The term plastic generally refers to synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer materials that are soft enough to modify into any shape or form. High-strength plastics such as engineered thermoplastics and thermoset plastic composites are highly valuable raw materials for rigid applications in industries such as aerospace, engineering, and electrical.
Thermoset plastics are suitable alternatives to materials such as metal due to properties like malleability, versatility, and durability. They also offer significant cost savings compared to other materials. Below are the benefits of plastics over metals and other elements that make them suitable for various applications.
A material’s strength-to-weight ratio is a crucial metric that determines its suitability for various applications. For instance, plastics’ high strength-to-weight ratio ensures they have excellent tensile and flexural strength, which allows this material to withstand heavy loads and tons of stresses without deformation or damage. As a result, plastic is suitable for various weight-critical applications where metals don’t measure up, such as aerospace and automotive industries. In these applications, plastic’s lightweight nature is crucial in ensuring fuel efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Different plastics have varying strength-to-weight ratios, depending on their type and formulation, making them suitable for differing applications. For instance, composite plastics’ high specific strength gives them metal-like durability while maintaining advantages like corrosion resistance and design flexibility. The tenacity comes from the lightweight reinforcements used to create this type of plastic, such as Fiberglas and carbon fiber.
Plastics consist of a long chain of polymers that create a sturdy material that doesn’t decompose easily and can withstand normal wear and tear. They last for decades without degrading in natural environments where they encounter harsh and fluctuating weather conditions, making them ideal for applications requiring long-term stability.
Additionally, while organic materials like metal quickly oxidize or rust due to harsh chemicals and moisture, plastics are immune to rust or corrosion when exposed to water and other chemicals. They can resist damage when they are in contact with acids, bases, lubricants, paint strippers, and many other substances.
Durability and chemical resistance make it better to use plastics over metals for various industrial and chemical applications where metal and other materials may fall short. These include marine, chemical processing, and offshore industries.
Notably, composite plastics boast impressive impact-resistance properties that enable them to absorb and distribute energy caused by sudden impact or shock without fracturing and deforming. They’re also highly resistant to fatigue, which typically causes metal to crack or fail over time when the material weakens due to substantial loads and stress.
Plastics are excellent for industries looking to create a customized range of forms or structures. Its malleable nature offers more design flexibility in the shapes, sizes, textures, and fixtures you can create to meet specific requirements, made possible by adjusting the chemical formulations and densities and choosing the appropriate manufacturing process.
Modern techniques like plastic injection molding and computerized numerical control machining allow manufacturers to create highly complex designs and geometries. With plastic injection molding, thermoplastics go through multiple rounds of heating, cooling, and recasting without undergoing chemical property changes, ensuring you can reuse and redesign them without losing their structural strength and integrity.
On the other hand, CNC machining automates thermoplastic prototype development, cutting, shaping, and spinning. Various types of CNC machines produce plastics in different shapes and forms, including the following.
Manufacturing plastic is easier and more efficient today than ever, thanks to improved processes and lower raw material costs.
For instance, CNC machining automates plastic manufacturing to reduce labor costs and margins of human error, producing high-quality thermoplastic products with the correct strength and density. Additionally, CNC machines enhance production speeds and eliminate manual repetition through pre-programmed software with specific prompts.
Other methods that have made it easier to produce plastic include the following.
Raw materials required for plastic production are readily available and not subject to the price fluctuations of petroleum-based products and organic ores. That’s because petrochemicals, natural gas, and crude oil are accessible worldwide, and so are recycled post-consumer and post-industrial plastics. The high demand for plastics also contributes to a lower cost per unit and significantly drives down production expenses.
Plastics’ poor conductivity makes them excellent thermal and electrical insulators, allowing for better design flexibility in applications requiring temperature control. The construction industry extensively uses plastics like spray foam and foam boards because these materials reduce heat transfer between the building’s interior and exterior to maintain stable indoor temperatures.
Thermoset plastics insulate electrical wires, cables, and circuit boards to reduce the risk of electrical short circuits and shocks. Curing and hardening them ensures they don’t melt or deform due to high heat or electricity.
The automotive and aerospace industries use plastic to thermally insulate seats and other furniture upholstery to prevent extreme temperature changes that could cause discomfort for the occupants. However, metals and ceramics are more desirable in applications requiring high thermal conductivity. These include industrial processes where heat dissipation is necessary or when electrical devices need cooling.
