Machining Plastic Experts Guide

One of the most common questions I’m asked is, how do we machine engineering plastics?

Machining is a precise and carefully controlled manufacturing process that we use to create custom plastic components. Today, most of this work is done using computer numerical control (CNC) machining, which allows us to achieve exceptional precision and consistency in every part we produce.

When determining the best machining approach for a bespoke plastic component, several key factors come into play — primarily the design, the construction, and the material itself. Each of these elements directly influences how we plan and execute the machining process to ensure the final component performs exactly as intended.

Careful Considerations

When I’m CNC machining plastic, care and attention to detail are absolutely essential. Plastics can be prone to issues such as warping, cracking, expansion, contraction, and deformation, so every stage of the process demands precision and control.

The challenge becomes even greater given the wide range of plastics and sub‑types available — each with its own unique characteristics and machining requirements. That’s why it’s so important to work with a supplier who has deep expertise and material knowledge. My goal is always to understand the precise needs of each project and apply the right techniques to manufacture components that perform flawlessly from the chosen plastic material.

Plastic CNC Machined Materials

Examples of just some commonly Machined materials are Nylon 6, Cast Nylon, Nylatron MoS2, Glass filled Nylon, Polyester Glass, EM42, Tufnol®, HDPE, LDPE, PE1000, PE500, PTFE, Teflon, PVDF, Acetal, Delrin, Also Peek, Arnite, SRBP, SRBF, Polypropylene, Polycarbonate, Perspex and Epoxy Glass.


All the parts we manufacture at Sentinel Plastics Ltd are custom‑made plastic components, designed specifically to meet each customer’s exact requirements. Whether I’m working from prototypes, detailed drawings, or even just a description, I can produce anything from a single bespoke piece to large batch quantities. My goal is always to stay flexible and adaptable, ensuring I can meet any project’s demands efficiently and to the highest standard.

It goes without saying that choosing a knowledgeable manufacturer for any plastic CNC machining project is crucial to its success. Working with plastics requires specialised expertise to avoid costly defects or product failures. That’s why, as a dedicated plastics company, I focus on providing clear guidance and support — helping you navigate the wide range of materials available and select the best option for your specific application.

At Sentinel Plastics Ltd, we have the technical expertise and industry experience needed to produce high‑quality, cost‑effective components from a wide range of plastics. Whether you need a one‑off prototype or a high‑volume production run, we’ll work closely with you to turn your design into reality.

To find out more about our CNC plastic machining capabilities or discuss your project in detail, get in touch with us — we’ll be happy to help or provide a tailored quotation.

At Sentinel Plastics, we’re always striving to deliver an excellent and reliable service — something our long‑standing and loyal customer base confirms we consistently achieve. Our reputation has been built over many years, supported by a team whose members each bring 30 to 40 years of experience in plastics engineering.

Just as importantly, we back our expertise with a robust, approved quality system, ensuring every customer receives components that are delivered on time and finished to the highest possible standard.
For many years, we’ve worked closely with B.S.I. to maintain our ISO 9001 Quality Standard. This long‑standing certification, combined with our proven track record, reflects our unwavering commitment to quality in every aspect of what we do.

CNC Machining Plastic Expert – Routing

Routing is one of the most common and effective methods we use for machining plastic parts. Most plastics can be cut accurately using our CNC routers, and below we’ve included some general guidelines for machining high‑performance materials.

Modern CNC routers, controlled through CAD and CAM software, enable us to translate digital designs directly into precision‑cut components. Once programmed, the machinery follows our exact instructions to produce highly accurate shapes and details, no matter how complex the design.

Like our other CNC equipment, our routers are extremely efficient — ideal for producing prototypes, signage, engineered parts, and many other plastic components with a high‑quality finish.

CNC Machining Plastic Experts – Turning

In most cases, plastic turning operations are performed on a lathe, where we rotate and manipulate the workpiece while a stationary cutting tool removes excess material to achieve the desired shape. Similarly, CNC turning allows us to produce precision parts by rotating rod material as a cutting tool is carefully fed into the workpiece.

Using computer‑controlled lathes, we can manufacture components with exceptional accuracy and repeatability. Thanks to modern CNC technology and our skilled operators, we’re able to create parts with fine tolerances and complex geometries, meeting even the most demanding design specifications — all while maintaining consistent quality and finish.

CNC Machining Plastic Experts – Milling

While CNC turning involves rotating the plastic material itself, milling works the opposite way — the cutting tool rotates while the workpiece remains stationary. This process removes small chips of plastic to create the desired form and surface finish.

Milling is a proven and reliable method for machining plastics, and with the right technique and experience, it becomes an ideal option for both prototyping and large‑batch component production. With our expertise and advanced equipment, we’re able to achieve excellent precision, surface quality, and repeatability across a wide range of materials.

Many plastic materials offer their own unique advantages in machining, and I always take these into account when recommending solutions. Some of the most commonly used plastics in our machining operations include:

UHMW (Ultra‑High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) – chosen for its excellent machinability.

Nylon – valued for its affordability, strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion and chemicals.

Polycarbonate – selected for its formability, high tensile strength, and resistance to cracking and abrasion.

PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) – used where exceptional chemical and wear resistance and high‑temperature performance are required.

To ensure a successful project, it’s essential to match the right material with the right machining approach. When you’re planning a plastic machining job, I can help you evaluate the key factors and guide you towards the most suitable combination for your application.

We use cutting‑edge CNC machinery to craft precise plastic parts and components to the tightest tolerances. Our extensive machining capabilities allow us to take on projects of any scale or complexity.

Our core services include:

CNC machining operations
Milling of plastic components
Drilling
Turning
Routing of plastic sheet materials

And much more, tailored to your specific requirements.

Whatever your needs, I’m always focused on delivering accuracy, consistency, and the highest quality finish in every component we produce.

At Sentinel Plastics Ltd, we are an ISO 9001:2018‑certified CNC plastic machining and fabrication company. When customers partner with us for their plastic machining needs, they gain the advantage of over 30 years of experience in CNC manufacturing, supported by our deep knowledge of specialised, engineering, and industrial plastics. With our large machining capacity, advanced technical expertise, and sub‑assembly manufacturing capabilities, we offer a complete and flexible service. Because we focus exclusively on plastics, our processes remain precise and efficient, free from the variability that comes with metalworking. This specialised focus allows us to provide quick turnarounds, late‑stage modifications, and the most cost‑effective pricing in the industry. These qualities enable us to meet even the most challenging design requirements while continuing to build lasting partnerships with our customers across the UK and beyond.

At Sentinel Plastics Ltd, we are an ISO 9001:2018‑certified CNC plastic machining and fabrication company. When customers partner with us for their plastic machining needs, they gain the advantage of over 30 years of experience in CNC manufacturing, supported by our deep knowledge of specialised, engineering, and industrial plastics. With our large machining capacity, advanced technical expertise, and sub‑assembly manufacturing capabilities, we offer a complete and flexible service. Because we focus exclusively on plastics, our processes remain precise and efficient, free from the variability that comes with metalworking. This specialised focus allows us to provide quick turnarounds, late‑stage modifications, and the most cost‑effective pricing in the industry. These qualities enable us to meet even the most challenging design requirements while continuing to build lasting partnerships with our customers across the UK and beyond.

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At Sentinel Plastics we have many years of CNC Plastic Machining experience.
  • ISO 9001: 2015 Company certification
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