PVC Machining Services

  • Best resistant to acids, bases, and solvents.
  • Most plastics have a moisture absorption rate < 0.5%.
  • Strong electrical insulator with dielectric strength of 800–1,000 V/mil.
  • Naturally, it has properties that keep it from burning, with an LOI of 45%.

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    TOPS Precision focuses on CNC machining for engineering plastics such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). In addition to advanced equipment, our experience and skills allow us to make top-quality PVC components. These parts have numerous applications in different industries, including chemical, water treatment, medical, electrical, and several others. Additionally, we can help with all your needs for custom fittings, manifolds, enclosures, and insulating parts. So, whether the project is a prototype or a large production, we make sure to do it accurately and at a good pace. Our CNC processes meet the special requirements of rigid and unplasticized PVC. It results in smooth surfaces, close tolerances, and consistent dimensions, regardless of the design’s complexity.
    What Is PVC Machining

    What Is PVC Machining?

    PVC machining means using either CNC or manual tools to cut, mill, drill, and shape polyvinyl chloride plastic. Industries that want materials with low weight, no corrosion, and insulating qualities widely depend on plastics. During this process, you should use sharp tools and follow the right feed rates to stop the parts from melting, becoming misshapen, or ending up with rough surfaces. Many designers pick Rigid PVC as it is strong and keeps its shape when being made into products.

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      How Is PVC Machined?

      Rigid sheets or rods of PVC are chosen as the first step in machining this material. A CNC machine secures the workpiece so that it can be shaped according to the part’s design.

      Multi-axis CNC Mills Part creation is possible using milling to cut profiled, pocketed, and slotted pieces with multi-axis CNC mills or routers.

      Round or Cylindrical Parts, such as bushings or pipe connectors, are best processed on a CNC lathe by using the turning function.

      Drilling – It needs sharp tools and the right spindle speed so chips do not build up and the surface is not burned.

      Sawing or Cutting –The job is done using fine-tooth blades to maintain a clean finish.

      Deburring –The final process to get rid of sharp parts and to polish the surfaces.

      Often, air or cold water streams are added to lessen the heat, and vacuum pipes deal with the small PVC particles safely.

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        Unplasticized or Rigid PVC

        We mainly work with Rigid PVC, which is also called uPVC (unplasticized PVC). Rigid uPVC does not require plasticizers and hence is tougher, more rigid, and can withstand greater temperature variations than flexible PVC. It is therefore perfect for frameworks, parts that handle liquids, and electrical systems. It has good machine tooling, can withstand chemicals, and maintains its size with temperature changes.

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          Characteristics of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Material

          PVC is appreciated for doing well in even the most difficult conditions, giving a combination of strong chemicals, stable structure, and safe features in different environments.

          Characteristics of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Material

          Chemical Resistance

          PVC is very resistant to things such as acids, alkalis, salts, and most industrial solvents. For this reason, it is most commonly used in chemical processing, plumbing, and industrial fluid systems because corrosive substances are present.

          Difficult to absorb Water

          Since its water absorption is very little, PVC keeps its shape and strength even when it gets wet. For these reasons, this material can be used outside, in piping systems, and for fluid components.

          Electrical Insulation

          PVC’s capacity as an insulator in electronic components, switchgear, and cables comes from its maximum dielectric strength of 1,000 V/mil. The always improving insulation plays a key role in humid and high-tension sites.

          Dimensional Stability

          Maintaining its form and dimensions, PVC deals with mechanical strains and high temperatures because of its low thermal expansion coefficient of 5.4 × 10 ⁻⁵ in/in/°F. It guarantees that the product will work for a long time, even in complex applications.

          UV Rays & Weather Protection

          Many PVC products are designed to last long in sunlight without breaking or getting discolored. Thus, it can be used for outdoor building parts, signs, and shields for electronics that have to stand up to the weather.

          Flame Retardant

          Since the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of PVC is more than 45%, it will extinguish flames on its own without an outside source. That is why this material is used in places where fire resistance matters a lot.

