How to Choose the Right Plastic for Your Prototype

When it comes to developing a part or prototype, there are a number of complicated factors that need to come into play. You must balance the aesthetic of the design, its functions, the specific manufacturing process and many other factors in order to promote the success of the component or prototype. One of the most important questions you will have to answer about your plastic part is the type of material that will be used to make it. The right material can be a significant determining factor in the overall success of a plastic part. Find out more about how to select the right materials and plastic sheets in Utah to ensure that you are happy with your completed plastic part or prototype.

• Focus on function: In order to determine the best material for your needs, you should make a list of priorities. Although you likely want a part that looks good, works well and is strong and durable, you should decide which of these factors is the most integral to the function of your part. Consider how the part will be used in tandem with other parts and materials. Does it need to hold weight, or is it simply an aesthetic feature? You can use your list of priorities to guide your choice of materials.
• Consider your options: There are so many different plastic options available to you that you might not know about. Find out about the properties and features of different materials and consider which ones are best suited for your needs. You will also need to determine which materials come in which forms. Materials may be available as rods, pipes and plastic sheets in Utah, so you will have to determine which iteration makes sense for the component you’re producing. It can be helpful to get advice from a company that specializes in plastic design and development for additional insight into which products are best suited for your project.
• Determine manufacturing scale: It’s important to take availability and cost into account during this phase of the selection process. If you only want one high-quality prototype, you may be able to pay more for higher quality material. On the other hand, if you will be manufacturing hundreds or thousands of the same component, it makes more sense to go with a material that’s affordable and won’t shatter your margins. For a larger-scale production, you will also likely need to make an injection molding tool to facilitate manufacturing.

When you have questions about plastic fabrication and manufacturing, get the answers you need from the experts at D&D Plastics. We have been providing the community with services ranging from plastic thermoforming to injection molding since 1980. We also offer a wide range of products designed to fit your needs and budget. We would be happy to tell you more about what we have in stock and explain our different services to you. If you would like more information from our knowledgeable team, simply give us a call today—we would be happy to help you with your next project!

Categorised in: Polycarbonate Plastic Sheets

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