Poly phenylene Sulfide (PPS) is a high-performance, semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic renowned for its exceptional thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance. For manufacturers and engineers seeking precision beyond the capabilities of standard molding processes, CNC machining PPS offers the pathway to creating high-tolerance, complex parts. This process is ideal for producing functional prototypes, bespoke components, and parts that demand tighter dimensional accuracy than what injection molding can provide. By starting with PPS stock shapes like rods or plates, CNC machining transforms this robust material into critical components for the most demanding industries, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics.
KEY BENEFITS
CNC machining unlocks the full potential of PPS’s inherent properties, making it an excellent choice for critical applications. The key benefits are summarized in the table below.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Excellent Dimensional Stability | PPS exhibits very low moisture absorption (0.02%) and low molding shrinkage, ensuring that machined parts maintain their precise dimensions and shape even in varying environmental conditions. |
| Superior Heat & Flame Resistance | With a continuous use temperature of 220-240°C and a UL94 V-0 flammability rating without additives, PPS is perfect for high-temperature environments. |
| Outstanding Chemical Resistance | It is highly resistant to a wide range of acids, alkalis, and solvents, making it nearly inert in harsh chemical settings. |
| High Mechanical Strength & Rigidity | Especially when glass-filled, PPS offers high tensile and flexural strength, providing components with remarkable structural integrity and stiffness. |
| Good Electrical Insulation | PPS possesses a low dielectric constant and dissipation factor, making it a reliable insulator for electronic components. |
APPLICATIONS
The unique combination of properties makes CNC-machined PPS suitable for a wide array of applications across various industries. The following table outlines common part types and their sector-specific uses.
| Industry | Example Parts & Applications |
|---|---|
| Automotive | Bearings, pump housings, sensor housings, transmission components, and exhaust system parts that must withstand under-hood heat and chemicals. |
| Electronics & Electrical | Connectors, coil bobbins, relay components, insulator plates, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment housings. |
| Industrial & Mechanical | Pump impellers and valves, seals, manifolds, compressor plates, and precision gears that require low friction and high wear resistance. |
| Aerospace & Other Sectors | Components for guidance systems, housings for sensors, and various parts used in chemical processing equipment. |
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
This table consolidates key technical data for a 40% glass fiber-reinforced PPS, a common grade for machining, providing a clear overview of its performance characteristics.
| Property Category | Specific Property | Test Standard | Typical Value / Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Properties | Tensile Strength | ISO 527 | 120 – 137 MPa |
| Flexural Strength | ISO 178 | 175 MPa | |
| Flexural Modulus | ISO 178 | 7500 MPa | |
| Impact Strength, Notched Izod | ASTM D-256 | 130 J/m | |
| Thermal Properties | Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa | ISO 75 / ASTM D-648 | 250 – 260°C |
| Continuous Service Temperature | – | 220 – 240°C | |
| Melting Point | DSC | 278°C | |
| CTE, linear | ASTM D-696 | 2.3 – 3.2 x 10<sup>-5</sup>/°C | |
| Physical Properties | Density | ISO 1183 | 1.59 – 1.67 g/cm³ |
| Water Absorption (24h) | ISO 62 / ASTM D-570 | 0.02 % | |
| Mold Shrinkage | – | 0.1 – 0.8 % | |
| Electrical Properties | Dielectric Constant (@ 1 MHz) | ASTM D-150 | 3.7 – 3.8 |
| Dissipation Factor (@ 1 MHz) | ASTM D-150 | 0.002 | |
| Arc Resistance | ASTM D-495 | 127 sec | |
| Flammability | UL94 Rating (0.8mm) | UL 94 | V-0 |