Plastic vs Metal Fasteners: When to Choose Plastic
plastic fasteners or Metal Fasteners?
In many applications plastic fasteners are an ideal alternative to metal, but not in every case. Understanding the pros and cons helps make the right choice.
Advantages of plastic fasteners
- Electrical insulation: Non-conductive, preventing short circuits and galvanic corrosion.
- Lightweight: About 1/6 of steel weight.
- Corrosion resistance: No rust, chemical resistant.
- Non-magnetic: Suitable for MRI and electron microscope environments.
- Low cost: Economical for volume applications.
Limitations
- Lower mechanical strength than metal
- Limited temperature range (most plastics <260°C)
- Potential creep under long-term load
- Not suitable for conductive/grounding applications
When to Choose Plastic
When the application requires insulation, lightweight, corrosion resistance or non-magnetic properties within the material temperature range. Typical: electronics, appliances, medical devices, chemical equipment, outdoor facilities.
When to Stay with Metal
Ultra-high strength connections, high temperature (>300°C), conductive/grounding, or extreme creep resistance requirements.
FASTKING Material Coverage
FASTKING offers 10+ materials including PA66, PP, PVC, PVDF, PC, PTFE, PEEK, PAGF, RENY and ZrO2 ceramic, covering plastic fastener needs from general to extreme conditions.