Backward compatibility

Downward compatibility means that older technical objects can be replaced under the same conditions as previous versions. This can mean, for example, that metal parts can be replaced by newer, downward-compatible plastic parts.

Interchangeability refers to the fact that certain components can be replaced by others without modification.

Modern manufacturing strategies make it possible to replace expensive metal parts with more cost-effective plastic parts without the need to change the design. This can be achieved through various methods:

1. Foaming: Thermoplastic foam casting (TSG) allows expensive parts to be replaced by more cost-effective ones during the running product cycle.
2. Machining: Modern machining strategies allow metal parts to be substituted by cost-effectively machined plastic parts.
3. Strategies with capped mould costs: New approaches in mould making have reduced costs, which is particularly advantageous at higher batch sizes.
4. Strategies without mould costs: The MET process specialises in simple and smaller components and generally requires no investment costs.
5. Cost reduction through modern materials: More cost-effective manufacturing alternatives are proposed for running parts by using modern materials.