Which engineering plastics can withstand repeated autoclaving?

Temperature and cost guide selection. PEI offers long-term service up to 170°C (Tg 217°C), inherent flame retardancy, and lower cost than PEEK, ideal for aerospace interiors, electrical insulation, and medical device structural parts. PEEK withstands long-term temperatures up to 250°C with better chemical and wear resistance, suitable for high-heat, corrosive, or implant-grade applications. For temperatures below 170°C, PEI is usually more economical.

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Both can withstand repeated 134°C steam sterilization. PSU has a long-term operating temperature of approximately 160°C and is more cost-effective. PPSU offers better impact resistance, chemical stability, and higher transparency. It can endure thousands of sterilization cycles, making it the preferred choice for surgical instrument handles, sterilization trays, and dental handpiece components. For medical parts, we provide original manufacturer material certificates and biocompatibility documentation.

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Appearance quality is a core strength. We use a three-stage control process: during machining, sharp tools with high RPM and shallow cuts prevent tool marks and roughness; between processes, all parts are film-wrapped and transferred in individual stations to avoid stacking scratches; before shipping, each piece is inspected under standard light sources against strict criteria for glossy, scratch-free, and blemish-free finishes. Batch consistency is guaranteed by fixed parameters and fixtures, not manual picking.

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Yes, drying is mandatory. PEI has a high moisture absorption rate; machining wet material causes hydrolysis at process temperatures, leading to silver streaks, bubbles, and hazy surface defects. We standardize a 150°C drying process for 4 hours or more before machining. Post-machining, we perform stress-relief annealing to prevent stress cracking during assembly or use.

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Yes, but not all plastics can achieve this. Dense, polishable materials such as acrylic, PC, POM, and PEEK, when processed with diamond tooling and polishing, can consistently reach surface roughness below Ra0.4μm, achieving a high-gloss, mirror-like appearance. Glass or carbon fiber-filled grades, due to exposed fibers, can only achieve a matte or satin finish, which we will clarify in advance.

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