A project’s chance of success is reliant on the type of screws used. Metal screws have been around for a long time because they are very popular and are of similar weight to plastic, but plastic screws can have advantages in certain scenarios.
Understanding when you can use plastic rather than metal makes for project success! In this guide, let’s talk about situations in which plastic screws are benefits and advantages!
Lightweight Applications
When it comes to keeping your build light, durable plastic screws are a good option. Reducing weight is important for a number of industries, especially in aerospace, and automotive industries. Plastic screws assist weight reduction without losing functionality.
For consumer electronics, even in situations where salvaging every single piece counts, these screws will work. Their lightweight features come in handy in applications where overall weight savings has a big impact.
Corrosion Resistance
Plastic screws are most common because of their ability to withstand corrosion. Metal screws can rust over time when exposed to moisture or salt air.
Plastic screws will never corrode, therefore they are a great fit for outdoor or marine environments.
Because they never corrode, you can be confident in their performance for extended periods and will not notice issues with replacement because you have to replace one in the course of a single season.
Electrical Insulation
Plastic screws offer better insulating, non-conductive qualities therefore which makes them ideal for electrical parts and electronic devices as well.
Metal screws are conductive! This is a problem if you’re dealing with delicate instruments! With plastic screws there is no risk, therefore would be safer in electrical parts. Their insulating properties also adds to the safety in the products and installations.
Chemical Resistance
Corrosive chemicals can eat through metal screws in a few weeks. Plastic screws are often more chemically resistant, making them good screws for industrial applications where screws will contact corrosive chemicals.
Plastic screws are more mechanically tough because of their chemical resistance, so they have ideal applications for typical laboratory use, chemical processing plants, and other types of manufacturing.
Cost-Effectiveness
In projects where money matters, plastic screws are a cheaper option. Generally, plastic screws are cheaper to manufacture than steel screws.
They are less thick and much cheaper, making them a value option for larger projects, which are looking to become more cost effective. They are not as strong as steel screws though, which is a costly downside for structural applications.
Noise Reduction
Plastic screws are a good choice when noise levels must be minimized. The screw itself will not contribute to noise generation. Metal screws vibrate and or move in machinery and thus create noise.
Plastic screws have very good vibration damping characteristics so they will create less noise in operation. For this reason, plastic screws can be used in quiet environments, such as offices and residential neighborhoods.
Temperature Considerations
The screw material is important for extreme temperature environments. Plastic screws can withstand moderate temperatures, but cannot perform like metal at extreme temperatures.
Plastic screws can become brittle in cold. Plastic screws will perform in applications with moderate temperatures.
Aesthetic Appeal
Plastic screws can be bought in different colors and finishes, allowing perfect appearance and integration in designs.
This is an advantage to consumer products where appearance is important; not only does it help add to the aesthetics, but it does not alter the function.
Non-Magnetic Properties
Plastic screws are a great option in situations when magnetic properties are undesired.
Metal screws, due to their magnetic material, can affect sensitive devices and instruments where magnets will corrupt the integrity of studies or the instrument itself.
Plastic screws would be an alternative to avoid magnetic properties for many applications where non-magnetic screws would be needed.
Thus, plastic screws can be utilized in a wide scope of medical and scientific devices.
Environmental Impact
In certain situations, plastic screws are better for the environment. For one, manufacturers are using less energy to mass produce plastic screws than metal screws. Also, with new biodegradable plastics on the market, it is possible for a more environmentally sustainable option.
Choosing plastic over metal is one way to be more sustainable on a project and be less taxing on our planet.
Conclusion
In some example cases, plastic screws may have some distinct advantages over metal screws. Plastic screws provide many uses, from lighter weight applications to environments that need chemical resistance.
As long as a project knows its needs, it will be smooth sailing on when to make the decision to use them.
Overall, regarding the properties of different materials, there are easy-to-understand factors like weight, corrosion, and other insulation factors that we can look into when choosing screws. This essentially helps with selection and ends up being better performance efficiency.