Every project begins with an idea. As revolutionary as this idea may be, in order to make it come true you will need to turn it into a concrete project. This crucial step consists in establishing which physical features the object must have, and consequently which material must be used to build it. This first step is essential to determine the commercial success (or lack thereof) of your idea.
Plastic materials helped developers get rid of many headaches, thanks to the most valuable characteristic of all: their versatility. Furthermore, the main limits of plastic materials can easily be mitigated. Their mechanical features depend heavily on temperature and they are prone to deforming if subjected to stress. But it’s enough to mix them with one of the numerous possible additives, like glass fiber or carbon fiber, to reduce the impact of their defects.

Plastic materials’ core properties

Plastic materials’ core properties, on the other hand, are:

  • High workability
  • Low specific gravity
  • Low electrical and heat conductivity
  • Resistance to corrosion
  • Low friction coefficient
  • Chemical resistance
  • Great aesthetic features

However, the huge number of plastic materials currently available on the market may make it harder to identify the most suitable one.

Here’s a quick guide with the key steps on how to choose the best polymer.

Non-negotiable properties and desired properties

First of all, the developer must determine which properties are non-negotiable, that is, which features are crucial to the good functioning of the end product. They are to be distinguished by the desired properties, that is, the non-essential features that would give the new product something over the comparable items available on the market.

The relevant properties for this selection are:

  • Mechanical
    • Density, resistance, flexibility, rigidity, hardness, ductility, creep
  • Thermal
    • Fusion point, specific heat, thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, aging
  • Electrical
    • Conductivity, dielectric rigidity, dielectric constant, arc resistance, and comparative tracking index
  • Chemical
    • Solubility, oxidation, corrosion, stress-cracking
  • Optical
    • Refractive index, transparency, absorption, color
  • Fire Resistance
    • Flame, glow-wire, arc, density, and toxicity of the fumes, auto-ignition temperature
  • Cost
    • Workability level, processing techniques, trimmings recycling

Although the cost is not exactly a distinctive feature of the product in its developing phase, it’s actually the most relevant one of this list.

The range of costs of the currently available polymers is very wide. This is why it’s crucial to identify and choose the desired properties from the start, thus adding the costs of the single parts and verifying that the cost of the end product be marketable.

The client’s needs

Here in GemmePlast SRL we use a very simple method, mastered ever since 1983. We summed up the criteria behind the selection of materials in order to give our clients the solution that best fits them.

  • General information: what’s the function of the part? In which conditions is it used? Is there a preferred production method? For how long is it likely to be used?
  • Specific requirements: does the product have to comply with specific requirements coming from official institutions (e.g. food regulations, ATEX)? How high is the part’s maximum tolerance to stress?
  • Usage space: at which temperature will the part be subjected during its normal functioning? Does the work environment present unusual features, e.g. the presence of chemicals?
  • Structural needs: at which type of load will the product be subjected? Is there a specific need for stiffness and impact resistance?
  • Aesthetical needs: will the end product need to have a specific external appearance? Will it need to be painted?
  • Manufacturing method: is there the need to glue some parts together or perform side refinishing procedures?
  • Economic aspects: what’s the desired target price? Is it possible to use recycled material?
  • Environmental aspects: does the product fall under particular regulations concerning its disposal? Does it have to be recyclable?

Injection moulding of plastic materials in Gemme Plast

If you want to turn an idea into reality don’t hesitate to contact us ever since the earliest stages of your project. GemmePlast SRL’s technical department will be happy to guide you through the selection of the most suitable plastic materials to fulfill your aim. We employ injection moulding, which guarantees a very limited waste of material. As a result, it’s substantially cheaper than machining parts from a block. It’s just as important to point out, lastly, that injection moulding cuts production time without affecting the quality of the end product.

So, feel free to contact us at info@gemmeplast.com for whatever information you may need or to receive a quotation for your project.