How Do You Choose the Right Engineering Plastic for an Industrial Application?
Choosing the right material for an industrial application can have a major impact on the performance, reliability and lifespan of a component. While traditional materials such as metals remain important across many industries, engineering plastics have become increasingly valuable because they can offer a combination of strength, durability, chemical resistance, low friction and lightweight performance.
However, not every engineering plastic is suitable for every application. Factors such as temperature, pressure, wear, chemical exposure, moisture and mechanical load all need to be considered before selecting a material.
For businesses looking for engineering plastics in South Africa, understanding the differences between commonly used materials can make it easier to find the right solution for a specific application.
What are engineering plastics?
Engineering plastics are high-performance plastic materials developed for applications where standard plastics may not provide sufficient strength, durability or resistance.
Unlike plastics primarily used for packaging or everyday consumer products, engineering plastics are often selected for demanding industrial environments. They can be used to manufacture components such as bushes, bearings, rollers, gears, seals, guides, wear strips and other machine parts.
DEMS supplies a broad range of industrial engineering plastics, laminates and composites, including polyethylene, nylon, acetal, PET, PVC, PTFE, polypropylene, PEEK and polycarbonate.
The correct choice depends on the specific conditions the material will need to withstand.
Why are engineering plastics used in industrial applications?
Engineering plastics can provide several advantages compared with conventional materials.
Depending on the material selected, engineering plastics can offer:
- Excellent wear resistance
- Low friction
- Chemical resistance
- Corrosion resistance
- High mechanical Nylon strength
- Electrical insulation
- Reduced component weight
- Good dimensional stability
- Resistance to moisture and environmental conditions
These properties make engineering plastics suitable for a wide variety of manufacturing, engineering and industrial applications.
For example, a component operating in an environment where corrosion is a concern may benefit from a plastic material that does not rust. Similarly, applications involving constant movement may require a material with low friction and strong wear resistance.
Which engineering plastic should you use?
There is no single engineering plastic that is ideal for every application. Different materials have different properties, which is why material selection should be based on the conditions the finished component will experience.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene is a versatile engineering plastic that can be used across a range of industrial applications.
It is known for its toughness, chemical resistance and low moisture absorption. Depending on the grade selected, polyethylene can be suitable for applications where impact resistance and durability are important.
Nylon
Nylon is widely used for engineering components where strength, toughness and wear resistance are required.
It can be used in applications involving moving or load-bearing components, although environmental factors such as moisture and operating conditions should be considered when selecting the appropriate grade.
Acetal
Acetal is valued for its dimensional stability, low friction and good wear resistance.
These characteristics make it useful for precision engineering components where consistent dimensions and smooth movement are important.
PTFE
PTFE, commonly associated with its non-stick properties, is also an important engineering material.
It offers excellent chemical resistance, low friction and strong temperature resistance, making it useful for demanding industrial applications.
DEMS also supplies PTFE coated glass cloth, which combines the strength of fibreglass with the non-stick properties of PTFE.
PEEK
PEEK is a high-performance engineering thermoplastic used in applications where exceptional mechanical and thermal performance is required.
It is generally selected for demanding environments where standard engineering plastics may not provide the necessary performance.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate combines strength and impact resistance with relatively low weight.
It can be useful in applications where toughness and transparency or impact resistance are important considerations.
What factors should you consider when selecting an engineering plastic?
Choosing an engineering plastic should start with the application rather than the material itself.
Before selecting a product, consider questions such as:
What temperature will the component operate at?
Some plastics perform well at higher temperatures, while others are better suited to moderate operating conditions.
Will the material come into contact with chemicals?
Chemical exposure can affect the performance of certain plastics. If the component will be exposed to oils, solvents, acids or other chemicals, chemical resistance should be considered.
Will the component experience friction or wear?
Moving components may require materials with low friction and strong wear resistance.
How much mechanical load will the component carry?
Strength and dimensional stability become particularly important when plastics are used for load-bearing components.
Will the component be exposed to moisture?
Some engineering plastics absorb more moisture than others. Moisture absorption can affect dimensions and mechanical properties, so the operating environment should be considered.
Does the application require electrical insulation?
Certain engineering plastics and laminates can be suitable for electrical and insulation applications where electrical properties are important.
Why is technical expertise important when choosing engineering plastics?
Material selection is not simply a matter of choosing the strongest or most expensive plastic.
The ideal material needs to provide the right balance of performance, durability and cost for the specific application.
This is where technical expertise can make a difference. Understanding the operating environment and the properties of different materials can help businesses avoid selecting a material that performs poorly or does not meet the requirements of the application.
DEMS provides technical expertise alongside its engineering plastic range and offers made-to-order solutions tailored to specific requirements. The company also has more than 60 years of engineering experience.
What engineering plastic products does DEMS supply?
DEMS offers a broad range of engineering plastics, laminates and composites for industrial applications.
The product range includes:
- Polyethylene
- Nylon
- Acetal
- PET
- PVC
- PTFE
- Polypropylene
- PEEK
- Polycarbonate
- Cast acrylic
- Phenolic fabric laminate
- Phenolic paper laminate
- Silicone glass laminate
- Epoxy glass laminate
- Polyester glass
- MICA
- NAD500
Having access to a diverse range of materials allows businesses to consider different material properties when developing or replacing industrial components.
Can engineering plastics be used for custom components?
Yes. Engineering plastics can be machined and manufactured into a variety of components depending on the material and application.
Custom components can be useful when an off-the-shelf part does not meet the required dimensions or operating conditions.
DEMS also provides technical expertise around component requirements and offers custom solutions as part of its engineering offering. Its broader manufacturing capabilities include rubber and polyurethane moulded components, with a rubber manufacturing facility in Durban and a polyurethane plant in Johannesburg.
Why choose DEMS for engineering plastics in South Africa?
For businesses sourcing engineering plastics, having access to both products and technical support can simplify the material-selection process.
DEMS has been providing engineering solutions since 1961 and has developed a national presence with facilities in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The company's product offering extends beyond engineering plastics to include rubber and polyurethane moulded components, PTFE coated glass cloth, LOCTITE industrial adhesives and JOST transport equipment and spares.
This broad product range allows DEMS to support businesses with different engineering and industrial requirements.
How can you find the right engineering plastic for your application?
The best material depends on the specific requirements of the application.
Rather than choosing a plastic based solely on price or general material properties, consider the complete operating environment, including temperature, chemical exposure, friction, wear, moisture, mechanical load and required lifespan.
Working with an experienced engineering plastics supplier can help you identify the most appropriate material and avoid costly material-selection mistakes.
DEMS combines a diverse engineering plastics range with technical expertise and nationwide coverage to help businesses find the right solution for their applications.
Need help choosing an engineering plastic for your application? Contact the DEMS team for technical advice and a quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Engineering Plastics
What are engineering plastics used for?
Engineering plastics are used to manufacture industrial and mechanical components that require properties such as strength, wear resistance, chemical resistance, low friction or dimensional stability.
What is the strongest engineering plastic?
There is no single “strongest” engineering plastic for every application. Different materials perform better under different combinations of temperature, mechanical load, chemical exposure and wear.
Is PTFE an engineering plastic?
Yes. PTFE is a high-performance engineering plastic known for its low friction, chemical resistance and temperature resistance.
What is the difference between nylon and acetal?
Both nylon and acetal can be used for engineering components, but their properties differ. Nylon offers good strength and wear resistance, while acetal is particularly valued for dimensional stability, low friction and precision applications.
Where can I buy engineering plastics in South Africa?
DEMS supplies engineering plastics, laminates and composites nationally, with facilities in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town.