The index is a nominal ranking out of 20 = best. Different machining processes using CNC or Manual metal-working or wood-working machinery is suitable for most thermoplastics. Because of the poor thermal conductivity and low melting point of thermoplastics heat generation must be kept to a minimum.

Points to note:

• Machining Forces - lower than for metals, lower clamp forces required, lower rigidity therefore support may be needed to prevent deflection in some cases.
• Tools - Keep sharp, ensure only the cutting edge contacts material, ensure good swarf removal.
• Coolants - Soluble oil types are generally suitable if required. Use only pure water or compressed air for PC, PEI, PSU.

	Product Name		PE Polyethylene		Value (20 = Best)
	Ertalyte		PETP Polyester		20
	Ertacetal C		Acetal		20
	Ertalyte TX		PETP Polyester		20
	Tetco V		PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene		19
	Tetron S		PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene		19
	Polystone Ultra		PE Polyethylene		18
	Polystone 7000		PE Polyethylene		18
	Polystone 7000SR		PE Polyethylene		18
	Polystone 8000+		PE Polyethylene		18
	Polystone M-Flametech AST		PE Polyethylene		18
	Polystone M-Slide		PE Polyethylene		18
	Ketron PEEK-1000		PEEK Polyetheretherketone		16
	Ertalon 66SA		Nylon		16
	Ertalon 6PLA		Nylon		16
	Nylatron 703XL		Nylon		16
	Ertalon 4.6		Nylon		16
	Nylatron GS		Nylon		16
	Nylatron GSM		Nylon		16
	Nylatron MC901		Nylon		16
	Ertalon LFX		Nylon		16
	Playtec		PE Polyethylene		16
	Polystone 300		PE Polyethylene		16
	Polystone 500		PE Polyethylene		16
	Ertalon 6XAU+		Nylon		16
	Duratron PBI		PBI Polybenzimidazole		16
	Duratron T5530 PAI		PAI Polyamide-imide		16
	Polystone Ezyslide 78		PE Polyethylene		16
	Symalit PVDF		PVDF Polyviylidenefluoride		16
	Duratron T4301 & T4501 PAI		PAI Polyamide-imide		16
	Duratron T4203 & T4503 PAI		PAI Polyamide-imide		16
	Tetron LG		PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene		16
	PPSU-1000		PPSU Polyphenylenesulphone		15
	PSU-1000		PSU Polysulphone		15
	Ketron PEEK-HPV		PEEK Polyetheretherketone		15
	PEI-1000		PEI Polyetherimide		15
	Tetron G		PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene		15
	Techtron HPV PPS		PPS Polyphenylene Sulphide		15
	Tetron HG		PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene		14
	Ketron PEEK-GF30		PEEK Polyetheretherketone		13
	Ertalon 66GF-30		Nylon		13
	Ketron PEEK-CA30		PEEK Polyetheretherketone		13
	Tetron GR		PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene		12
	Ertalon 6SA		Nylon		12
	Trovidur EN PVC		PVC Polyvinylchloride		12
	Tetron G		PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene		12
	Polystone PP		PP Polypropylene		12
	Tetron C		PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene		11
	Safeguard		PC Polycarbonate		8
	Safeguard Hardcoat XX		PC Polycarbonate		8
	Tetron B		PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene		7