Depending upon the application and environment of the product, plastic fasteners may be an excellent alternative to the machined metal fasteners. In fact, because of their properties and advantages, plastics are even used as a primary fastener in space applications and are even used on the Hubble Telescope and the International Space Station. But for more down-to-Earth needs, which should you consider? In some cases, threaded inserts for plastic are still a great choice. Here are some of the advantages of plastic materials:
Plastic doesn’t Rust
When your product is out in the open against the elements of the earth plastic fasteners are effective when it comes to maintaining strength and structural integrity which comes from plastic not affected by any forms of corrosion with exposure to the elements. The properties of these fasteners including their high strength to weight ratio, the inability to absorb water, their chemical inertia, and their imperviousness to corrosive substances like diesel fuel, gasoline, or saltwater.
Plastic is UV Resistant
Plastic fasteners are made with materials such as polyimides or FEP which is found to be UV Resistant compared to other common plastic materials which absorb UV energy developing free radicals and corrode these materials. However, with the right type of plastic fasteners, it is almost unreactive to any sort of energy absorption from UV which makes it ideal for application in products that are in use in space or marine application where this is of vital importance.
Plastic is a Bad Conductor
Plastic is already a favourite when it comes to non-conducting materials especially in electrical and electronic application. However, when it comes to the application of plastics fasteners this kind of stability with bigger melting points provide strength and integrity like no other alloy or metal in use in the fastening industry.
Plastic comes Cheap but strong
Plastics are used heavily in the automotive industry, particularly as a nod to cost-cutting. Usage of Plastic screws and bolts in products that include a lot of fasteners, the savings can add up to big amounts and effective cost-cutting when it comes to manufacturing units adding to bigger profits with better strength and durability. However, when it comes to needing super strength, opt for a plastic fastener with a metal core. Most plastics can be used together with a metal such as steel to create a heavy duty and durable fasteners that employ the best advantages of both plastic and metal.
Plastics are also considered for fastener applications where weight, thermal, environmental, chemical, and electrical properties are a significant consideration for end users. Plastic materials can meet a broad spectrum of design requirements and could be examined for strength, light weight, flexibility or rigidity, low temperature, chemical and corrosion resistance, sealing, toughness, and outstanding electrical properties.
