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CNC Machining Material

PSU / PPSU (Polysulfone)

Hydrolysis-resistant and repeatably sterilizable — trusted for medical and baby products

Quick Stats

Machinability
Excellent
Tolerance
±0.01 mm
Lead Time
5-7 days
Min Wall
0.5 mm
Company
Strength
20 Years of Experience
20 Years of Experience
72 Sets of CNC Machines
72 Sets of CNC Machines
Precision: ±0.01mm
Precision: ±0.01mm
7-15 Days Fast Shipping
7-15 Days Fast Shipping
Quality
Advantages
No Knife Marks
No Knife Marks
No Scratches
No Scratches
No Blemishes
No Blemishes
No Color Difference
No Color Difference

Material Overview

PSU (polysulfone) and PPSU (polyphenylsulfone) are high-performance amorphous engineering plastics with continuous use temperatures of 160°C and 180°C respectively, capable of withstanding thousands of 134°C steam sterilization cycles without degradation.

Polysulfone materials resist hydrolysis, acids, alkalis and cleaning agents, and are transparent (PSU is amber translucent, PPSU offers higher clarity). They can be repeatedly sterilized and service long-term in medical devices, food processing and drinking water systems.

Post-machining stress-relief annealing is recommended for polysulfone to prevent environmental stress cracking. We specialize in batch production, 100 pcs MOQ, lead time 15-25 days, with original manufacturer material certificates and biocompatibility documentation available.

Key Advantages

  • Withstands thousands of steam sterilization cycles
  • Hydrolysis-resistant, acid/alkali and cleaner resistant
  • PSU continuous use temperature 160°C
  • PPSU superior impact strength and clarity
  • Naturally flame retardant, low smoke and low toxicity
  • Medical-grade and food-grade certified options available

Material Properties

The following table lists typical mechanical, thermal, and physical properties for this material. Actual values may vary by grade and temper.

Property Value Unit

Available Grades & Alloys

We stock multiple grades for different application needs. Each grade offers distinct properties optimised for specific uses — click to view detailed specifications, machining advice and typical applications.

PSU / PPSU (Polysulfone) · Related Products

A selection of parts machined from this material.

Common Applications

This material is widely used across multiple industries for various applications, from precision prototypes to end-use production parts.

Medical

Surgical instruments, housings

Aerospace

Structural brackets, panels

Automotive

Engine components, housings

Electronics

Heat sinks, enclosures

Robotics

Motor mounts, brackets

Industrial

Fixtures, jigs, tooling

Consumer

Frames, handles, cases

Marine

Fittings, valves, hardware

CNC Machining Tips

Available Surface Finishes

Finish Type Description Ra (typical)

Compatible Surface Treatments

Common Applications

Material FAQ

The questions engineers ask most about machining, surface quality and selecting this material.

Related to PSU / PPSU (Polysulfone)

What Is the Difference Between PSU and PPSU?+
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.

Read full answer

Which engineering plastics can withstand repeated autoclaving?+
Common choices are PPSU, PSU, PEI, and PEEK. PPSU withstands over 1,000 cycles at 134°C with the best impact resistance; PEI is heat-resistant to 170°C at a lower cost; PEEK has the highest heat tolerance and is suitable for implant-grade applications. PC and ABS are unsuitable for repeated high-pressure sterilization, as they are prone to stress cracking or yellowing after just a few cycles.

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How do you control surface appearance for plastic parts with scratches or flow marks?+
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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Can CNC Machining of Acrylic (PMMA) Achieve a Mirror Finish?+
Yes. Acrylic is one of the few plastics that can achieve a mirror finish directly through cutting. We use single-crystal diamond tools for precision machining, followed by flame polishing or diamond grinding. Surface roughness is consistently controlled within Ra0.4μm, delivering a high-gloss appearance free of scratches or defects, resembling a mirror. No secondary coating is required. For batch production, identical parameters are used to ensure consistent mirror finish quality.

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Can Plastic and Aluminum Parts Maintain Consistent Aesthetic Quality?+
The criteria for judgment are consistent: high gloss, high-shine surface, no scratches, and no defects. The difference lies in the process—aluminum parts rely on anodizing and polishing, while plastic parts use diamond cutting and flame polishing or mechanical polishing. When aluminum and plastic parts are mixed in the same batch, we standardize color swatches and gloss samples to avoid visual discrepancies between the two materials on the same product.

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PEI vs PEEK: How to Choose?+
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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Send Us Your Drawing — We Handle the Rest

Send your STEP / DWG / PDF drawing and get a detailed quote with free DFM analysis and process recommendations within 2 hours. No minimum order — from 1 piece.

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