This information sheet provides descriptions of
plastic materials commonly used in gearing. It
relates the general properties of these materials to
typical operating conditions of gears. Properties that
relate to the manufacturing processes of machining
and molding are discussed, including the property of
shrink rate in molding. It also describes the types of
tests that are customarily used to obtain published
values of these properties.
It is intended thatthis informationsheetserveonlyas
an introductory guide to the designer of plastic gears
when it comes to selecting candidate materials. The
designer is advised to look to material suppliers and
plastic gear manufacturers for their expert guidance
on selecting materials for specific applications. It is
also important to recognize that thorough application
testing is often needed to confirm the suitability of a
material choice.
Only a limited number of plastic materials are
mentioned here as commonly used for gears. Gears
have been made from other plastics as well, but
generally because some special material property or
commercial consideration was judged essential to a
particular application. It is also possible that the
suitability of other materials for gears has not yet
been recognized. Furthermore, new plastic materials
are continually being developed and some, no
doubt, will prove themselves as important additions
to those discussed in this information sheet.