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Plastic as an industrial material

Our technical plastic materials offer numerous possibilities for use in applications with more demanding tasks.

 

The properties of these plastic types present significant advantages and numerous reasons to switch from other materials to plastic.

 

Below, you can read about some of the most notable benefits you can gain by choosing plastic over materials such as metal and steel.

See examples here
An example of a component converted from metal to POM.

Low density

and friction

 

One of the most apparent differences between metal and plastic is density, with some plastic types weighing up to eight times less than steel. This can help reduce the overall weight of your solution, leading to lower transport costs.

 

The friction properties of plastic mean you can eliminate oils and other lubricants. Certain plastics, like PTFE, have such low friction on their own that lubrication becomes unnecessary.

 

As a result, plastic components used without lubricants can exhibit better friction characteristics than metal parts with lubricants. This performance can even be enhanced further with additives.

The quality of a turned part in white POM being checked by a industry technician

Plastic functions
across environments

The choice of plastic is heavily influenced by the environment in which it will be used. For instance, a spacer in a machine designed for food processing or handling needs to withstand chemicals due to the requirement for intensive cleaning and must be food-approved.

 

If made of steel, it would require a coating to resist chemicals and also need to be stainless to be safe for food contact. This creates a need for two different materials or surface treatments.

 

With technical plastics like PEHD, however, you don’t face these challenges, as it can handle both chemicals and food contact. This means you can avoid the need for coating and rust protection, since plastic simply doesn’t rust.

Plastic functions
across environments

The choice of plastic is heavily influenced by the environment in which it will be used. For instance, a spacer in a machine designed for food processing or handling needs to withstand chemicals due to the requirement for intensive cleaning and must be food-approved.

 

If made of steel, it would require a coating to resist chemicals and also need to be stainless to be safe for food contact. This creates a need for two different materials or surface treatments.

 

With technical plastics like PEHD, however, you don’t face these challenges, as it can handle both chemicals and food contact. This means you can avoid the need for coating and rust protection, since plastic simply doesn’t rust.

Parallel arms and end piece in plastic in food machinery

Plastic is a constant material

Unlike materials that are surface-treated or coated, plastics maintain their properties consistently throughout. This means that the composition is the same at the surface as it is in the core of the material. As a result, there is no need to surface-treat your plastic components.

 

This characteristic is also beneficial because plastic retains its surface quality and constant properties even as it wears. Therefore, you don't risk having a surface wear away, leading to a decline in quality over time.

A black turned machine part of plastics is being measured with a vernier caliper.

Plastic offers enhanced durability against wear

Continuing the topic of wear, another significant advantage of plastic worth highlighting is its remarkable durability. Contrary to common perception, plastic is an extremely wear-resistant material.

 

Technical plastics like HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and nylon perform exceptionally well in abrasive environments.

 

Tests (ISO 15527) have demonstrated that both PEHD1000 and PEHD2000, as well as nylon, outperform steel and aluminum in terms of wear resistance against sand.

Machine parts of engineering plastics as PEEK, POM and nylon.

Combine multiple parts
into one component

When reconstructing a plastic component, it's often possible to integrate several functions into a single new part. For example, a machine component that previously consisted of multiple parts made from wood and steel can be combined into a single piece of plastic.

 

This integration of individual components can simplify the manufacturing process, often resulting in reduced production costs.

 

You can see an example of this in our customer case study.

 

And you need not worry about production time being affected. Plastics are simply softer than metals, allowing for faster processing on machinery.

Combine multiple parts
into one component

When reconstructing a plastic component, it's often possible to integrate several functions into a single new part. For example, a machine component that previously consisted of multiple parts made from wood and steel can be combined into a single piece of plastic.

 

This integration of individual components can simplify the manufacturing process, often resulting in reduced production costs.

 

You can see an example of this in our customer case study.

 

And you need not worry about production time being affected. Plastics are simply softer than metals, allowing for faster processing on machinery.

Plastic part in high performance plastic

In Summary: You can save money by converting to plastic

Converting both small, simple components or large, complex ones can lead to significant savings. By selecting the right type of plastic for a task, you can achieve properties such as:

 

  • Increased friction
  • Enhanced wear resistance
  • Lower density
  • Better chemical resistance
  • Food production approval
  • And much more.
Surface requirements are a classic need in industry, and we can meet this with many of our plastic processing machines.
Have any questions?
At Induflex, we have extensive experience in converting from steel to plastic. We are ready to assist you from identifying your needs to the reconstruction and production of new components in the appropriate material. Contact us today for personalized consultation regarding your project.
Questions and answers

  • There may be mechanical requirements that plastic cannot meet.

     

    Plastic is typically not suitable for constructing long elements, such as beams, that are several meters long and subjected to constant pressure. In such a construction, the plastic will simply bend.

     

    However, if there are no mechanical requirements of that nature, plastic can be a good alternative for machine parts. Plastic is ideal for many machine components, frames, spacers, and much more.

  • If you are switching from metal—or another material—to plastic, you should be aware that the metal design may not necessarily translate directly to the new plastic construction.

     

    This means that the component needs to be reconstructed to avoid defects in strength or surface quality.

     

    When reconstructing, considerations should be made regarding the purpose and the environment in which the component will be used, such as:

     

    • Strength
    • Stiffness
    • Coefficient of expansion
    • Temperature resistance
    • Tolerances
    • Regulations

     

    Most importantly, it is essential to identify and communicate the usage to Induflex, as this information and the details can be crucial for selecting the right material. Only through shared insights can we achieve the perfect solution for your project.

  • Many machine parts can be converted to plastic. We have extensive experience in converting various machine components such as gears, screws, subcomponents, and profiles.

     

    Whether it's metal, steel, or wood, your item might be eligible for reconstruction.

  • Do you want to know if your machine part(s) can be converted to plastic? And what savings and benefits you could achieve?

     

    Send a drawing of your machine part(s) in either DXF or STEP format, along with a PDF, to induflex@induflex.dk, and we will get back to you.

     

    You are also welcome to call us at +45 9837 1988 or fill out the contact form below— we will ensure that the right specialist contacts you.

  • At Induflex, we can produce even very tight tolerances in plastic.

     

    When you order a plastic component from us, it will meet the Danish Standard ISO 2768-1 (medium) as standard. We measure tolerances at room temperature, around 21 °C.

     

    Of course, we can agree on a different tolerance if you wish.

Technical plastics with high wear resistance in various colors

At Induflex, we exclusively work with plastics. However, not all plastics are the same. There are many different types of technical plastic materials, each with its own unique properties.

 

Explore our materials and get closer to finding the right one for your project.

Explore materials

Technical plastics with high wear resistance in various colors

At Induflex, we exclusively work with plastics. However, not all plastics are the same. There are many different types of technical plastic materials, each with its own unique properties.

 

Explore our materials and get closer to finding the right one for your project.

Explore materials
Induflex's inventory of sheets in technical plastics in yellow, white, black and blue

Do you need help? Fill out the form, and our specialists will contact you.

Two colleagues discuss a drawing from a customer.