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Engineering Plastics Comparison: Which Materials Work Best for Different Industries?

Engineering plastics comparison services break down your part or component’s intended final application to know key parameters such as the environment it will be in, how long the part needs to last, and what material characteristics are needed.

Material selection varies across industries based on a combination of these factors. While no single material is exclusive to one application — as many cross industry and market boundaries — certain materials are consistently preferred for specific use cases.

All-State Industries’ guide to understanding which materials work best in different industries is aimed at showcasing exactly what to consider during material selection for your chosen industry.

Material Breakdown by Industry

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for material selection in specific industries, as every component and part can be made out of different plastics depending on the application.

That said, certain patterns tend to emerge — industries with stable, consistent operating environments will often gravitate toward the same core materials, making it possible to identify common threads in material selection within a given market.

  • Aerospace
    • PEEK
    • PPS
    • PAI
    • PTFE
  • Automotive
    • Nylon
    • PC
    • ABS
    • PEEK
  • Medical
    • PEEK
    • PTFE
    • Select grades of PP
  • Electronics
    • PC
    • PEEK
    • PP
    • ABS
  • Chemical Processing
    • PTFE
    • PEEK
    • PP
  • Industrial
    • Nylon
    • POM/Acetal
    • PEEK
  • Consumer Products
    • ABS
    • PC
    • PP

Central Material Properties

Part of the purpose of conducting an engineering plastics comparison is to learn more about central material properties that can help guide you and your team toward making a decision. Keep these factors in mind about commonly used plastics for your next project, where you know the part or component is going to be exposed to these elements.

  • Consider using PEEK if parts are exposed to high temperatures. PEEK materials can withstand temperatures up to 250 ℃.
  • Polycarbonate for parts that require heavy impact resistance capabilities.
  • If cost-effectiveness is the most important part of your operation, consider ABS or polypropylene.
  • If parts are going to be involved in a moving apparatus and will be exposed to wear, nylon is a strong selection because of its durability.
  • PTFE or polypropylene for parts and components that are exposed to harsh chemical environments.

Best Practices in the Selection Process

Engineering plastics comparison services ultimately hinge on making the most informed decision when selecting materials for your project. While the team of engineers will compare plastics, it comes down to making the right choice for your product, your team, and your customers. Consider these points before making your final decision.

  • If rework is going to be expensive and your product is going to be exposed to heat, chemicals, or long service life demands, consider PEEK as your material.
  • For parts like gears, bushings, and mechanical parts that will need to stand up to wear and tear, consider nylon.
  • Select polycarbonate for applications with clear, durable parts such as covers, lenses, and protective housings.
  • Polypropylene for any cost-sensitive part that’s going to be exposed to chemical environments.

Partner With All-State Industries for Thorough Engineering Plastics Comparison Services

Since 1974, All-State Industries has served Fortune 500 OEMs and countless other industries with non-metal manufacturing services that are essential in their daily operations. 

Engineering considerations and design review are the initial steps in the production process, and manufacturing operations that feature plastic as the main material source are carefully reviewed and discussed to ensure the right choice is made. When comparing plastics, it takes a full team to make sure every consideration has been made when reviewing design and the component’s intended application. Engineering plastics comparison services at All-State Industries are backed by decades of experience from our engineers as we work to determine what material is best for you.
Don’t second-guess on what plastic to use and risk the many potential errors that can arise from improper material selection. Contact our team today, and let’s work together to ensure the right plastic is chosen the first time.

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