How to Choose Custom Plastic Components

The success of custom plastic components depends on the material we choose. Contrary to popular perception, there are actually many different types of plastic and each has its own benefits. The selection of the plastic must be done very carefully because any carelessness here affects the structure and efficiency of the entire product.

Here are some of the factors that one must consider when choosing the custom plastic components:

Flexibility

Some products need flexibility while so do not. Even in the same industry, we see different requirements. For instance, some medical probes are rigid, while some flexible. When picking a flexible component we have to see that the plastic can bend without changing breaking, such as PVC.

Working environment

Plastic is used in many places today, even under extreme conditions. This includes conditions with extremely high heat or very wide variations of temperatures where the component is exposed to extreme cold and heat. We need a plastic that can withstand such
extreme conditions, such as polypropylene and ABS.

Chemical exposure

Some chemicals are extremely corrosive, especially for plastics. However, plastics are today used as containers, structural material and for working with chemicals. If the product is likely to be used in such highly corrosive environment (even if it is in the form of fumes), we need chemical-resistant plastics like nylon 6 and PBT.

Special requirements

Some products have special requirements, such as those used in the F&B industry. These materials have to be food grade. We usually select plastics that have high resistance to chemical and natural corrosive elements. Similarly, there could be industry regulations that dictate the choice of the plastic component.

Resistance to abrasion

We usually look for tough plastic that can withstand normal wear and tear. But some parts are exposed to more than normal abrasive environment like machine or automobile parts. Parts like gears are exposed to heavy abrasions. We need plastics with high mechanical stability and toughness so that the rubbing and stripping of the parts does not cause damaging erosion. We use plastics like PVC, Acetal or Nylon 6 or Nylon 66 in such applications.

UV Exposure

If the custom plastic component is intended to be used outdoors, we have to factor in exposure to sunlight and UV rays. These will eventually take its toll on any material. Plastics like polycarbonate are used in such cases because of their ability to withstand environmental corrosion.