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)
	Sustadur		PETP Polyester		20
	Sustarin C		Acetal		20
	Sustadur TF		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
	Susta PEEK-1000		PEEK Polyetheretherketone		16
	Sustamid 66		Nylon, Extruded PA66		16
	Sustamid 6G		Nylon, Cast PA6		16
	Nylon 703XL		Nylon		16
	Sustamid 46		Nylon, Cast PA46		16
	Sustamid 66 MO		Nylon, Extruded, PA66 Mos2 Filled		16
	Sustamid 6G M		Nylon, Cast, PA6 Mos2 Filled		16
	Sustamid 6G HI		Nylon, Cast PA6 Impact Modified		16
	Sustamid 6G OL		Nylon, Cast PA6, Oil Filled		16
	Nuvex - Leisureboard / Saniboard / Playboard		PE Polyethylene		16
	Polystone 300		PE Polyethylene		16
	Polystone 500		PE Polyethylene		16
	Sustamid 6G HS		Nylon,Cast PA6, Heat Stabilised		16
	Celazole PBI		PBI Polybenzimidazole		16
	Torlon 5530		PAI Polyamide-imide		16
	Polystone Ezyslide 78		PE Polyethylene		16
	PVDF 1000		PVDF Polyviylidenefluoride		16
	Torlon 4301 & 4501		PAI Polyamide-imide		16
	Torlon 4203 & 4503		PAI Polyamide-imide		16
	Tetron LG		PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene		16
	PPSU-1000		PPSU Polyphenylenesulphone		15
	Sustason PSU		PSU Polysulphone		15
	Susta PEEK-HPV		PEEK Polyetheretherketone		15
	Susta PEI		PEI Polyetherimide		15
	Tetron G		PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene		15
	Techtron HPV PPS		PPS Polyphenylene Sulphide		15
	Tetron HG		PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene		14
	Susta PEEK-GF30		PEEK Polyetheretherketone		13
	sustamid 66GF-30		Nylon, Cast PA66, Glass Filled		13
	Susta PEEK-CA30		PEEK Polyetheretherketone		13
	Tetron GR		PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene		12
	Sustamid 6		Nylon		12
	Trovidur EN PVC		PVC Polyvinylchloride		12
	Tetron G		PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene		12
	Polystone PP		PP Polypropylene		12
	Tetron C		PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene		11
	Safeguard UVX		PC Polycarbonate		8
	Safeguard HARD		PC Polycarbonate		8
	Tetron B		PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene		7