The term 'thermoplastic' refers to a type of plastic that softens when it is heated and then hardens again when it cools. You can melt it, give it a shape and then cool it down, after which it will retain that new shape. This contrasts with certain other plastics, which, once set, cannot be melted and remoulded.
Put the word 'engineering' in front of it; this simply indicates that the plastic is strong and tough enough to be used in components which are subject to real mechanical work, not just for packaging or containers. For example, you could think of gears, machine parts, electrical connectors or parts of cars. Such components must withstand stress, heat or friction without failing.
An engineering thermoplastic is a type of plastic which, when melted is easy to mould and which, after it has cooled and hardened is strong enough for use in demanding, functional components.
It's much easier to grasp this by means of some actual examples. Here are a few that are commonly encountered:
Whenever a product has to be strong, precise and capable of withstanding a certain amount of heat or stress, one of these materials is likely the reason why.
Here's a simple way of putting it: ordinary plastic for example the kind used in bottle caps or shopping bags is primarily selected because it is light and cheap, whereas engineering thermoplastic is selected since the part has to perform under pressure, heat or after repeated use and still not fail.
It is likely that if you replaced an engineering thermoplastic gear with a regular plastic one, the latter would wear out crack or deform much more quickly under the same conditions.
You'll find these materials wherever a part needs to be both strong and precisely shaped:
Automotive parts - connectors, housings, under-the-hood components
Industrial machinery - gears, bushings, rollers, wear parts
Electrical and electronics - connectors, switches, insulating parts
Consumer appliances - internal parts that need to survive daily use
If you're new to sourcing these materials, here's what actually matters, explained simply:
The city of Pune has a large number of manufacturers in the automotive, electronics and machinery sectors, so there is continuous demand for engineering thermoplastics here. Since the demand is high, there are numerous suppliers available, but the quality and consistency of the material among them can differ greatly.
It is advisable to become familiar with the material basics mentioned above before comparing different options if you are establishing a new production line or if your present supplier has not been reliable. A supplier who takes the time to explain the various grades, data sheets and storage practices is generally one that you can work with for the long term.
It is a type of plastic which softens on heating and hardens on cooling and is strong enough to be used in mechanical components such as gears, connectors and machine parts.
Ordinary plastic is generally used because it is lightweight and cheap, for example in packaging. Engineering thermoplastic is selected because of its strength and durability, since it is used in components that are subjected to stress, heat or friction.
For instance, nylon, polycarbonate, POM (acetal) and PBT are all used, each being appropriate for different applications such as gears, machine covers or electrical connectors.
While many of the various grades are designed to resist heat more effectively than ordinary plastics, the actual level of heat resistance will vary according to the particular material and grade. It is essential to refer to the data sheet before selecting one for use in a high-heat situation.
For example, a part that has to slide smoothly should be made of POM, whereas a part that has to be almost unbreakable should be made of polycarbonate. A supplier who is well informed can assist you in selecting the appropriate grade for your application.
