PPS

PPS, in full polyphenylene sulfide, is a high-quality plastic within the group of advanced engineering plastics. This high-performance plastic is used when components need to withstand high temperatures, chemical exposure, wear or strict requirements for dimensional stability.

Thanks to its combination of temperature resistance, chemical resistance, mechanical strength and electrical insulating properties, PPS is suitable for demanding technical applications. The material is used in industries such as mechanical engineering, chemical processing, electrical engineering, the automotive industry and high-tech applications.

What is PPS?

PPS stands for polyphenylene sulfide. It is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic with a very good combination of thermal, chemical, mechanical and electrical properties. PPS retains its properties well at elevated temperatures and is resistant to many aggressive substances.

When standard engineering plastics fall short in terms of heat resistance, chemical resistance or dimensional stability, PPS can be a suitable material choice.

Key characteristics

• Very high maximum permissible operating temperature in air: 220 °C continuously, up to 260 °C for short-term use
• High mechanical strength, stiffness and creep resistance, even at elevated temperatures
• Excellent chemical and hydrolysis resistance
• Good friction and wear properties
• Very high dimensional stability
• Excellent resistance to high-energy radiation, such as gamma rays and X-rays
• Good UV resistance
• Inherently flame-retardant properties
• Good electrical insulating and dielectric properties

High temperature resistance and dimensional stability

An important advantage of PPS plastic is its high temperature resistance. Polyphenylene sulfide can be used continuously up to approximately 220 °C and can withstand temperatures of around 260 °C for short periods.

Even at elevated temperatures, PPS retains good mechanical strength, stiffness and creep resistance. Combined with its very high dimensional stability, this makes PPS suitable for technical components where tolerances, fit and shape retention are important.

Chemical resistance and wear resistance

PPS has excellent chemical resistance and is resistant to many aggressive substances. In addition, the material has excellent hydrolysis resistance, making it suitable for applications involving moisture, hot water or steam.

PPS also offers good friction and wear properties. As a result, polyphenylene sulfide is often used in moving parts, such as bearings, bushes, sliding components and technical guides.

Electrical properties and flame-retardant behaviour

PPS plastic has good electrical insulating and dielectric properties. As a result, the material is regularly used in electrotechnical and electronic components, such as insulators, connector parts and housings.

In addition, PPS is inherently flame-retardant. The material also has excellent resistance to high-energy radiation, such as gamma rays and X-rays, as well as good UV resistance.

Machining PPS at Lakwijk

PPS is available as a plastic semi-finished product, for example in sheet and rod form. At Lakwijk, we can cut PPS plastic to size and further machine it into technical components.

Depending on the desired shape and application, PPS can be milled, turned or processed in another way. For flat or rectangular parts, milling is often suitable. For round parts, such as bushes, rings or bearings, turning is often the most logical machining method.

We work based on the required dimensions, a technical drawing, a 3D model or a supplied sample. We also think along with you about the right material choice and machining method.