Why Choose Plastic Over Metal?

​Over the past decade, more and more companies are choosing plastic over metal. But why? There are many advantages to a metal-to-plastic conversion. The most common reasons companies are making this choice are for reducing weight, reducing cost, reducing thermal and electrical conductivity, consolidating parts, and eliminating human contact with harmful metals. 

Our standard conversion process includes eight steps:

1. Setting Targets with ALL Constituents
2. Developing Concepts and Designs
3. Running Simulation Models and Analysis
4. Optimizing Design and Material for Manufacturability
5. Validating Decisions with Prototypes
6. Considering Global Sourcing
7. Launching the Customer Advocacy Group and Field Testing
8. Launching Tooling and Final Production Plan

Traditionally, most metal-to-plastic conversions can also improve on the quality of parts, and eliminate many assembly, painting, and secondary processes and operations. Due to the many different types and combinations of specialty plastics, you can also gain resistance to high temperatures and chemicals.
A major benefit of converting a part is the redesign process. It allows engineers to review the old part, resolve any performance issues it may have had, and eliminate them in the new design. For example, you can design hinges into the part, add metallic inserts, or add compression limiters. If your metal part was painted, you could consider using colored plastic as an alternative. If your part used labels or stickers on the outside, you can consider an in-mold decal which is molded right into the part as a long-lasting alternative.

IVP Plastics has completed many metal to plastic conversions over the years and has shown that this method can be highly successful. We have three case studies about our metal-to-plastic conversion process that are available. Please contact us if you are interested in converting a part from metal to plastic.

Heater Supply and Return Tubing
Mounting Bracket for Diesel Exhaust Fluid Treatment Pump
Filter Housing