Working With Plastic
Understanding Plastic as a Practical Manufacturing Material
Plastic Is More Than One Material
The word 'plastic' covers a wide range of materials with very different properties.
Some plastics are rigid, some flexible, some tolerate higher temperatures and others are selected for their appearance or ease of manufacturing. Choosing the correct material is therefore just as important as designing the component itself.
Designing for the Material
A part should be designed around the behavior of the plastic being used.
Wall thickness, ribs, curves, mounting points and transitions can all influence how a component performs. Simply copying the dimensions of a metal part, for example, does not necessarily produce the best plastic version.
Heat and Environment
The environment in which a component operates needs to be considered before selecting a plastic.
Automotive interiors, machinery, outdoor installations and enclosed equipment can experience elevated temperatures. Outdoor parts may also face sunlight, moisture and changing weather conditions.
The material must be matched to these conditions.
Strength Without Unnecessary Material
A well-designed plastic component does not always need to be solid.
Internal structure, wall design and reinforcement features can be used to place material where it provides value. This can reduce weight and manufacturing time while still producing a functional component.
Finishing Plastic Parts
A 3D printed component can also be finished after manufacturing.
Depending on the material and project, finishing may include sanding, filling, priming and painting. This can improve the appearance of a visible component and help achieve a more refined final surface.
A Practical Option for Custom Parts
Plastic 3D printing is particularly useful when a component is difficult to source, needs to be customized or is required in relatively small quantities.
Greenstone uses digital design, 3D scanning and 3D printing to develop plastic solutions around the requirements of each project rather than forcing every application into the same approach.
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