An increasing number of companies are focusing on metal replacement in the form of articles manufactured using injection molding. The material often used is fiber-filled thermoplastic. Some may initially be skeptical when they hear about plastic as a metal replacement, but the fact is that injection-molded thermoplastic offers at least equally good material properties, albeit at significantly lower manufacturing costs.
Metal Replacement with Plastic Reduces Costs
It is not only the manufacturing cost that is reduced with injection-molded thermoplastic. Products become lighter, leading to lower shipping costs and, moreover, less environmental impact thanks to improved logistics. In some cases, post-processing is simplified, which yields further positive effects.
- Cheaper Manufacturing
- Lower Shipping and Handling Costs
- More Environmentally Friendly
Which Metal Products Can Be Replaced with Injection-Molded Fiber-Filled Thermoplastic?
Often, only creativity limits which metal products can be replaced with products manufactured from injection-molded plastic. Today, there is a multitude of articles, both finished products and components, that can just as easily be manufactured from thermoplastic instead of metal. They will last at least as long, and sometimes longer. The bar for design possibilities is raised even further.
Not Just a Trend
Metal replacement is not a trend but something we will likely see more and more often. The replacement of metal with plastic is a perfectly normal step in development. Why manufacture products in metal that can be replaced with injection-molded plastic products that are just as good, yet cheaper? Certainly, some need convincing, but we are more than happy to assist with that.
UW-ELAST is with you from design to product delivery
The expertise and experience available at UW-ELAST are unique. We are involved throughout the entire process, from the initial sketches to the product’s delivery. This means you can confidently turn to us. Contact us for further information about injection molding and metal replacement.