Polymers touch almost every aspect of our lives. And, there’s a high chance that you’ve also used a product made from polymers. From tires to water bottles, glass to epoxy, you can find polymers almost anywhere you look around. Simply put, polymers are used in almost every industry. Some of the benefits of polymers include:
They Provide a Cost-effective Solution
One of the main benefits of polymers is that they are highly cost-effective, compared to some of the other materials like metal. For instance, machined plastic parts tend to be considerably lighter and cheaper, compared to metal. Also, polymers are produced in faster cycles, as opposed to metals.
And considering that polymers are also lighter than their metallic counterparts, they provide a great option for making equipment or products that are frequently moved or transported.
When it comes to wear and bearing applications, polymers also tend to have an edge over their metallic counterparts. For instance, they allow lower power motors to be used, which may help to save costs. Also, they come with lower frictional properties, which translate to lesser wear and tear. Consequently, this helps to reduce maintenance downtime and costs.
Polymers also tend to be more durable, compared to wood, especially when used in marine settings. For instance, repairing a dock can be extremely expensive, more so commercial ones. And considering that wooden docks are highly prone to warping, splinter, rotting and other forms of damage, they will need regular maintenance, which will drive up costs.
But with polymers, dock owners can considerably save on these costs. Docks made from upcycled plastic lumber will withstand the elements much better. Hence, they will last longer, thus reducing the need to replace them frequently. As a result, dock owners will save on maintenance costs.
Simply put, polymers are lighter and cheaper to produce, compared to most of the other raw materials used to make products and parts. Also, you will not only purchase the product or part at a cheaper cost, but you will also use it for a longer period.
Highly Versatile
Unlike other materials like metal or wood, polymers can be used in a wide range of settings and applications. They can be used in agriculture, mining, marine, surgical devices, aircraft construction, vehicle manufacturing, and various other settings. Also, they are easy to shape and mold into various forms, further widening their use. In fact, this may explain why most of the products around the globe are made out of polymers.
Resistant to Chemicals
Most metallic products have to be coated with expensive finishes, to minimize corrosion by various elements. For instance, when they are exposed to moisture, most metallic components will corrode easily, caused by chemical reactions between the elements present in the metal and the air.
However, such issues are almost non-existent when it comes to polymers. Polymers such as polyethylene, Teflon, Kynar and PEEK are highly resistant to most of the corroding elements. In fact, they can also withstand the harshest chemicals and compounds.
Their extremely high resistance against various chemicals allows for the manufacture and utilization of various fluid-handling systems in the processing and chemical industries, which may have otherwise been dissolved if they were made of metal. Some polymer materials used in chemical processes and manufacturing can withstand temperatures of over 3700C, which is almost unmatched by other materials.
No Post-Treatment Processes Needed
Polymers are electrically and thermally insulating. On the other hand, metallic products and parts may need specialized secondary coating and processing, in order to outfit them with insulating properties.
The problem is, these additional processes will push the cost of production higher. But, even after these processes have been undertaken, the insulating capabilities of such products will still remain lower, compared to those made of polymers.
Furthermore, polymers are naturally resistant against corrosion. Also, they are not vulnerable to the galvanic effects associated with metallic components. Also, polymers can be enhanced with color prior to machining, thus helping to eliminate the need for the application of secondary finish efforts – case in point, painting.
Again, this helps to further reduce the money needed to produce such components. Furthermore, they will also be produced within a shorter duration compared to the manufacturing of similar metallic components.
Easier to Achieve Sterility
Maintaining high cleanliness standards is extremely vital in the medical industry. Hence, if the equipment is not properly cleaned, they may transfer pathogens from one patient to another leading to infections. The problem is, metallic medical equipment is not as easy to clean as polymers. Hence, they tend to be more laborious, especially when you compare them to those made of polymers. The ease of cleaning also helps to save time, which can be allocated elsewhere. Therefore, surgical equipment made of polymers tends to provide a better alternative, compared to their metallic counterparts.
Enhanced Radiolucency
So, what exactly is radiolucency? Well, it refers to the ability of a material to allow passage of radiant energy like x-rays. But, the material also has to provide a certain degree of resistance to those x-rays. And this is where polymers come in.
Surgical instruments made of polymer allow the physician to have a clear view beneath the fluoroscopy. And this translates to more accurate, safer, and faster surgical procedures. Metal instruments, on the other hand, may block the surgeon’s view, making the surgical procedure relatively unsafe.
Save in Fuel Costs
As earlier noted, polymers are considerably lighter than metals. And when used to make airplane parts, they will help to reduce the overall weight of the finished plane. And, reducing the overall weight can help airlines to save on fuel costs. According to studies, airlines can realize fuel savings of up to $15,000 annually for every pound of total weight reduced on an airplane.
Closing Remarks
Without a doubt, polymers come with numerous benefits, compared to some of the other materials that are used to make parts. From aerospace to medical sciences, industrial to power and energy, polymers can help players in almost all industries to save money when used to manufacture components.