Plastic Components vs. Metal: The Advantages
While metal (mechanical) parts are often seen as the simplest and most reliable choice, plastic components offer a wider range of possibilities. In some cases, plastic parts are even better or more cost-effective alternatives to traditional metal components. We are happy to explain why. In this article, we will also list some plastic alternatives to metal products.
The Five Advantages of Plastic You might never have considered that your machine parts could be made of plastic, but plastic components can often be more appealing than traditional metal products. Here are the five major advantages of plastic over metal:
- Typically better chemical resistance.
- Usually self-lubricating (no need for lubricants).
- Sometimes significantly lower in cost than metal.
- Lower friction resistance.
- Lighter in weight.
Plastic Alternatives to Metal Which plastic components can serve as good (or even better) alternatives to traditional metal products? Here are two examples, with their advantages highlighted:
- Bearings: Standard metal bearings have poor chemical resistance and always require lubricants. The advantages of plastic bearings are their good chemical resistance and self-lubricating properties. Plastic can be used as an alternative in 90% of applications. (Hint: PTFE bearings are suitable for the food industry (FDA).)
- Sleeve Bearings: Plastic flange sleeve bearings have high load capacity and wear resistance. Compared to metal sleeve bearings, they offer excellent chemical resistance, are suitable for the food industry (FDA), and are typically self-lubricating. Choosing plastic is almost a no-brainer.
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