Five strong arguments for converting to engineering plastics from metals

12.04.24

From traditional materials

to new possibilities with plastics

Traditionally, metal and steel have been preferred materials for industrial components. However, today engineering plastics are gaining ground as an attractive alternative. Engineering plastics, also known as structural plastics, offer a range of advantages that make them an ideal choice, even for the most demanding tasks.

Engineering plastics represent a group of plastic materials specifically designed to meet the technical and chemical requirements of various applications. Here are five good reasons why it can be beneficial to switch from metal and steel to engineering plastics.

Lightweight alternative

Compared to metal and steel, engineering plastics are significantly lighter. The low weight not only makes assembly and cleaning easier but also reduces the strain on equipment and machinery that use these materials.

In addition, the low weight makes it easier to transport and handle products made from engineering plastics.

A hand lifts a turned machine part in black plastics from a pallet filled with machine parts.

Corrosion resistance

Metal and steel are prone to rust and corrosion over time, especially in challenging environments or during intensive cleaning. Corrosion can gradually degrade the metal and compromise its structural integrity, which may lead to component failure, production downtime and the need for replacement.

Engineering plastics, however, are resistant to corrosion and possess excellent chemical properties. This makes them suitable for applications that require durability and reliability in demanding environments or intensive cleaning processes.

Bungs made of plastics mounted on a UV desinfection system

Self-lubricating components

Unlike metal and steel components, which often require regular lubrication to maintain movement and prevent wear, engineering plastics are known for their self-lubricating properties.

This means they have low friction and can reduce wear and friction between moving parts, improving both their lifespan and overall performance.

Additionally, some materials can be enhanced with additives, such as oil or Teflon, to further improve sliding properties.

Nylon machine part to which oil has been added as an additive to create self-lubricating properties.

Reducing production noise

Is your production suffering from excessive decibel levels? Metal and steel components can often be noisy and vibration-inducing during operation. This is where engineering plastics come to the rescue with their noise-dampening capability.

Engineering plastics tend to absorb and dampen vibrations better than metal and steel. This can reduce the amount of noise generated by machinery and equipment during operation, as fewer vibrations are transmitted to the surroundings.

White machine parts of PVDF on a black background.

Option for FCM

Many types of plastics are available as food-approved contact materials (FCM), meaning they meet strict safety and hygiene requirements in the food industry. This makes engineering plastics an ideal choice for applications that come into contact with food or beverages.