What are best practices for plastic part prototyping?

Engineered plastics are a class of materials that offer superior mechanical and thermal properties compared to standard plastics. They are designed to meet the demands of various industrial applications, providing enhanced performance and durability.

What Are Engineered Plastics?

Engineered plastics, also known as high-performance plastics, are synthetic polymers engineered to have better mechanical or thermal properties than standard plastics. They are used in applications requiring high strength, stiffness, and resistance to heat and chemicals. Common types include Polyamide (PA), Polycarbonate (PC), and Polyoxymethylene (POM).

Key Properties of Engineered Plastics

• Mechanical Strength: Engineered plastics exhibit high tensile strength and wear resistance, making them suitable for mechanical components like gears and bearings.

• Temperature Resistance: Many engineered plastics can withstand high temperatures, maintaining their properties in environments up to 150°C or higher.

• Chemical Resistance: These materials are resistant to various chemicals, including acids, bases, and solvents, ensuring durability in harsh environments.

Best Practices for Plastic Part Prototyping

1. Select the Appropriate Prototyping Method: Choose a prototyping technique that aligns with your project's requirements. Common methods include:

   • 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing): Ideal for complex geometries and rapid iterations.

   • CNC Machining: Suitable for high-precision parts and functional testing.

   • Injection Molding (Rapid Tooling): Best for realistic prototypes close to final production models.

2. Design for Manufacturability: Ensure your design is optimized for the chosen prototyping method. For instance, when using injection molding, consider wall thickness, draft angles, and the inclusion of ribs to enhance structural integrity.

3. Material Selection: Choose materials that meet the functional requirements of your prototype. For example, if your application requires high impact resistance, materials like Polycarbonate (PC) are suitable.

4. Iterative Testing and Refinement: Conduct thorough testing of your prototype to identify any design flaws or performance issues. Use the feedback to refine your design before moving to full-scale production.

Conclusion

Understanding the properties of engineered plastics and adhering to best practices in prototyping are crucial steps in developing high-quality, durable products. By selecting the right materials and prototyping methods, you can enhance product performance and accelerate time-to-market.

About Bost

Bost is a leading provider of engineered plastic solutions, offering a wide range of high-performance materials tailored to meet the specific needs of various industries. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Bost ensures that its products deliver exceptional performance and reliability.

References

• Essentra Components. (n.d.). Ultimate guide to engineered plastics.

• Essentra Components. (n.d.). Ultimate guide to engineered plastics.

• GTV Inc. (n.d.). Top seven techniques used in plastic rapid prototyping.

• HEADWAY. (n.d.). Engineering plastics applications & characteristics.

• MFG Shop. (n.d.). Engineering plastics: Types and uses in manufacturing.

• Wikipedia. (n.d.). Engineering plastic.

• CustomProc. (n.d.). Top plastic prototype manufacturers: Processes & benefits.

• Protolis. (n.d.). Plastic injection molding guide.

• Cad Crowd. (n.d.). A guide to using plastic to prototype and manufacture your product designs.