When working with thermoplastic polymers, their special properties must be considered. Their viscoelastic properties impose special requirements on tooling. The use of tools made of HSS-steels has proved advantageous. In general, the tools must be kept very sharp and the part to be machined must be clamped in such a way to prevent it from vibrating during processing.

In contrast to metals, polymers exhibit very low thermal conductivity, i.e. heat is not conducted away from the surface into the workpiece as it is the case with metals. Therefore, heat must be actively removed from the surface, which is preferably done by means of the chips. Additional air cooling can also be very effective.