Technical plastic can be an excellent substitute for metals in your applications, it can even greatly improve them.
What are the main advantages of technical plastics versus metals?
Longer service life: The duration of the pieces can be between 2 and 10 times longer than the metal equivalents. This fact is contrasted by the experience of more than 40 years in the mechanization of technical plastic. It must be taken into account that the application in which the metal is replaced and the technical plastics are used, the latter being within their resistance parameters.
Decreased noise level: An outstanding feature of machined technical plastics is their resilience, this feature prevents vibrations and reduces noise levels. Occupational safety and health standards place great emphasis on controlling the number of dB decibels in the workplace.
Reduction of inertias: in large installations, the reduction of the moving mass facilitates starting and stopping maneuvers and saves energy thanks to mechanized technical plastics
Weight reduction: The weight of technical plastics can be up to 6 times less than the weight of bronze. A reduction in weight has direct effects on a reduction of costs, savings in energy consumption, reduction of maintenance expenses and increase in the useful life of motors and other mechanisms where lighter machined parts are installed. An example of this where significant savings are found is found in the work carried out by telescopic cranes, we know that as the boom extends, the bending moment increases and therefore the energy required.
Self-Lubrication: in a large majority of applications parts produced in mechanized technical plastics do not require lubrication, which results in a lower maintenance cost, as well as elimination of the costs of: drilling, threading and mounting a lubricator.
However, as long as the product allows, initial lubrication will improve running-in and application life.
When the application requests exceed the resistive limits of the technical plastics, it must be remembered that the lubrication will increase the maximum values of PV reducing the coefficient of friction and at the same time allowing to increase the working speed. Lubrication reduces the heat generated by friction and the capacity of the lubricant to withstand higher dynamic loads
Corrosion resistance: mechanized technical plastics do not rust, therefore they are ideal for exterior applications and especially for marine environments.
Chemical attack resistance: They resist alkalis, solvents and some dilute organic acids. Contrary to what happens to phenolic materials, they do not swell in contact with certain hydrocarbons; therefore they are compatible with most lubricants in oils and greases.
Physiologically inert: a large group of technical plastics are suitable for contact with food, approved by restrictive regulations in this regard, such as the FDA.
As we have seen, technical plastics can substitute applications where steels, bronzes and aluminum are commonly used, and provide very significant advantages and savings, however to do so with a guarantee of success it is highly recommended that you consult with the technicians that Mecyplastec makes available to your clients.
At Mecyplastec, SL, we will be happy to assist you and help you improve.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Elia Millan
Mecyplastec, SL.
