Engineering plastics are durable and used in manufacturing, with five popular types for handling stress and heat. They are not for packaging and are only available to manufacturers. Polycarbonate is commonly used in technology, polyamide in the automotive industry, polyoxmethylene in sensitive products, polyester in electronics, and polyphenel in heat-generating products.
Engineering plastics are tough and durable polymer plastics used in manufacturing. They are often found as part of consumer goods. There are dozens of types of engineering plastics, but there are five that are most popular for their ability to handle stress and heat.
Engineering plastics differ from base plastics because they are always used as parts, never packaging or containers. Also known as thermoplastics, these materials are designed to withstand large amounts of stress and high temperatures. These plastics are not normally available to the public and are often only available to manufacturers in raw material form to be melted down and molded into finished products.
Polycarbonate is one of the most commonly used engineering plastics due to its strength. Its properties also make this plastic easy to color. Often compared to the durability of metals, this thermoplastic has found its widest use in technology, where it is used in computer cases, digital versatile disc (DVD) players, televisions and more. In addition to these products, this plastic is also used in things like safety light covers, motorcycle helmets, and aircraft cockpit windows.
Polyamide is another popular form of engineering plastics. The properties of these plastics actually bear more resemblance to the properties of metal than to those of polycarbonate. This is obvious because it is one of the most commonly used plastics in the automotive industry. Its ruggedness and ease of manufacture have helped it be used in place of metal in automobile bumpers, fan blades, dashboards, and a variety of valves.
Polyoxmethylene has been nicknamed “supersteel” due to its incredible strength and precision capabilities. Unlike the other engineering plastics, this one has the ability to be used in sensitive products such as gears and mechanical tools. Spraying machines also commonly use this plastic to create a lightweight and accurate system.
Polyester is traditionally considered part of the clothing industry, but its chemical composition is great for electronics. Its low glass transition temperature makes it perfect for jobs that require a high rate of insulation, such as television baffle plates, automotive section boards, and ignition coils. Tempering this plastic takes more work and precision, but the results are appreciated by many manufacturers.
Polyphenel is renowned throughout plastic process engineering for its high temperature threshold. Products that generate heat such as washing machines, hair dryers, coffee makers and dishes all use this plastic. Its toughness ensures that it won’t melt during repeated use.
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