Benvitec’s Top 5 Plastics
Which plastics to use for which application?
At Benvitec, we work with a wide range of plastics, but these five are our absolute favorites. Each one offers unique properties that make it perfectly suited for specific industrial uses.
1. PE (Polyethylene)
Polyethylene is strong, durable, and widely known for its chemical resistance and toughness. It’s one of the most commonly used plastics worldwide—and also at Benvitec.
Types of PE
- PE 100
- HDPE / PE 300 (high density)
- HMPE / PE 500 (high molecular weight)
- UHMPE / PE 1000 (ultra-high molecular weight)
Our construction department primarily uses HDPE, especially for pipes and storage tanks. The black version is UV-resistant and ideal for outdoor applications.
Our machining department often works with HMPE and UHMPE: wear-resistant, low friction, and available in black, natural, blue, green, and reddish-brown.
Food Grade variants are suitable for direct contact with food.
Properties
- High chemical resistance
- Excellent electrical insulation
- Moisture-repellent
- Tough and impact-resistant
- Temperature range: -30 to 80 °C
- Recyclable (symbols 2–4)
Applications
- Transport and logistics
- Machine construction
- Food and meat processing industries
2. PP (Polypropylene )
Polypropylene is a lightweight, rigid thermoplastic known for its chemical resistance and versatility. It’s often recognized by its grey or beige color.
Properties
- Lightweight
- Moisture-resistant
- Impact-resistant and tough
- Temperature range: 0 to 100 °C
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Recyclable (symbol 5)
Applications
- Technical equipment construction
- Storage tanks and piping systems
- Industrial components
- Automotive parts
- Building materials
- Chemical Industry
3. POM (Polyoxymethylene)
POM is a rigid, highly dimensionally stable plastic with excellent mechanical properties and very low friction.
Properties
- Wear, impact, and shock resistant
- Excellent machinability
- Temperature range: -40 to 120 °C
- Low moisture absorption
- Good electrical insulation
- Available in food grade
- Recyclable (symbol 7)
Applications
- Food industry
- Electrical engineering
- Medical devices
- Machine building
- Precision parts
- Bearings
- Gears
4. PA (Polyamide)
Polyamide (or nylon) is hard, rigid, and known for its wear resistance and excellent sliding properties. It is ideal for applications with mechanical stress.
Properties
- Highly wear-resistant
- Hard, stiff, tough, and impact-resistant
- Excellent sliding and rolling performance
- Good machinability
- Temperature range: -40 to 80 °C
- Moisture-absorbing
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Recyclable (symbol 7)
- Gears and racks
- Slide bearings and plates
- Pulleys and rollers
- Scrapers and cutting plates
- Automotive parts and industrial components
5. AEP (Advanced Engineering Plastics)
AEP refers to a group of high-performance plastics that offer superior properties in terms of temperature resistance, chemical stability, and structural performance.
Properties
- High mechanical strength and stiffness at elevated temperatures
- Reliable performance up to 230 °C
- Excellent insulating and dielectric properties
- Among the best chemical resistance of any polymer
Applications
- Analytical instrumentation
- Medical devices
- Life sciences
- Semiconductor manufacturing
Examples
- PEEK: bearings, seals, medical implants, aerospace components
- PPS: electrical and automotive partsPPS: voor auto-elektronica en technische onderdelen
- PEI: heat-resistant, flame-retardant, used in aerospace and electronics
- PTFE (Teflon): coatings, seals, pipes—ideal where lubrication and corrosion resistance are key
Our work
Want to know more?
Call us at +32 11 450 750
