Engineering plastics is generally the name given to a range of plastics that have been developed to replace or compliment outdated metals within the engineering industry. Engineering plastics were first developed many years ago with the invention of Tufnol type or bakelite materials and has further developed into the modern day high performance engineering plastics that now have outstanding properties and functions. Modern engineering plastics are capable of performing almost all of the functions of the more traditional materials such as phospher bronze and other metals but with the advantage of being much more economical, easier and cheaper to machine and much lighter in weight. Some of the modern engineering plastics such as PTFE and PEEK offer incredible heat resistance as well as an exceptionally low co-efficient of friction which reduces energy consumption within a machine and increases the lifespan of the componant.

Because engineering plastics are produced in either rod, tube or sheet and in a huge range of sizes it helps customers select an optimum size for their needs, reducing waste, machining time and cost. Most engineering plastics are manufactured oversize, which means that for instance, a componant required to be machined to 100mm diameter rod, rather than having to select the next size up and increasing material waste. The majority of engineering plastics are produced through the bye products of the oil or petrochemical industry and are processed along side and as a compliment. An important factor to note regarding engineering plastics is their expansion rates which can vary but there are grades available which are developed to reduce thier rate and also moisture absorption which can make componants expand slightly but again, there are grades which almost eliminate the feature.