Technical Data and Downloads
Here you will find comprehensive technical information on the plastics used by Bülte in the manufacture of fasteners and other technical plastic parts.
The Right Plastic For Your Application
Every plastic fastener/protection part has to meet different needs and withstand different stresses. At Bülte, our aim is to help you choose the plastic that best meets your specifications. Thanks to our expertise in plastic injection molding, we can monitor your projects and support you throughout.
There are over 60 different thermoplastic materials. Below are the general characteristics of the most popular thermoplastic polymers we offer in our catalog.
Below, we've put together a reference guide to thermoplastic materials, describing the characteristics, benefits and most common applications of the main plastics we work with:
Below we provide you with an overview of the most common plastics. The data given are average values and are for information purposes only, without any claim to completeness.
A Customised Service
Our team is on hand to help you choose the most appropriate plastic for your needs, because the choice of material is crucial to improving the quality and function of the plastic parts selected. For each plastic fastener and assembly part, we can provide you with the technical data sheet relating to the material of the selected product.
Contact us now!Technical Information About Materials
The technical data given in the following tables is for guidance only and does not claim to be definitive. To establish the suitability of parts and materials offered on our website or in our catalogue, it is suggested that customers make their own tests for which samples are available on request.
| Material | PA6 | PA6-GF | PA6.6 | PA6.6-GF | PP | POM | PS | LD-PE | HD-PE | PVDF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 1,14 | 1,29 | 1,14 | 1,36 | 0,90 | 1,40 | 1,05 | 0,92 | 0,95 | 1,78 |
| Humidity absorption (%) | 2,6 | 1,8 | 2,3 | 1,70 | 0,10 | 0,28 | 0,1 | - | 0,10 | 0,04 |
| Modulus of elasticity (MPa) | 1100 | 5300 | 1800 | 6700 | 1000 | 3000 | 3200 | - | 1100 | 2300 |
| Hardness (Shore D) | 75±5 | - | 78±5 | - | 73±5 | 83±5 | - | 45±5 | 70±5 | 78±5 |
| Normal working temperature (°C) | +70 – +100 | +100 – +130 | +70 – +100 | +100 – +130 | +100 | +85 – +95 | +50 –+80 | +70 | +70 – +80 | +100 – +110 |
| Peak temperature (°C) | +150 – +170 | +180 | +180 | +180 | +140 | +140 | +60 – +90 | +80 | +90 | +150 |
| Minimum working temperature (°C) | -30 | -40 | -30 | - | -30 | -40 | - | -30 | -40 | -40 |
| Melting point (°C) | +250 | +255 | +260 | +260 | +170 | +165 | +100 | +110 | +135 | +170 |
| Combustillity (UL 94) | V2 | - | V2 | HB | - | HB | HB | - | HB | V0 |
| Transversal resistance (Ωmh x cm) | 1012 | 1015 | 1014 | - | 1017 | 1015 | 1016 | - | 1017 | 1014 |
| Percussion strength (kV/mm) | 30 | 60 | 25 | - | 50 | 20 | - | - | 50 | 20 |
Nylon 6 and Nylon 6.6 - Polyamide - PA
Nylon (or polyamide) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer with low density and high thermal stability. Even without reinforcing additives, such as glass fibre, this polymer is particularly strong and resistant to both abrasion and low temperatures.
Thanks to its low weight and excellent thermal and mechanical properties, nylon is one of the most commonly used materials in many industrial sectors, especially in the automotive industry. Polyamide is frequently used in the production of fasteners and mechanical parts, as it offers good resistance to bases, acids, and friction.
Advantages :
- Low coefficient of friction
- Good mechanical, thermal and chemical properties
- Good electrical insulation
- Resistant to oils, greases and solvents
Main applications :
- Automotive
- Domestic appliances
- Electrical engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Sports and leisure
At Bülte, you will find a comprehensive range of nylon screws and nuts, as well as (partly standardised) nylon washers, spacers and DIN 976 threaded rods made of nylon in various dimensions and thread sizes.
Glass filled Nylon/Polyamide 6 and 6.6 - PA-GF
Glass fibre reinforced plastics (GFRP) provide a remarkable increase in mechanical, thermomechanical, and dimensional stability performance, while applying the same injection molding techniques used for standard thermoplastics. Nylon reinforced with 30% glass fibre (PA-GF) demonstrates higher mechanical strength, creep resistance, and dimensional stability than regular nylon.
