ.
    35.9 MPa✓
    85A✓
    1.12 g/cm³✓
    $$

    Tough, abrasion-resistant thermoplastic elastomer that is injection moldable and overmoldable. Used for medical tubing, catheters, soft-touch grips, wearables, belts and seals.

    4 watch-outs

  59. Thermoplastic vulcanizate

    TPVElastomer
    120 °Ctyp.
    —typ.
    8 MPatyp.
    64Atyp.
    0.97 g/cm³typ.
    $$

    Thermoplastic elastomer based on EPDM in PP that seals like rubber but molds like plastic. Used for seals, grips and overmolds on PP; watch compression set at temperature.

    3 watch-outs