When designing a product that will be used for industrial applications, the material you select must be able to withstand high levels of environmental stress, such as extreme temperatures, dust, debris, chemicals and friction. Due to their high versatility, durability and recyclability, thermoplastics are a popular material choice for a wide variety of applications
Why Thermoplastics?
Thermoplastics are commonly chosen as industrial materials because their waste is reusable. Unlike other materials that have waste that must be discarded after the injection molding process, the waste from thermoplastics can actually be reused and reformed into other items. Manufacturers like this characteristic because it reduces the cost of materials, especially when having to create multiple iterations of a component. This characteristic is also what makes thermoplastics a great material to use to create prototypes.
Another characteristic that makes thermoplastics popular for a wide array of uses is the strength and stress resistance they possess. Thermoplastics are capable of being used for thin-wall applications without compromising on high tensile strength, offering manufacturers the best of both worlds. Additionally, thermoplastics can be easily customized since they are very receptive to surface finishing.
Common Applications of Thermoplastics:
1. Substitute for Glass: Acrylic, also known as polymethyl methacrylate, Lucite, Plexiglas or Perspex, is a type of thermoplastic that is commonly used as a substitute for glass. This popular material can be found in both consumer and industrial applications. Acrylic is most commonly used in aquariums, airplane windows, boating windows and visors, helmet visors and even as lenses on the exterior lights of automobiles. Acrylic works well as a glass substitute since it can be made to be transparent but offers a lot more durability and strength than traditional glass. Due to its look and durability, acrylic is also commonly used to create signage.
2. Substitute for Silk: In products that may require silk, nylon is a popular type of thermoplastic that can fill this need. Nylon is a useful material in both consumer and industrial products and applications. Nylon fibers are commonly used to produce rope, carpets, fabrics and even strings for musical instruments. As a replacement for silk, nylon can be found in products from women’s stockings all the way to parachutes. When in its bulk form, nylon can be used in more industrial applications, such as for mechanical parts including gear wheels, power tool casings and machine screws. Nylon’s characteristics enable it to be used in the production of heat-resistant composite materials.
3. Industrial Parts: Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, or UHMWPE, is a type of thermo
