Best Plastic for Milling: A Guide to CNC-Friendly Plastics
Looking for the best plastic for CNC milling? Choosing the right material can make or break your part, literally.
Not all plastics behave the same under a cutting tool. Some melt, some crack, others machine beautifully. Here’s everything you need to know about plastic for milling, including top material choices, applications, and machining tips.
Why Use Plastic for Milling?
CNC-milled plastic parts are widely used across industries—from automotive prototypes to medical housings. They offer several advantages:
- Lightweight and corrosion-resistant
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Fast to machine and cost-effective for low volumes
- Available in a wide range of colors, properties, and finishes
Whether you’re working with a prototype or a production-grade component, knowing which plastic for milling fits your job is critical.
Best Plastics for CNC Milling
Here are the top options when choosing plastic for milling:
1. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
- Tough, low-cost, and easy to machine
- Great for prototyping and functional parts
- Matte finish, gluable, paintable
2. Delrin (POM / Acetal)
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Low friction and wear-resistant
- Ideal for bushings, gears, and precision components
3. Nylon (PA6 / PA66)
- Strong and abrasion-resistant
- Can absorb moisture, which affects tight tolerances
- Best for mechanical parts and wear applications
4. Polycarbonate (PC)
- Transparent and impact-resistant
- Good for enclosures and optical parts
- Prone to stress cracking if not machined properly
5. PEEK (Polyetheretherketone)
- High-performance plastic for aerospace and medical use
- Expensive but strong, heat-resistant, and chemical-resistant
- Requires sharp tools and optimal feeds
These are some of the best plastics for milling when balancing machinability, strength, and surface finish.
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MakerVerse is a platform for sourcing industrial parts. It provides instant access to a vetted supply chain and a full range of manufacturing technologies. With AI-powered quoting, order management, and fulfilment, MakerVerse helps with everything from initial prototypes to full-scale production.
Choosing the Best End Mill for Plastic
Plastic isn’t metal. Using the wrong tooling can cause melting, poor surface finish, or warping.
Tips for choosing the best end mill for plastic:
- Use sharp, polished single- or double-flute cutters
- Avoid high helix angles that generate excess heat
- Consider O-flute bits for softer plastics
- Keep feeds high and speeds moderate to avoid melting
Selecting the best end mill for plastic ensures smooth cuts, clean edges, and consistent results.
Plastic for Milling vs. Metal: When to Choose What?
Use plastic for CNC milling when you need:
- Lower part weight
- Electrical insulation
- Corrosion resistance
- Fast and low-cost prototyping
- Colour-coded or translucent parts
Plastic materials open up design flexibility that metals can’t match, especially in early-stage development.
Order CNC Milled Plastic Parts Online
At MakerVerse, we offer a wide range of plastics for CNC milling, including ABS, Nylon, PC, POM, and more.
With instant quotes, tight tolerances, and certified partners across Europe, you get:
- Precision-milled plastic parts
- Support selecting the best plastic for milling
- Access to optimal tools and machining parameters
- Fast turnaround and tracked delivery
Start your plastic machining project.
