Machined Plastics for Packaging & Processing Equipment

Precision-Machined Parts for Motion Control, Wear Resistance, and OEM Equipment Integration

CDS Plastics manufactures high-performance plastic components engineered to meet the speed, alignment, and durability demands of packaging and processing equipment.

From timing screws and wear strips to star wheels and chute liners, our parts are built for precision motion, reduced friction, and long-lasting system reliability, with materials selected for high wear applications and compatibility with frequent changeovers.

Why Engineered Plastics Are Ideal for Packaging & Processing Equipment

Packaging and processing equipment runs under high load, tight timing, and constant motion. Engineered plastics are essential in reducing component wear, supporting fast, friction-sensitive operations, and eliminating downtime from lubrication or misalignment. Their machinability, durability, and repeatability make them the material of choice for modern automation systems.

  • Exceptional Wear Resistance
    Ideal for high-speed components like timing screws, star wheels, and chain guides that endure continuous product contact and motion.
  • Low Friction, No Lubrication Required
    Self-lubricating materials reduce system drag, improve part life, and eliminate the mess and maintenance of greased components.
  • Precision Machinability
    Plastics like Acetal and UHMW can be machined to tight tolerances for integration with OEM equipment or custom line retrofits.
  • Lightweight for Reduced Inertia
    Lower part weight decreases motor loads and enables faster acceleration in pick-and-place, bottling, and sorting systems.
  • Noise & Vibration Dampening
    Plastics absorb impact and reduce noise from repetitive part transfer, allowing systems to run quieter and smoother.
  • Corrosion & Chemical Resistance
    Unlike metals, plastics won’t degrade from cleaning agents, adhesives, or moisture exposure in packaging environments.

Plastics Engineered for Motion, Wear, and System Efficiency

Automated packaging and processing equipment requires materials that can withstand friction, speed, and chemical exposure, without sacrificing dimensional precision. The plastics below are selected for their performance under stress, making them ideal for use in high-speed motion components, wear surfaces, and OEM machine parts.

Material Key Properties Common Applications
UHMW-PE Low friction, impact-resistant, excellent wear life Wear strips, chain guides, chute liners, star wheels
Acetal (Delrin®) Machinable, dimensionally stable, FDA compliant Timing screws, star wheels, gears, bottle handling rails
Metal Detectable UHMW Food safe, detectable by inspection systems Wear components in HACCP-regulated packaging zones
Nylon High strength, excellent wear against metal, self-lubricating Gears, rollers, bushings, product diverters
PET Excellent dimensional stability, low moisture absorption Guide blocks, precision rails, tight tolerance components

Machined Parts for Packaging & Processing Machinery

We machine custom parts for high-speed lines, OEM equipment, and retrofit systems, supporting smooth container flow, product separation, and reduced wear in continuous-motion environments. All parts are built to withstand friction, impact, and mechanical stress without deforming or requiring external lubrication.

Timing Screws

Precision-machined for controlled spacing and product flow at high conveyor speeds.

Star Wheels

Custom-profiled for container indexing and directional transfer in rotary or inline systems.

Wear Strips & Chain Guides

Low-friction parts for smooth belt and chain movement in high-wear zones.

Guide Rails & Track Blocks

Supports product alignment and spacing throughout filling, labeling, or sealing lines.

Machine Guards & Covers

Durable, non-metallic shields that protect moving parts while maintaining operator visibility.

Transfer Plates & Diverters

Engineered to reduce jamming and maintain product spacing during directional changes.

Applications Across Food & Beverage Processing

CDS Plastics supports OEMs, integrators, and maintenance teams across a wide range of packaging and processing environments, from pharmaceutical bottling to tray handling and high-speed labeling lines. Our parts are engineered to maintain consistent motion, reduce friction, and operate reliably in dynamic, multi-shift production systems.

Beverage Bottling & Labeling Lines

Pharmaceutical Packaging Equipment

Dairy Filling & Sealing Systems

Tray Handling & Sorting Lines

Snack & Confectionery Packaging

High-Speed Cartoning Machines

Cosmetics & Personal Care Packaging

Labeling, Coding & Marking Systems

Machining Services for Packaging & Processing System Components

Our in-house machining and fabrication capabilities support OEMs, machine builders, and integrators with high-precision plastic parts for packaging and processing systems. From one-off replacements to short-run production, we deliver custom components built for motion, alignment, and high-cycle durability.

CNC Milling

Ideal for wear strips, alignment rails, timing plates, and parts requiring dimensional repeatability.

CNC Turning

Used for producing bushings, rollers, spacers, and any rotational components in automated systems.

Plastic Fabrication & Assembly

Multi-part assemblies, machined guards, and bonded or fastened components ready for installation.

Reverse Engineering

We replicate OEM or obsolete parts from physical samples, enabling quick replacements and system upgrades.

FDA-Compliant & Detectable Plastics

Expertise in machining food-safe and detectable materials for inspection-ready packaging zones.

Why Leading Packaging & Processing Teams Choose CDS Plastics

We support OEMs, integrators, and end-users with fast, accurate machining of plastic components engineered for motion control, long wear life, and seamless equipment integration. Whether you're building new systems or replacing legacy components, CDS Plastics delivers quality, speed, and technical consistency at every step.

Application-Specific Expertise

Deep understanding of packaging and processing mechanics, including motion profiles, product handling, and wear zones.

Precision Tolerance Capabilities

Machining accuracy supports consistent system performance and drop-in compatibility with OEM components.

Rapid Part Replacement & Turnaround

Ideal for facilities with urgent downtime concerns or integrators on tight project schedules.

Reverse Engineering & Retrofit Support

We can replicate worn or obsolete parts and optimize them for durability, fit, and friction control.

Made in the USA

All machining and inspection are done in-house at our U.S. facility under strict process control and full traceability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What plastics are best for high-speed packaging machinery?
UHMW, Acetal, PET, and Nylon are common choices due to their excellent wear resistance, low friction, and dimensional stability in moving assemblies.
Can CDS Plastics match or replace OEM components?
Yes. We can machine components to match OEM tolerances or reverse engineer worn parts when CAD files or specs are unavailable.
How fast can you deliver replacement parts?
Turnaround depends on part complexity, but we often deliver critical wear components in a matter of days. We prioritize emergency replacements when downtime is costly.
Do your plastics meet FDA or inspection requirements?
Yes. We machine FDA-compliant plastics as well as metal- and X-ray-detectable materials for regulated packaging environments.
Can I get help selecting the right material for my line?
Absolutely. Our team can review your system's environment, speed, wear zones, and compliance needs to recommend the ideal plastic for each component.

Request Precision Plastic Components for Packaging Equipment

Get engineered plastic parts built for high-speed systems, reduced friction, and long-term reliability, machined to your specifications and ready for integration.