Machining PAI is challenging due to its high abrasiveness and brittleness. It requires sharp tooling, careful fixturing, and rigorous dust extraction.
What We Machine
We machine custom PAI insulators, bushings, thermal shields, and wear components for aerospace and semiconductor clients. We can hold tolerances of ±0.02mm on most parts.
Critical Machining Factors
- Abrasiveness: PAI wears out standard high-speed steel and even carbide tools quickly. We use diamond-coated tooling to ensure clean cuts and dimensional accuracy.
- Dust Control: PAI dust can be irritating. We use high-pressure air and specialized extraction systems to clear chips safely.
- Brittleness: PAI chips easily at the edges. Using positive rake angles and gentle clamping pressure helps prevent edge chipping.
When NOT to CNC Machine PAI
For very high volumes of small, simple shapes, direct forming or compression molding PAI granules is more economical than CNC machining.
Design Tip: When designing PAI parts, avoid sharp internal corners. A small radius helps prevent stress concentration and part failure under thermal cycling.