Best High Performance Plastics

Performance matters in manufacturing. Choosing the right materials can distinguish between project success and failure, especially under extreme operating conditions. Known for their exceptional mechanical properties, chemical resistance, thermal stability, and reliability, high-performance plastics offer solutions where other materials fall short.

At Piedmont Plastics, we proudly supply these advanced polymers, including PEEK, UHMW, Phenolic, and Polycarbonate, helping businesses across multiple industries solve their toughest engineering challenges. Read on to learn more about these materials and why they work well for a wide variety of rigorous applications.

What Are High-Performance Plastics?

High-performance plastics are specifically engineered polymers with unique properties that outperform standard plastics or metals under extreme conditions.

Piedmont Plastics supplies these exceptional materials in numerous forms, including sheet, rod, tube, film, and custom-fabricated parts, guaranteeing compatibility and solutions for every project requirement.

Aerospace Applications

Aerospace applications require advanced materials that are lightweight yet incredibly strong, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, chemical exposure, and mechanical stress. Piedmont Plastics supplies specialized high-performance plastics tailored specifically to these difficult demands, including:

• PEEK (polyetheretherketone): Renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, thermal stability, and chemical resistance, PEEK is ideal for structural components, engine parts, fasteners, and fuel systems.

• Aerospace-grade Polycarbonate: Lightweight, highly impact-resistant, and flame-retardant, this material is commonly used for interior panels, cockpit enclosures, and protective glazing.

Military and Defense

Military and defense industries require materials that can maintain their integrity under rigorous physical and environmental stress. Piedmont Plastics meets these demands through materials such as PEEK and Phenolic.

PEEK excels in critical applications including radar components, antenna mounts, missile components, and radomes due to its exceptional stability, heat resistance, and minimal electromagnetic interference. Meanwhile, phenolic is preferred for electrical insulation, terminal boards, and antenna insulators because of its high dielectric strength, dimensional stability, and exceptional heat resistance, ensuring reliable performance in demanding defense environments.

Semiconductor Industries

Semiconductor applications demand materials that resist chemical degradation, support dimensional accuracy, and adhere to stringent cleanliness standards. To serve this industry, Piedmont Plastics delivers high-performance materials such as PEEK, G10/FR4, and UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene).

PEEK offers outstanding chemical resistance, thermal stability, and dimensional integrity, making it a preferred material for precision components used in semiconductor fabrication. UHMW delivers low friction, excellent abrasion resistance, and chemical inertness, which are ideal for parts exposed to repetitive motion and aggressive cleaning agents.

G10/FR4 is valued for its superior electrical insulation, mechanical strength, and resistance to moisture and chemicals. These properties make it well-suited for semiconductor test fixtures, support structures, and insulating barriers where consistent performance is critical.

Chemical Processing

Industries exposed to harsh chemicals, extreme pressures, and intense temperatures need materials designed specifically for these challenging environments. Piedmont Plastics provides high-performance materials engineered for maximum durability under severe conditions, including:

• PEEK: Due to its outstanding chemical, pressure, and heat resistance, PEEK is ideal for pumps, valve seals, compressors, and chemically exposed parts.

• UHMW: Known for its excellent abrasion resistance, low friction, and chemical inertness, UHMW is commonly used in liners, conveyors, valves, and processing equipment.

• Phenolic: With its superior insulation capabilities and chemical stability, phenolic is well-suited for electrical components and chemically resistant structural applications.

Marine and Naval Applications

Marine environments challenge materials with saltwater corrosion, UV exposure, and mechanical stress. To mitigate this problem, Piedmont Plastics offers marine-grade materials like Marine-grade ABS, PVC Foam Sheets, and UHMW, adapted to these tough conditions.

Marine-grade ABS and PVC Foam Sheets provide durability, UV resistance, and reliable performance in boat construction, cabinetry, seating structures, and marine components. Additionally, our UHMW is chosen for marine bumpers, fender pads, and underwater bearings because of its excellent abrasion resistance, minimal water absorption, and long-lasting durability in wet environments.

Piedmont Plastics provides materials and custom fabrication services, including precision CNC machining, cut-to-size sheets, and specialized fabricated parts. We offer exceptional materials, industry expertise, customization capabilities, and dedicated support to meet your unique challenges. Learn more by getting in touch with us today!