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Engineering Plastic Storage & Handling: Best Practices for Quality

General Storage Guidelines

· Temperature: 15-25°C (avoid >40°C and <5°C)

· Humidity: 30-50% RH (critical for PA66)

· Sheets: Store flat — never lean against walls

· Rods: Store horizontally on racks

· Protection: Keep in original packaging until needed

Material-Specific Requirements

PEEK — Low Sensitivity

· Moisture: Very low absorption (0.1%)

· UV: Store away from direct sunlight

· Shelf life: Indefinite when stored properly

POM — Low Sensitivity

· Moisture: Very low absorption (0.2%)

· Temperature: Avoid >50°C (formaldehyde release)

· Store away from acids and oxidizing agents

· Shelf life: 5+ years

PA66 — HIGH Sensitivity (Most Critical)

· Moisture: HIGH absorption (2.5-3.5%)

· Before machining: Dry at 80°C for 4-8 hours if stored in humid conditions

· Store in sealed moisture-barrier packaging with desiccant

· Shelf life: 3-5 years sealed; 6-12 months open storage

PPS & PEI — Low Sensitivity

· PPS: Very low moisture (0.02%), indefinite shelf life

· PEI: Low moisture (0.25%), 5+ year shelf life

Handling Best Practices

1. Receiving: Check packaging, verify material ID, inspect for damage, record batch numbers

2. Handling: Wear clean gloves for optical/cleanroom materials; use lifting equipment for heavy items

3. Pre-machining: Acclimate to shop temperature (24 hours), dry moisture-sensitive materials

4. Storage area: Clean, dry, temperature-controlled, FIFO rotation, no chemical storage

FAQ

Q1: How should plastic sheets be stored?

Flat on level surface, 15-25°C, 30-50% RH. Never lean against walls.

Q2: Which plastic is most moisture-sensitive?

PA66 — absorbs 2.5-3.5% water. Store sealed with desiccant, dry before machining.

Q3: Shelf life of engineering plastics?

PEEK/PPS: indefinite. POM/PEI: 5+ years. PA66: 3-5 years sealed, 6-12 months open.

Ready to source quality engineering plastics? Contact NAGOMER today for a free quote, or browse our PEEK sheets, POM rods, and ESD materials.

NAGOMER — Professional Engineering Plastics Solutions

www.nagomer.com | info@nagomer.com