The properties of the PA-GF composite material make it suitable for applications with high static loads over long periods and at high temperatures (peak value 180°C). Since glass fibers tend to have an abrasive effect, glass fibre reinforced nylon is less suitable for plain bearings and other sliding applications.
Advantages :
- Good mechanical properties
- Impact resistance
- Resistance to thermal ageing
- Enhanced electrical insulation
Main applications :
- Automotive industry
- Electronics
- Mechanical equipment
If you require fasteners that offer dimensional stability even at higher temperatures, as well as high strength and impact resistance, we recommend, for example, glass-fibre reinforced cheese head screws ISO 1207, PA-GF hex head screws ISO 4017, dowel pins or nylon bushings with a share of 25% or 30% glass fibre from our standard range. GFR snap fasteners and handles complete the range of Bülte plastic parts made of PA-GF.
Polypropylene - PP
Polypropylene (PP) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic of the polypropylene type. The main characteristics of natural PP are good corrosion resistance, high rigidity and high heat resistance up to 100°C. It is the ideal material for assembly in acidic environments. We often find this material in the swimming pool sector, in the naval environment such as boat building, as well as in assemblies exposed to salt spray such as beachside installations. When weight is a factor, polypropylene is the material of choice thanks to its low density and lightness.
Advantages :
- High mechanical properties: high rigidity
- Good resistance to bending, hinge effect
- Thermal and chemical resistance
- Compatibility with food contact
Main applications :
- Shipbuilding
- Medical sector
- Mechanical industry
- Swimming pool and beach installations
At Bülte, you will find corrosion-free screws and other fasteners, such as PP hex head screws ISO 4017 and PP hex nuts ISO 4032, as well as lightweight, non-corrosive washers ISO 7093 made of polypropylene and yellow screw caps.
Polyacetal - POM
Natural polyacetal (POM), also known as Polyoxymethylene or Delrin, is an engineering thermoplastic with a wide range of applications compatible with many industries. Its main advantages are excellent wear and abrasion resistance, high rigidity and good chemical resistance. Polyacetal combines a number of physical properties that are not always present in other thermoplastics.
Advantages :
- High mechanical strength
- Creep, impact and wear resistance
- Good sliding properties
- Electrical insulation
Main applications :
- Precision mechanisms
- Automotive components
- Sanitary and medical industries
Polystyrene - PS
Polystyrene (PS) is an amorphous thermoplastic known for its rigidity, natural transparency, and low density. It is easy to process, cost-effective, and offers good dimensional stability and good insulating properties. However, its mechanical strength and impact resistance are limited, making it suitable only for applications with low mechanical stress.
Polystyrene is used in various technical fields, particularly in electronics, electrical engineering, and construction, for the production of lightweight, insulating, or decorative components.
Advantages:
- High rigidity and good dimensional stability
- Low density and lightweight
- Good electrical insulator
Main applications:
- Electronics and electrical engineering
- Construction
- Consumer goods
- Signage and advertising
High density Polyethylene - HD-PE
High-density polyethylene (PE-HD or HDPE) is a high-molecular-weight polyethylene thermoplastic with better impact resistance and wear resistance than PE-LD (low-density polyethylene). Its main advantages are excellent chemical resistance, high mechanical strength, low moisture absorption and good slip and non-stick properties. Mainly used by Bülte for its range of plastic plugs and caps, this material can also be used for fasteners, such as screws, washers and spacers in PE-HD.
Advantages :
- Food grade
- Chemical stability
- High impact and shock resistance
- Non-stick
- Electrical insulation and UV resistance
Main applications :
- Industrial piping and boiler making
- Industrial machining
- Play areas
- Food containers
Low density Polyethylene - LD-PE
Low-density polyethylene (PE-LD or LDPE) is a flexible and cost-effective semi-crystalline thermoplastic characterized by its low density, high flexibility, and good chemical resistance. It differs from high-density polyethylene (PE-HD or HDPE) by offering better impact resistance at low temperatures but lower rigidity and mechanical strength.
It is commonly used in applications where lightness, elasticity, and chemical resistance are required. Thanks to its insulating properties and good moisture resistance, PE-LD is frequently employed in the construction and electronics industries.
