Five tips for designing with technical plastics

25.03.24

Tips for manufacturing designs

- With technical plastics

Plastic is a versatile construction material and is used in various roles in industrial components and machine parts. It is a material that can adapt to almost any task and deliver outstanding results.

However, when moving from traditional materials such as metal or steel to technical plastic components, there are certain considerations that should be taken into account to ensure a smooth and successful design.

1. Consider tolerances carefully

When it comes to machine parts or plastic components, tolerances play an important role - but it does not have to be complicated. Tolerances are simply the permissable variations from the specified dimensions of a part.

With plastics, it is important to remember that the material can be more flexible and dynamic than metal. This means that the coeffecient of expansion can vary significantly - even from one type of plastic to another.

That is why you should not be afraid to allow slightly larger tolerances, as this can make the production process more efficient and cost-effective. Taking tolerances into account from the very start of the design process can give you a solid foundation for creating successful plastic construction.

Plastic is a good construction material for machine parts.

2. Consider the operating environment

Heat, cold and other environmental factors can affect the performance of plastics. It is therefore important to think about the environment in which the component will operate and choose materials and designs that are suitable for these conditions.

By understanding and adapting to these variables, you can ensure the durability and reliability of your design.

Parallel arms and end piece in plastic in food machinery

3. Be aware of material stresses

Asymmetrical parts made from sheets can present challenges with material stresses, which may result in deformation or weakening of the structure.

By selecting appropriate materials, choosing the right processing method and allowing longer resting times, you can effectively minimise or eliminate these stresses and achieve a more stable and reliable construction.

CNC turning is one of Induflex' favourite processing methods.

4. Consider flexibility in your dimensions

Being flexible with the dimensions of your design can open the door to significant savings and efficiency improvements. In particular, if you can adapt your design to fit standard-sized rods or sheet thickness, you can benefit from greater availability and reduced production costs.

In short, this helps minimise material consumption. Thinking outside the box and being open to different dimensions can give you a competitive advantage and unlock the full potential of your design.

Constructor works on a design of components for a lamp

5. Understanding material properties

Technical plastics differ significantly from metals and steel in their characteristics. It is crucial to understand these properties thoroughly - including strength, flexibility, temperature resistance and chemical durability - to ensure a successful design.

Compared to metal and steel, technical plastics offer many advantages and features that can be leveraged. In fact, it can often be beneficial to redesign metal components using plastic.

Ar Induflex, we understand the importance of finding the right solutions for your projects. Our dedicated team of experts is ready to collaborate with you on your needs and opportunities within technical plastics.