Atlas Fibre is North America’s largest manufacturer and distributor of thermoset composite plastics. We use CNC machining to produce thermoset materials for various applications requiring high strength, durability, and impeccable insulation. Our dedicated team can answer all your questions and help you find the best thermoset composite plastic for your application and budget.
Contact us today to learn more about our plastic offerings or request a free quote.
In the 21st century, plastic food packaging has significantly impacted our lives. Your typical grocery run includes buying cheese slices securely packed, ground meat hygienically sealed, and green salads kept fresh in containers. Today, we're unraveling the world of plastic food packaging, its types, benefits, and how it aligns with sustainability efforts amidst environmental concerns.
So whether you're planning to launch a food business or a consumer curious about what preserves your food's freshness, this is your go-to comprehensive guide that will reveal why plastic food packaging is much more than just a way to tote your groceries home. Get ready to have your perception of plastic packaging transformed!
Plastic food packaging has revolutionized how we store and transport our food, providing numerous benefits catering to producers and consumers. Several key highlights make plastic food packaging a popular choice in the industry.
Plastic food packaging boasts several advantages that have contributed to its widespread use in the industry.
The versatility of plastic food packaging makes it an essential component across numerous industries due to its suitability for a wide range of products.
Regarding plastic food packaging, health considerations and safety measures are paramount. While plastic packaging offers numerous benefits in preserving and protecting food, it is essential to understand the potential risks associated with certain types of plastics.
One key concern is the migration of chemicals from the plastic into the food, especially when exposed to heat or acidic conditions. To ensure the safety of plastic food packaging, regulatory agencies have established strict guidelines and standards that manufacturers must adhere to. These regulations aim to limit the migration of harmful substances and ensure that plastic packaging is safe for use with food.
Consumers must know these health considerations and make informed choices when selecting plastic food packaging. Reading labels and looking for certifications can help identify products that meet safety standards.
From bottles to containers to clamshells, a wide range of options are designed to fulfill different needs.
Plastic bottles are commonly used for beverages such as water, soft drinks, juices, and sauces. They come in various sizes and shapes, ensuring convenience for both manufacturers and consumers. Plastic containers provide storage solutions for various food items, including snacks, dairy products, condiments, and leftovers. These containers often have secure lids or closures to maintain freshness and prevent leaks.
Plastic food packaging, bottles, containers, and clamshells play a crucial role in storing and preserving various foods. Plastic bottles are commonly used for beverages, condiments, and sauces, providing durability and preventing leakage. Containers come in different shapes and sizes, catering to consumers who prefer pre-portioned meals or those who like to store leftovers. Clamshells, with their hinged lid design, are particularly popular for packaging produce, such as lettuce or berries, as they maintain the right humidity levels to prevent wilting or spoilage.
Overall, bottles, containers, and clamshells provide practical solutions for consumers and businesses regarding storage, transportation, and presentation of food items.
In today's fast-paced world, convenience is key when preparing and storing meals. That's why microwave and freezer-compatible plastics have gained popularity in the food industry. These plastics are designed to withstand extreme temperatures without warping or releasing harmful chemicals into the food.
Plastic containers labeled "microwave safe" can be safely heated in microwave ovens without compromising the container's integrity or causing health hazards. They allow for quick reheating or defrosting of meals without transferring them to separate microwave-safe dishes.
Similarly, "freezer-safe" plastics are engineered to resist low temperatures without becoming brittle or cracking. These containers are ideal for storing leftover meals in the freezer or freezing batch-cooked meals for future use. They play a significant role in preventing freezer burn and maintaining the quality of frozen food items.
While microwave and freezer-compatible plastics provide convenience, it's important to follow proper usage guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Not all plastics are suitable for microwave or freezer use, so always check for labels indicating compatibility with these specific environments. Ensuring that you're using the appropriate plastics can help you enjoy the benefits of convenience without compromising safety or quality.
Plastic food packaging has undeniably transformed how we store, transport, and consume food. However, it is crucial to acknowledge its environmental footprint. The production and disposal of plastic packaging contribute to pollution and waste accumulation.
With increasing environmental concerns, a growing demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic packaging has been growing. Various materials have emerged as more environmentally friendly options:
While these sustainable alternatives present promising solutions, it is essential to consider their specific characteristics and limitations. Each material has benefits and drawbacks, requiring users to evaluate their unique needs and priorities.