Advantages:
- Good chemical resistance
- Excellent flexibility and elasticity
- Good impact resistance, even at low temperatures
- Good electrical insulator
- Low density and lightweight, good wear resistance
Main applications:
- Shipbuilding
- Medical technology
- Mechanical engineering
- Swimming pool and beach installations
Polyvinylidene fluoride - PVDF
Polyvinylidene fluoride or PVDF is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic belonging to the fluoroplastics group. It has the best chemical resistance among the injection-moulded plastic parts offered by Bülte. The material is characterised by high mechanical strength, very good chemical resistance and very low moisture absorption.
PDVF is ideal for assemblies in highly corrosive environments such as the chemical industry, but also in the field of energy and hydrocarbons. It can be used in a wide range of temperatures without any loss of mechanical properties – an extra safety feature for the most demanding applications in various industries..
Advantages :
- High chemical resistance to a wide range of oils, greases, alkalis and salt solutions, including at high temperatures
- Mechanical properties, creep resistance
- High wear resistance UL94V-V0 (UV stability - low ageing)
- Excellent thermal stability
- Very low microbiological attachment
Main applications :
- Exterior construction elements: building facades, roofs, etc.
- Electrical cabinets
- Chemical industry
- Medical sector
Polyetheretherketone – PEEK
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a semi-crystalline, high-performance thermoplastic known for its combination of rigidity, dimensional stability, and excellent mechanical strength. Its exceptional resistance to wear, chemicals, and continuous operating temperatures of up to 260°C makes it a material of choice for harsh environments with diverse stresses.
Thanks to its durability and outstanding physical properties, PEEK is often used as a metal replacement in precision parts, reducing weight while ensuring maximum reliability. It is also biocompatible and sterilizable, making it particularly suitable for medical applications.
Advantages:
- Excellent temperature resistance (+260°C continuous use)
- Very high mechanical strength and rigidity
- Outstanding resistance to wear, abrasion, and fatigue
- High chemical resistance to numerous solvents
- Dimensional stability under load
- High radiation resistance
Main applications:
- Aerospace (structural components, insulation materials)
- Automotive industry
- Energy (oil, gas, and nuclear power)
- Medical technology
- Food industry
- Electronics industry
Polytetrafluoroethylene – PTFE
PTFE (commonly known as Teflon®) is a high-performance polymer renowned for its exceptional chemical resistance and thermal stability. It retains its properties across a very wide temperature range from -200°C to +260°C, making it a unique material for extreme requirements.
Its low coefficient of friction combined with non-stick properties makes it highly efficient for products such as sliding-contact bearings, washers and retaining rings . PTFE is also an excellent electrical insulator and has very low moisture absorption, making it particularly suitable in areas where reliability and safety are essential.
Advantages:
- High chemical resistance to most corrosive substances
- Usable across an extreme temperature range (-200°C to +260°C in continuous service)
- Non-stick properties and very low coefficient of friction
- Excellent electrical insulation
- Food safety compliance
p>Main applications:
- Chemical and petrochemical industry
- Medical and pharmaceutical fields
- Food and agricultural industry
- Aerospace
- Electronics
- Telecommunications
Suitability for Food, Drinking Water, and Medical Technology
Our technical plastic parts and fasteners (e.g., screws, nuts, washers) are not generally approved for contact with food or drinking water. The suitability for specific applications, particularly in the areas of food contact, drinking water hygiene, or medical technology, must be individually verified by the user before use.
Please contact us if you require a product-specific declaration of conformity or further evidence of material suitability. Upon request, we will gladly provide you with any available certificates — insofar as corresponding tests or manufacturer declarations from our suppliers are available to us.
We confirm that our materials are generally RoHS and REACH compliant.
Additional evidence of suitability, such as for cleanroom production or biocompatibility, can be provided on a project-specific basis if required for your application.
Personalised Information and Advice
Most of our plastic fasteners (washers, spacers, nuts, screws, bushings) are made from natural polyamide, the most economical solution. This virgin thermoplastic is ideal for technical parts where the final appearance is not the priority.
Nevertheless, for all your applications requiring a meticulous finish, we can offer high-quality plastic fasteners and assembly parts, in a wide choice of customisable colours.
We can also offer you other plastic and composite materials, if your project so requires, depending on your technical constraints: our experts will study your specifications and we can produce your parts to your drawing.
Material data sheets and a RAL colour chart are available to customers on request: if you would like technical data on the raw materials used in the manufacture of our plastic fasteners and assembly parts, please contact our team. Our experts are on hand to suggest the most appropriate material for your project, taking into account your technical and budgetary constraints. We can also send you free samples for you to test.