Introduction

Picking the right plastic material is one of the key decisions when developing a product. A well-made part can still fail if it???s made of the wrong material. Various factors like strength, flexibility, ability to handle different temperatures, resistance to chemicals, and cost of production will dictate how well a product serves its purpose in the long run.

There are lots of different engineering and commodity plastics available today and so choosing one that fits best can be a bit intimidating. Luckily, once you know your product's specifications you can make a list of suitable materials leading to a decision that will give you a good combination of performance, durability and cost.

This article will tell you the main considerations when selecting plastic materials and will also feature types of plastics you might find in a common manufacturing environment.

Why Material Selection Is Important

Material selection influences greatly more than just the finished look of your product. It determines the efficiency of the manufacturing process, the durability of the product, the extent of maintenance that???s going to be required, and the overall cost of production.

A suitable material can provide better resistance to impacts, allow for a lighter product, tolerate exposure to severe environments, and even help satisfy the end customers. In contrast, choosing the wrong type of plastic could cause cracking, warping, excessive wear or lead to the product failing well before its time.

Guidelines to Choosing Plastic Material

1. Know the Product Function

A decorative cover and an industrial machine component would have a totally different set of performance requirements. Some products are primarily for aesthetic appeal, while others have to endure constant mechanical stress, heat and chemical exposure.

2. Mechanical Strength

Each type of plastic exhibits unique mechanical properties. So, think about what kind of forces your part will have to bear under regular usage.

  • Will the part be load-bearing?
  • Is impact resistance a requirement?
  • Is it going to be subjected to repetitive movement or vibration?
  • Would you prefer stiffness over flexibility?

Typically, tougher plastics like Nylon and Polycarbonate are used for products needing high strength while the lighter and less mechanically strong Polypropylene and ABS may be good enough for the other products.

3. Temperature Resistance

Figure out the following before you pick a material:

  • Max temperature the work environment can reach
  • Min temperature the work environment can reach
  • Will the part be exposed to direct sunlight
  • Is the heat source a nearby piece of equipment

4. Chemical Resistance

Oil, fuels, detergents, acids, and solvents are some of the substances that industrial products commonly come in contact with. If the item will be exposed to chemicals, it is best to select a plastic that is one hundred percent resistant to the intended chemical(s).

5. Environmental Conditions

Consider the location where your product will be used. If a product is going to be used in outdoor, the resistance to ultraviolet radiation, moisture, and the changes of weather should be given a high consideration.

6. Appearance and Surface Finish

While some materials tend to give glossy surfaces naturally, the other ones are matte. Besides, certain plastics are more easily painted, textured, polished, and color-matched.

7. Manufacturing Process

What method you choose for manufacturing can impact the materials available for use. Injection molding is capable of processing a very broad assortment of engineering plastics and is best suited for production of large quantities.

8. Cost Considerations

Choosing an expensive material doesn???t guarantee it would be the best one. Rather assess the overall value that they can bring.

Popular Plastic Materials and Their Typical Uses

  • ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Cases for electronic devices, automobile interiors, consumer goods.
  • Polypropylene (PP): Food storage containers, packing materials, medical instruments.
  • Polycarbonate (PC): Safety screens, machine guards, eyewear lenses.
  • Nylon (PA): Gears, bearings, rollers, mechanical components.
  • Polyethylene (PE): Water tanks, pipe sections, packaging products.
  • TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): Seals, gaskets, flexible coverings.

Final Thoughts

The one way to know for sure which plastic material is the right one is by weighing all the various factors between performance, durability, appearance, and cost. It is a wise investment decision to make in your product success picking the right material right from the start.