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            Different Types of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

            Here are some of the important types of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and their common applications:

            Type

            Applications

            Properties

            Rigid PVC (uPVC)

            Pipes, window frames, panels

            High tensile strength (~7,500 psi), good weather resistance

            Flexible PVC

            Tubing, insulation, gaskets

            Shore A hardness 60–90, high elongation, bendable

            CPVC

            Hot water pipes, chemical systems

            Heat resistant to ~93°C, corrosion resistant

            ESD-Safe PVC

            Circuit trays, cleanroom components

            Surface resistivity ~10⁶–10⁹ Ω/sq for static control

            Foamed PVC

            Signs, displays, lightweight boards

            Low density (~0.55 g/cm³), easy to cut and shape

            Transparent PVC

            Protective covers, guards, and light enclosures

            ~85% light transmission, Shore D ~80

            PVC Type I

            Chemical tanks, ducts

            Excellent chemical resistance, tensile strength ~7,500 psi

            PVC Type II

            Water treatment, structural parts

            Impact-resistant, tensile strength ~6,000 psi

            High-Density PVC

            Industrial panels, heavy-duty structures

            Enhanced rigidity and strength, weather-tough

            Low-Temperature PVC

            Cold storage seals, outdoor gaskets

            Maintains flexibility below 0°C

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              Advantages of PVC Machining

              Here are some of the benefits of PVC Machining:

              Flexible Material – It helps in building structures and insulating them.

              Pleasant Workability – Works easily and keeps fine cuts in place.

              Corrosion Resistance – Made for regions that have a lot of chemicals or where there is higher moisture.

              Ensures Safety – Protects high-voltage electronics or sensitive devices.

              Lightweight – Products are simple to manage and cheaper to ship.

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                Advantages of PVC Machining

                Challenges in PVC Machining

                Machining PVC is, for the most part, easy, but it has certain drawbacks.

                • Overheating – Running at a faster spindle speed or feed rate may result in the material softening or melting.
                • Dust Control – It is necessary to collect fine dust to ensure everyone’s safety.
                • Thermal expansion – Some materials swell slightly due to heat. So, must monitor temperatures carefully.
                • Brittle Failure – Blade chipping can occur in foamed or clear PVC due to dull or the wrong tooling.

                Common PVC Machined Items

                TOPS Precision specializes in custom PVC products as per requirement.

                • Pipe fittings and valves
                • Manifolds and flanges
                • Electrical insulators
                • Thermodynamics devices
                • Accessories for lab-grade receivers
                • Fasteners and seals

                We can satisfy industrial and custom orders thanks to our exact customization.

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                  Common PVC Machined Items

                  Finishing Options for PVC After Machining

                  Rigid PVC needs finishing after machining. So, we suggest some options:

                  • Rotary Deburring & Edge Rounding helps ensure safe use and accurate assembly.
                  • Custom paint & coatings are designed for UV, chemical, or abrasion resistance.
                  • Solvent Welding allows you to join PVC parts seamlessly.
                  Finishing Options for PVC After Machining

                  Quick Ways to Save Money on PVC Machining

                  Here are some tips you can follow to save money:

                  Make the Design Geometry More Efficient: Try to avoid having either very thin walls or narrow corners. This helps machines to work faster and tools to endure more use.

                  Select Common Grades: You’ll find that Type I or CPVC is easy to get and is cheaper than special formulations.

                  Set up for Mass Production: Bigger batches can allow a company to reduce the cost of each part with proper setup and tools.

                  Reduce Post-Processing: PVC is extremely polished before it is made, and final finishing steps are seldom needed.

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                    Make Precise PVC Parts Using TOPS Precision

                    We want to help you produce your PVC part designs with the assistance of our advanced CNC machining services at TOPS Precision. With each step, from creating a prototype to putting the product into full production, we ensure to optimize it together with your engineers for benefits in cost, how it functions, and appearance.

                    We guarantee quality parts and have experience in the field. We use a QA procedure that meets ISO standards.

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                      Our PVC Machining Services Come With A Guarantee

                      We guarantee every aspect of what we machine. All PVC machining, focusing on precision, offering fast production, and the ability to trace the materials used. If you like our services, we will give you the best product. We value your trust greatly.

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                        FAQs About ABS CNC Machining

                        We assist you with complete design by supplying CAD models and reviewing tolerances to check if parts can be manufactured.

                        Standard PVC helps endure up to 60°C (140°F) before becoming unsafe. CPVC should be considered for use in air conditioners that work at high temperatures.

                        We can supply PVC that meets FDA and NSF standards for use in food, water, and medical situations on request.

                        UV-stabilized grades can be useful in many outdoor projects. Coatings are also available for long-term protection.

                        Indeed, we have the option to machine materials or do any painting or coating later.

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