Making the Switch
As technology advances, there are more and more cases where plastic parts are replacing metal components, providing lighter-weight, cost-effective alternatives. Overall, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers says companies can achieve cost savings of up to 50% by choosing plastic over metal materials to plastic parts. Here are more benefits of using plastic vs. metal:
- Reduced weight
- Higher tensile strength
- Greater design flexibility
- Reduced shipping costs
- Up to six times longer life
- Greater corrosion resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Lower maintenance
- Faster cycle times and manufacturability
Engineered Resins for Metal Replacement
Metal replacement plastics require high-performance, engineered resins that can withstand heat, vibration, and stress at the same level (or better) than traditional metals.
At Thogus, our team is well-versed in all types of resins and has the experience needed to find alternatives to suit your project. Below are a few of our frequently run engineered resins that can be used for metal replacement:
- Nylon (PA6, PA66, and PA12)
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
- Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT)
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Acetal (POM)
- Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK)
- Polyvinylidene Difluoride (PVDF)
- Polyether Imide (PEI)
- Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS)
Opportunities to Replace Plastic
Considering the many benefits of plastic, it’s clear why so many industries have made the switch from metal to plastic. Particularly in the automotive and medical device industries, many manufacturers are actively finding opportunities for metal replacement.
Medical devices with metal parts that can be replaced with plastic:
- Surgical instruments
- Sleep apnea masks
- Sterilization trays
- Imaging equipment
- Radiation shielding
- Orthotics and prosthetics
- Medical tubing and tube fittings
- Medical implants
Automotive metal parts that can be replaced with plastic materials:
- Front-end modules
- Beams
- Brackets
- Trunk lids
- Deck lids
- Body panels
- Floor panels
- Airbag containers
- Pedals
- Seat components
- Air ducts
- Resonators
- Chain tensioners
- Belt pulleys
- Oil pans
- Water pumps
- Cylinder head covers
- Gear components
- Cosmetic components (wood grain or chrome plastics)