Many manufacturers prefers plastic fabrication over working with other materials (such as metal or glass) due to the process’s advantages in certain applications. Plastic’s malleability and cost-effectiveness can make it a versatile and durable material for a range of different products.
For OEM manufacturers or applications that do not include complete in-house fabrication, we often offer machining services; these include any technique that is used to cut, bend, mold or otherwise form plastic into the desired shape. Plastic machining can be used to create partial components that can be further developed at your facility, or to create the entire plastic product.
Common types of plastic machining and fabrication processes we offer include but are not limited to:
- CNC cutting, milling, and machining
- Edge finishing and polishing of transparent parts
- Hot line bending and cold bending
- Plastic welding
- Plastic bonding
- Thermoforming and vacuum-forming.
- Silk screen printing and digital printing
- Fastener installation
Machining process is crucial when it comes to preventing plastic failure. Often moisture in the material, weak welding, or in-mold stress can result in a dramatically weakened product, shortening the projected lifespan of the workpiece.
Failure can occur as a result of inappropriate use or unintentional overextension of a component.
Generally speaking, there are three types of plastic failure:
Mechanical: Mechanical failure occurs when a product is exposed to external forces that are greater than the product is designed to handle, ultimately resulting in the cracking or breaking of a plastic part. The failure isn’t always sudden—often a party is exposed to the same inappropriate force or condition repeatedly over a long period of time, thereby weakening the part little by little until it finally gives in.
Thermal: Thermal failure occurs as a result of exposure to extreme temperatures. If a product is exposed to a very high temperature it can melt and warp. On the other hand, plastic products can become brittle when forced to endure extremely cold environments, which can make them prone to cracking and shattering.
Environmental: Exposure to the elements, as all outdoor products must face, can lead to environmental failure. UV rays, extreme weather, and chemical pollution can lead to everything from mere color loss to a completely diminished part.
Aside from problems with material selection, design, and manufacturing, issues also can arise concerning service conditions.
We offer technical manuals and specific directions regarding a product’s use in order to avoid failures.