Discover how engineered plastics like ABS, HPL, and polycarbonate are increasingly replacing metal in modern machine building. This article explores six key reasons to consider plastics instead of metal, including benefits such as lower weight, corrosion resistance, transparency, and greater design freedom. Real examples from SRT Plastics show how this shift delivers both technical and economic advantages.
Discover how engineered plastics like ABS, HPL, and polycarbonate are increasingly replacing metal in modern machine building. This article explores six key reasons to consider plastics instead of metal, including benefits such as lower weight, corrosion resistance, transparency, and greater design freedom. Real examples from SRT Plastics show how this shift delivers both technical and economic advantages.
In today’s industrial environment, machine builders face increasing pressure to reduce weight, streamline design, and improve cost efficiency without compromising performance. One of the most effective ways to achieve these goals is by replacing traditional metal components with engineered thermoplastics.
At SRT Plastics, we collaborate with OEMs, engineers, and industrial teams to develop custom plastic components that offer clear benefits over their metal counterparts. These include transparent safety guards, precision mounting panels, and durable, lightweight housings.
Thermoplastics such as ABS, polycarbonate, and HPL provide excellent strength while being significantly lighter than steel or aluminium. This simplifies installation, reduces load on supporting structures, and cuts transport and handling costs.
Transparent materials like polycarbonate and PETG make it possible to see inside machinery without opening covers or removing panels. These plastics are perfect for protective shields and inspection panels that allow operators to monitor moving parts while keeping their hands and eyes safe.
Plastics are inherently resistant to moisture, oils, and cleaning chemicals. This makes them ideal in settings where metal parts would require protective coatings or risk corrosion, such as food production, washdown areas, or humid environments.
Unlike metal, plastics can be thermoformed, CNC machined, bent, or bonded into complex geometries. This enables integrated design features, smooth edges, and tailored shapes without the need for heavy post-processing or expensive tooling.
Many plastics, including ABS and HPL, are natural insulators. This makes them a safer and more convenient choice for electrical enclosures, mounting panels, and switchgear applications where conductivity is a concern.
Plastic parts typically involve lower tooling costs, faster forming, and less secondary finishing. For short runs or custom components, plastics can eliminate the need for costly dies and reduce both time and expense throughout the production process.
Plastic fabrication may be the better choice when your component needs:
We’ve supported clients across various industries in transitioning from metal to plastic with tangible results. For example:
Interested in more examples? View our machine building solutions and our electronics and electrical engineering solutions or visit our plastic fabrication services page.
At SRT Plastics, we go beyond material supply. Our team works closely with machine builders and designers to replace outdated metal parts with innovative plastic alternatives. With in-house thermoforming, CNC machining, and assembly capabilities, we deliver ready-to-install components that meet industrial standards and improve performance.
Contact us today to discuss your application or request a consultation with one of our technical specialists.
Discover how engineered plastics like ABS, HPL, and polycarbonate are increasingly replacing metal in modern machine building. This article explores six key reasons to consider plastics instead of metal, including benefits such as lower weight, corrosion resistance, transparency, and greater design freedom. Real examples from SRT Plastics show how this shift delivers both technical and economic advantages.
Selecting the right plastic for your industrial enclosure helps ensure long-term protection, performance, and cost-efficiency. This article outlines six key factors to consider, including impact resistance, insulation, and hygiene requirements. It also compares popular materials like ABS, polycarbonate, HPL, and PETG to help guide your decision.
Recycled plastic sheets offer a sustainable, cost-effective, and technically reliable alternative for industrial manufacturing. This article explores how recycled ABS materials support circular production while delivering high performance in applications such as machine covers, panels, trays, and enclosures.
