| Although metal replacement polymers have been available for many many years in a variety of forms, this very fact has probably contributed to the uphill struggle polymer engineers have had in convincing potential customers and end users of the major steps forward that have been made in recent times.
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| The expression “plastic couldn’t possibly be strong enough for our application” is not unusual to hear, and is probably based on some historical project or development that had promise, but ultimately failed to deliver. |
| Unfortunately, these pre-conceived ideas have ensured that the new breed of metal replacement polymers, which are commercially available today, have only scratched the surface of their potential. |
| Primarily conceived to satisfy the demands of the automotive sector, where cost, legislation, recyclability, weight loss and improved safety are key to the success of a brand. |
| These polymers are now within easy reach of design engineers from other sectors, cost has fallen and choice has expanded, covering a huge potential market, which still remains largely untapped. |
| In many instances pay back on mould tooling and the opportunity to consolidate several metal parts into one plastic part reduce or eliminate fixings and costly assembly time, ensure rapid and significant savings, offering you a competitive edge. |
| Primary advantages:
*Excellent Strength to weight ratio
* Design freedom
* Weight, specific gravity in the region of 1.5g - 1.8g per Sq cm (Die cast / steel 5g – 7g per Sq cm)
*Self - lubricating (with tailored additives such as MoS2, graphite, PTFE)
*Component consolidation (parts reduction)
*Low finishing time when compared to die castings, etc.
* Non - corroding
*Low overall production cost
*Self-coloured (colourable)
*Low noise
*Good electrical and thermal insulation |
| Materials primarily based on Nylon 66, PAA, PPS, PEEK, with the addition of carbon or glass short or long strand fibres, at levels up to 65%.
Whistle Stop Plastics are committed to understanding, applying and processing these exciting polymers, ensuring that we can offer you a technical, added value service.
Click on the contact option if you would like WSP Ltd to undertake a confidential review of the costly metal parts you currently use, and outline the metal replacement options available. |
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