Advantages and drawbacks of plastics

Compared to metal, plastics have a wide range of benefits to offer, although a number of restrictions must also be borne in mind. On principle, plastics provide a suitable option in areas where high demands are made on strength and where weight savings are needed.

Plastic offers a solution for applications calling for two to three of the following characteristic benefits.

benefits over metal

  • low density
  • good noise and vibration damping
  • electrical insulation or adjustable conductivity
  • good chemical resistance
  • scope for free design
  • highly productive mass production process
  • permeability to electromagnetic waves
  • very good corrosion resistance
  • thermal insulation
  • application-specific modification possible

Limitations compared to metal

  • relatively low thermal resistance
  • greater thermal expansion
  • lower mechanical characteristics
  • poorer creep resistance

In order to benefit from the advantages of plastics when substituting for other materials, a redesign is frequently necessary.