An Informational Brief on Polymer Machining

Celazole, known as Polybenzimidazole (PBI), is a synthetic fiber characterized by exceptional thermal and chemical stability. PBI is commonly used in electrical insulators and high strength situations, where it shines due to its compressive strength and insulation properties.

Our latest machining guide discusses what goes into machining Celazole and how its considerations differ from other manufacturing options such as metal machining, injection molding, and 3D printing.

How does AIP approach Celazole and its machining process? To start, we’ll explain the difference between machining PBI, a thermoplastic, and machining thermosets.

Machining Thermoplastics vs Thermosets

We’ve already said that Celazole is a thermoplastic, but what does that mean exactly?

All polymers can more or less be divided into two categories: thermoplastics and thermosets. The main difference between them is how they react to heat. Thermoplastics like Celazole, for example, melt in the heat, while thermosets remain “set” once they’re formed. Understanding the technical distinction between these types of materials is essential to CNC machining them properly.

What type of thermoplastic is Celazole in particular? PBI is an amorphous engineering thermoplastic.

PBI is characterized by high strength; it exhibits excellent thermal stability, is hydrolytically stable after exposure to high-pressure steam or water, is broadly resistant to hydrocarbons, alcohols, weak acids, weak bases, hydrogen sulfide, chlorinated solvents, oils, heat transfer fluids and many other organic chemicals.

Properties & Grades of Machined Celazole

Celazole PBI is one of the highest performing thermoplastics on the market today; it has the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion of all unfilled plastics. At above 400°F (204°C), Celazole possesses the highest mechanical properties of any thermoplastic. By itself, PBI offers a continuous use operating temperature of 1,004°F (540°C). Even after being submerged in hydraulic fluid at 200°F (93°C) for thirty days, Celazole retains 100% tensile strength.

When you combine those exceptional qualities with excellent wear and frictional properties, as well as extreme resistance to chemicals and hydrolysis, it’s no wonder that Celazole excels in industries that require high-performance in hostile environments. For example, semiconductor parts made with Celazole can last twice as long as those made with polyimides.

Other applications that Celazole is commonly machined for include gas plasma equipment, aircraft engine components and other applications for “hot” section areas or environments with harsh chemicals. Whenever dielectric properties are required or high-strength situations arise, Celazole PBI is an ideal material for your application.

We regularly machine various grades of Celazole at AIP Precision Machining, including Celazol U-60 and Duratron PBI.

Machining Celazole PBI

Annealing Celazole

The process of annealing and stress-relieving Celazole reduces the likelihood of surface cracks and internal stresses occurring in the material. Post-machining annealing also helps to reduce stresses that could potentially contribute to premature failure.

Machining Celazole

Celazole is known for its extreme hardness, which poses a challenge to HSS machining. Instead, carbide and polycrystalline diamond tools are recommended for machining Celazole PBI.

Keep in mind that Celazole PBI is notch sensitive as well and that high tolerance components machined from this thermoplastic should be stored and sealed to prevent any dimensional changes from moisture absorption.

We also suggest non-aromatic, air-based coolants to achieve optimum surface finishes and close tolerances. Coolants have the additional benefit of extending tool life as well.

Preventing Contamination

Contamination is a serious concern when machining polymer components for technically demanding industries such as medical and life sciences. To ensure the highest level of sanitation down to the sub-molecular level, AIP Precision Machining designs, heat-treats and machines only plastics, with any sub-manufactured metalwork processed outside our facility.