Key principles.
Light, cheap, insulating
Lower density, lower cost, electrical insulation. Cosmetic versatility.
Strong, conductive, durable
Higher strength, stiffness, conductivity, temperature, durability.
Plastic cheaper
Plastic generally cheaper, especially at production volumes via molding.
Plastic lighter
Plastics 0.9-2 g/cm³. Metals 2.7-19 g/cm³.
Metal higher
Most plastics limited to 100°C. PEEK to 250°C. Metals unlimited.
Plastic limited
Metal infinitely recyclable. Plastic limited cycles.
FAQ
Weight-sensitive, cost-sensitive, electrical insulation, complex molded geometry, consumer products.
High strength, high temperature, electrical conductivity, durability, structural applications.
Common — plastic enclosures with metal structural inserts. Best of both.
Plastic cheaper at production volumes. CNC metal vs CNC plastic similar.
Metal infinitely recyclable. Plastic 1-3 cycles before degradation. Both have impacts.
Composites (carbon fiber + epoxy) bridging properties. Replacing metal in aerospace.
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