When to Choose Metal
Metals are the go-to choice when your application demands:
- High strength-to-weight ratio (aerospace, automotive)
- Heat resistance above 150°C
- Electrical conductivity (enclosures, connectors)
- Wear resistance (gears, bearings, tooling)
When to Choose Plastic
Plastics excel when you need:
- Low cost at high volumes (injection molding)
- Chemical resistance to specific agents
- Electrical insulation
- Complex geometries that would be expensive in metal
Decision Matrix
Consider these factors: operating temperature, mechanical loads, volume, chemical environment, and budget.