Materials / PVC CNC Machining

PVC CNC Machining Service


Get instant quotes on custom CNC machined PVC parts with our Online CNC Machining Service. Make quick turn prototypes and production parts in days with free standard shipping on all US orders. ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, IATF 16949:2016, and AS9100D certified.

CNC-machining-of-complex-precision-parts-used-in-the-consumer-goods-industry
CNC Machined Plastics

About PVC for CNC Machining

PVC is one of the most widely used engineering plastics. It generally comes in two forms: plasticized and unplasticized PVC. Unplasticized PVC is used in rigid parts like pipes and fittings. CNC machining in PVC is generally done with this rigid version of the material. Plasticized PVC is used in applications that require flexibility like cables or small tubes. The production of PVC uses fewer nonrenewable raw materials by volume than most other plastics, making it one of the greenest plastics available. CNC machining in PVC is similar to that of other engineering plastics, and thanks to its rigidity and hardness, it machines relatively easily.


PVC material, or polyvinyl chloride, is an engineering plastic with excellent ultraviolet (UV) resistance, insulating properties, and resistance to moisture ingress. It is a popular choice for piping and construction materials, as well as for the electrical, energy, and medical industries. You can select PVC as a material for CNC machining in the FlagShip Instant Quoting Engine℠.

CNC Plastics
HDPE CNC machining
Acetal (Delrin) CNC machining
Polypropylene CNC machining
UHMW-PE CNC machining
Nylon 6/6 CNC machining
Acrylic CNC machining
ABS CNC machining
Polycarbonate CNC machining
PEEK CNC machining
PTFE-Teflon CNC machining
Garolite CNC machining
PVC CNC machining
ULTEM CNC machining

Rigid / Unplasticized PVC

Machining PVC results in low-cost parts that have excellent mechanical properties and come with the added benefit of being resistant to the elements. The material’s moisture and UV resistance make it attractive for applications like piping and pipe fittings.





Rigid / Unplasticized PVC Properties

Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) Elongation at Break (%) Hardness (Rockwell M) Heat Deflection Temperature (°C) at 0.46 MPa Melting Point (°C)
45.6 110 81 182-210 142-152




Finishes

Unlike most other engineering plastics, PVC can be readily painted both for aesthetic purposes as well as to further increase its outdoor lifespan. It must also be noted that though its mechanical properties remain consistent, transparent PVC tends to discolor over time when exposed to the sun or other UV sources.


As Machined: PVC is readily machined and produces a smooth, relatively shiny surface finish without the need for any additional operations. Painted: PVC can be painted as long as the paint does not contain solvents that attack polyvinyl chloride. Ensure that your paint has been formulated to work on PVC without degrading its mechanical properties.
Maximize Collaboration with Teamspacee
Cost-saving Design Tips PVC is a relatively inexpensive engineering plastic, however, to further save on machining costs, try the following:

Sub-assemblies: PVC for machining is supplied in either sheet or bar stock. As such, when CNC machining in PVC, it is important to design parts with standard sizes in mind. Large parts machined from a single block of PVC can become prohibitively expensive. Instead, consider designing separate sub-assemblies that will later bolt together or get fused via plastic welding. Tolerancing: Achieving extra-tight tolerances with plastics like PVC can be challenging. We recommend only calling out tolerances tighter than +/- 0.005" for critical features to reduce the increased scrap, cost, and lead times associated with tight tolerances. Consistent features: PVC is available as sheet or bar stock in varying sizes. Plan on your design such that you can create components from these stock sizes and assemble them later into the final part. PVC glues are easy to obtain and can be used to cost-effectively create complex parts from multiple sub-assemblies.
Maximize Collaboration with Teamspacee

Need Plastic CNC Machined Parts?