Why You Should Consider Engineering Plastics Over Metal for Your Industrial Applications

I started this blog to discuss information I've picked up in my new role, which might be useful for someone starting out in an industrial equipment supply role.

Why You Should Consider Engineering Plastics Over Metal for Your Industrial Applications

Why You Should Consider Engineering Plastics Over Metal for Your Industrial Applications

28 November 2016
 Categories:
, Blog


Efficiency and better thermal and mechanical properties are among the top considerations when choosing materials for industrial and manufacturing applications. Metals have long been among the most preferred materials for industrial applications. However, here are reasons why the highly modified engineering plastics offer an edge over metals.

Engineering Plastics Have a Higher Chemical Resistance

Engineering plastics can withstand the exposure to harsh chemicals without the need for special handling such as surface treatments. This makes it suitable for many critical industrial applications because of the resilient mechanical properties that come with the high chemical resistance. However, when using these plastics, remember that their chemical resistance can be affected greatly by things such as duration of the exposure to the chemicals, the levels of temperature, and the concentration and type of reagents used.

Engineering Plastics Offer High Flexibility and Versatility in Design

The malleable property of plastic makes it easy to mould engineering plastics into almost any shape and design to suit different industrial applications. This malleability allows for tight tolerance, which means unlike metal, you can easily make complex structures and shapes from engineering plastics. This also makes engineering plastics ideal materials to use for a wide range of industrial and manufacturing applications.

Engineering Plastics Are Lightweight

Engineering plastics are lighter than metals. While being light, these materials still hold the same resilience and strength as their metal counterparts. This gives engineers and designers the capacity to design materials and shapes and modify them based on the lighter weights. The installation of engineering plastics is also easier, which can help cut on the costs of installation. The costs of shipping or transporting engineering plastics is also reduced significantly. Other advantages that come with the lightweight property of engineering plastics include better fuel economy and reduction of the horsepower of motors, which means smaller motors can be used instead. With all the benefits resulting from the lightweight property of engineering plastics, using these materials can be considered as a more cost-effective option than using metals.

Engineering Plastics Cut On Production Costs

Since plastic has low friction properties, external lubrication is not required with reference to mating surfaces. The manufacture of engineering plastics does not require additional finishing processes, which allows you to make components of any dimensions and shapes in a single machining process. This helps cut significantly on the production costs.

Using engineering plastics will help transform your industrial applications in an effective and efficient way.

About Me
Industrial equipment supply chain learning curve

I have always worked in the supply chain department, but since moving to an industrial equipment supplier, I've been on a steep learning curve. We have so many pieces with multiple names or similar names, and I need to be able to work out which pieces can be substituted in an emergency and which pieces are not similar. It's been tricky for me to get my head around, so I started this blog to discuss some of the information I've picked up in this role, which might be useful for someone else just starting out in an industrial equipment supply role.