Three Design and Fabrication Considerations for Custom Plastic Joiners

In the past, most joiners used in equipment and general structural networks were manufactured using metal. The popularity of the material can be attributed to the strength and the durability of metal. Over the recent years, plastic has gained a significant position in the fabrication of joiners. Unlike metal, plastic is easy to machine, so intricate shapes can be created at low costs. This category of materials is also lightweight; this means that it will not stress the pertinent joined units after installation. In addition, plastic is resistant to damage from water and most chemicals. If you are planning on obtaining high-quality plastic joiners for commercial purposes, consider these simple design and fabrication factors before making your order.

Structural Material

The plastic material used in the manufacture of the joiner is a critical consideration. The choice will determine the durability of the custom component as well as its cost and general performance. In general, it is advisable to select engineering plastics over commodity alternatives for your fabrication projects. Engineering plastics can withstand more mechanical stress, higher temperature and even exposure to harsh chemicals without distortion. On the other hand, commodity plastics are cheaper, but they are more vulnerable to damage and accelerated degradation. Regardless of your category choice, you should check the performance characteristics such as tensile strength, softening temperature point and abrasive resistance of your preferred plastics.

Joiner Wall Thickness

When creating your custom joiner design, you should evaluate the wall thickness required for your component. In simple terms, the plastic material utilised might be strong and resilient. However, if the fabricated walls are not sufficient, the component will break down prematurely. Generally, there is no standard thickness recommended for every manufacturing project. The right choice will primarily depend on the potential application of the pertinent component. If the joiner is going to be exposed to high external or internal pressure after installation, you should create a design with thicker walls. You should also inquire from your fabricator about any limitations they impose on component thickness for your preferred materials.

Dimensional Tolerances

Plastic joiners are designed for installation as connection units. Therefore, dimensional tolerance is important because it will determine the ability of the component to interlock with the other associated parts. Ideally, tolerance can be defined as the measurement deviation from the dimensional ideal. The ideal tolerance will depend on materials, joiner complexity and even manufacturing process. For the best results, discuss the most suitable dimensions for tolerance for your custom joiner with your fabricator. 


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