Plastic Gears vs. Metal Gears: The Difference
Plastics, in general, have saturated the market within the last few decades with their levels of success. What is more surprising is that they often end up replacing their metal counterparts in many scenarios. This is especially true with gears, as plastic has now become the preferred choice of material for manufacturing gears. Here is the low down on plastic gears versus metal gears and the difference between the two.
Cost of Production
As a secondary byproduct of petroleum production, plastic costs very little to make. Not only is it cost-effective, but it practically pays for itself, as the whole world has become dependent upon it. In the industrial sector, plastics have become the leading material for processing and manufacturing, especially in regard to gears. With savings as high as 50 to 90 percent in overall production, it would be hard to argue with plastic. Unlike metals that require secondary finishing that costs extra and limits production, plastics require none of this.
Design Capabilities
Because plastic are made of resin, they have limitless capabilities to how they can be molded and shaped, which gives them a serious edge in manufacturing. Unlike metals, which require much more work to achieve the desired end product, plastics can achieve any form of gear design imaginable. The process of forming metals is lacking, as it is counterproductive in making molds for more important gear parts such as internal gears, worm gears, and cluster gears. These gears are all in high demand and essential to production, and thus, plastics get the vote again.
High Performance
Probably one of the most important factors worth considering is the performance of any product. And considering how far plastics have come in the last few years, their performance has greatly improved. Unlike before, plastics now have larger, stronger parts that can outlast and outperform most metal counterparts. Plastics are also anti-corrosive and shock-resistant, as well as lightweight. Plastics are also quiet because they naturally lubricate or can be lubricated for less friction and resistance to extend the life of the gear. And these are only a few of the many benefits that plastics provide.
Plastics have really revolutionized the way that we look at the industry and how we maintain production while being cost-effective. The sheer capability that they have in molding and design means that they are limitless as to what they can do and produce. And to add to everything else, they perform well and hold up for long periods without needing replacement. So, when debating the difference between plastic gears and metal gears, there’s really no competition between the two.