Material selection for plastic components: What engineers need to know
Find out what matters when selecting plastic for components – from mechanical requirements to standards.
The selection of plastics for components is a decisive step in the development of technical products. Engineers face the challenge of choosing the right material from a wide range of plastics that meets all requirements in mechanical, thermal and chemical terms. This article shows which criteria really matter and how a well-founded material selection can succeed.
Requirements for plastic components: more than just strength
Depending on the field of application, plastic components must have very different properties. While in a housing for electrical appliances the electrical insulating capability and dimensional stability are the main focus, in a plain bearing wear resistance is decisive. In medical technology, by contrast, biocompatibility and sterilizability play a key role.
Important criteria in material selection
The selection of a suitable plastic is based on a wide range of technical criteria:
Mechanical load capacity
How high are the forces that occur? Does the component need to be impact-resistant, flexurally rigid or dimensionally stable under pressure? Plastics such as POM, PA or glass-fibre-reinforced variants are often the first choice here.
Temperature resistance
Is the component exposed to high temperatures continuously or for short periods? Materials such as PEEK or PPS can remain stable even at temperatures above 200 °C.
Chemical resistance
Contact with oils, solvents, cleaning agents or aggressive media requires careful examination. PTFE, PVDF or PP are particularly resistant to chemicals.
Friction and wear
Moving applications such as gears, sliding guides or bearings require materials with a low coefficient of friction. Modified POM types or UHMW-PE, for example, are suitable here.
Standards & approvals
In certain industries such as the food industry (e.g. FDA approval) or medical technology (ISO 10993), approvals are essential. These must be taken into account without fail in the selection of plastics for components.
Typical fields of application and suitable plastics
| Application | Recommended plastics |
|---|---|
| Plain bearings, gears | POM, PA, UHMW-PE |
| Housings for electronics | PC, ABS, PC/ABS, PBT |
| Food contact | PP, POM with FDA approval |
| Medical technology | PEEK, PPSU, PEI (biocompatible) |
| High-temperature applications | PEEK, PPS, PTFE |
Selection procedure in practice
A structured approach begins with the requirements analysis: which mechanical, thermal and chemical conditions prevail? This is followed by the shortlisting of suitable materials. Tools such as material databases, comparison tables and simulations help to refine the selection. Exchanging ideas with material experts or suppliers can also provide valuable insights.
Common mistakes in plastic selection
- The decision is made too early, without knowing all the requirements.
- Price is placed above quality, which becomes more expensive in the long term.
- Approvals and standards are only checked after the fact.
- Long-term resistance is underestimated, particularly under UV or chemical exposure.
Conclusion: plastic selection is a strategic decision
The choice of the right plastic influences not only the function but also the service life, safety and cost-effectiveness of a product. A well-founded selection of plastics for components requires technical know-how, practical experience and a view of the entire system. Those who proceed with care here lay the foundation for long-lasting and high-performance products.
