Technical plastics are a kind of polymers that have superior properties to standard plastics thanks to modifiers, additives, fillers and reinforcements. In this way they offer features such as greater heat resistance, high impact resistance, more rigidity, non-stick…

These types of plastics have gradually replaced traditional technical materials such as wood or metal in many applications. This phenomenon is due not only to a better weight / strength ratio and other properties, but they are also much easier to manufacture especially when it comes to complicated shapes. These advantages increase the cost of plastics which means that fewer quantities are produced and tend to be used for smaller objects or low volume applications such as mechanical parts.

There are up to 1,500 types of technical plastics, which account for about 20% of world plastic production. In 2014 the global market for engineering plastics was valued at $ 57.2 billion and is expected to grow by 8.2% annually reaching $ 91.78 billion this 2020.

Technical plastics or thermoplastics can be the sum of different polymers, such as vinyl, which is a mixture of polyethylene and polypropylene. They can be used continuously at temperatures between 100ºC and 150ºC.

General characteristics of engineering plastics:

• Good mechanical properties
• Good chemical resistance
• Dimensional stability
• Good wear resistance.
• Excellent sliding properties
• High durability

Some kind of plastics and applications:

• ABS: used for car bumpers, board moldings, Lego bricks…
• Polycarbonates: used in motorcycle helmets
• Polyamides: used in skis and ski boots …
• PTFE: articulated elements, cable coating, used in elements subjected to corrosive environments.
• POM:Cogwheels, bearings, industrial components…
• PE: Containers for food use, marine protection, gears…
• PP: Parts of pumps, gaskets and valves
• PEEK: used in bearings, piston scrapers, seat valve…
• Polysulfone (PSU):parts of the medical sector, parts of microwaves, hair dryers, insulators of the food industry.
• Phenylene polysulfide (PPS): industrial food drying and processing furnaces, insulating pads in printers, equipment for the chemical industry.

When it comes to designing a piece or product in plastic, we must take into account which properties we want to achieve and choose the best material, thanks to the wide variety of technical plastics it is very easy to find the right one and make a product with the best features. It is always advisable to surround yourself with good professionals to choose the ideal material and make a good product design.

At Designplast we offer you the best advice and the best result as we are experts in this field, contact us.