Making parts from polymers

[chris123]

Hello,

Some of the things I make dont need to be made using aluminium.
I was thinking I could use some kind of polymer.
Are they easily machinable on a lathe and mill.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of PVC, HDPE and Acetal?

[Algirdas]

what I would say is all polymers are machinable very well to compare to rock, Titanium alloys and Stainless. Some make a lot of dust however. No problem with good prepared machine. PVC or HDPE ar Acetal is selected by part designer. Mechanical properties of these materials are very different.

[chris123]

What would work best in an air compressor and resist impact?

[Gary55Ford]

What part of the compressor are you going to make?

[chris123]

The cylinder part, its for a toy
Think of it more as a hand pump
In this toy the cylinder moves over the piston which leads to it being smashed into the piston and the stock plastic ones break

[Algirdas]

Acetal

[chris123]

thanks