Hello and welcome to a new post on polymer material selection. In the world of plastics, selecting the right polymer material for your project is crucial. The wrong choice can lead to costly mistakes, product failures, and even safety hazards. To help you make the right decision, I have outlined 10 key considerations to keep in mind (Figure 1):
1. Cost: Polymer materials come in a wide range of prices. It is important to balance price and performance when making your selection. Consider factors such as processing and tooling costs, as well as the cost per volume rather than weight.
2. Environmental Exposure: The end-use environment of your product will play a major role in determining the suitability of a polymer material. Consider factors such as temperature, UV light, and chemical exposure.
3. Material Property Data: Gather as much data as you can about the material's properties, including short-term, long-term, and cyclic properties. This information can be found in technical data sheets, material suppliers, and databases such as CAMPUS (Check out my collection of databases here).
4. Processing Data: Ensure that the material you select is compatible with your chosen manufacturing process, such as injection molding or extrusion. Also consider factors such as part design and compatibility with other materials.
5. Appearance: If the appearance of your product is important, be sure to select a material that meets your aesthetic requirements. This includes factors such as surface haptics, finish, and color. Using glass-fiber reinforced compounds will have lower surface aesthetic compared to unfilled polymers.
6. Agency Approvals: If your product will be used in a regulated industry, such as food, medical, or automotive, you will need to ensure that the material complies with all relevant regulations and standards.
7. Industry Specifications: Some industries have specific requirements for polymer materials. Be sure to check for any relevant industry specifications before making your selection.
8. Actual Requirements and Load Cases: It is important to map out the true load cases and material requirements for your specific application. This will help you select a material that can meet the demands of your product.
9. Prototype Testing: Before making a final decision, it is always a good idea to test prototypes of your product to ensure that the material you have selected performs as expected.
10. Choosing Suppliers: When selecting a polymer supplier, be sure to choose a company that has a broad product portfolio, strong customer support, and a global presence.
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| Figure 1: 10 key considerations for selecting the optimal polymer - polymer material selection tip. |
Update: based on the community feedback (thanks !!), I added sustainability/circularity considerations, as well as checking for Intellectual Property (IP) protection (Figure 2).
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| Figure 2: Extended key considerations for selecting the optimal polymer - polymer material selection tip. |
By following these 10 key considerations, you can make sure that you select the optimal polymer material for your project. This will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your product is successful.
In addition to the above, it is also important to consult with a polymer expert. They can help you understand the different types of polymer materials available and make recommendations based on your specific needs.
Conclusion
Selecting the optimal polymer material for your project is an important decision. By following the tips in this article, you can make sure that you choose a material that is both cost-effective and suitable for your application.
I hope this blog article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave me a message.
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