PROFESSIONAL BLOG
JANUARY 23, 2025 • 6 MIN READING
Technical plastics – for demanding environments
Engineering plastics, also known as structural plastics, are a group of advanced plastic materials developed to withstand demanding conditions where common plastics and even traditional materials such as metal or wood may fall short.
Espen Johansen
Project Engineer Plexx
These materials are known to have a unique combination of properties that make them ideal for use in extreme environments, including chemically aggressive environments, underwater applications, extremely high and low temperatures, and mechanical stress. This article explores why engineering plastics are so advantageous to use in demanding environments, what properties make them unique, and what applications they are particularly well suited for.
Unique properties that make engineering plastics advantageous
Engineering plastics differ from regular plastics by having specific mechanical, chemical and thermal properties. Here are some of the key features that make these materials ideal for demanding environments:
Corrosion resistance
One of the most important advantages of engineering plastics is their ability to resist corrosion. While metals such as steel and aluminum can rust or corrode when exposed to water, salty environments, or aggressive chemicals, engineering plastics remain unaffected. This makes plastics ideal for underwater use, in chemical plants, and other environments where exposure to corrosive substances is common.
CORROSION RESISTANT IN DEMANDING UNDERWATER ENVIRONMENTS
DESIGN OPTIMIZATION FOR WEIGHT SAVING
Low weight
Engineering plastics are significantly lighter than most metals. This reduces the overall weight of components and structures, which is especially important in applications that require mobility or energy conservation, such as in the aerospace, automotive and underwater equipment industries. Lower weight can also reduce costs associated with transportation and installation.
High strength and durability
Although plastics are generally associated with low strength, engineering plastics such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone), nylon and polycarbonate have exceptional mechanical strength and can withstand high loads. They combine flexibility and strength, making them less susceptible to cracking and breaking compared to brittle materials such as glass or certain metals.
Insulation properties
Engineering plastics have excellent insulation properties, both electrical and thermal. This makes them ideal in environments where electrical components need to be protected or where it is important to minimize heat loss. These properties are particularly important in applications such as wiring, printed circuit boards and electric motors.
HIGH PRECISION AND INSULATION PROPERTIES
Low friction and high wear resistance
In environments with moving parts, such as bearings, seals or slideways, engineering plastics are often a superior choice. Materials such as PTFE (Teflon) have extremely low friction and are durable, reducing wear and tear and the need for maintenance.
Chemical resistance
Engineering plastics can withstand exposure to many chemicals, including acids, bases, oils and solvents, without weakening, making them ideal for use in chemical processes, laboratories and piping systems transporting aggressive substances.
Long life
Engineering plastics generally have a long lifespan even in demanding environments, reducing the need for frequent replacement and thus lowering the total cost of ownership.
Cost-effectiveness
Although some engineering plastics may be more expensive to purchase than traditional materials, this is often offset by lower maintenance costs, longer lifespan and reduced weight.
Applications for engineering plastics in demanding environments
Engineering plastics are used in a variety of demanding applications due to their unique properties. Here are some examples:
Underwater applications
In the offshore industry, engineering plastics are used for pipes, valves, seals and bearings due to their resistance to corrosion and chemicals, as well as their durability under high pressure.
Aerospace and automotive industry
Components that require low weight, high strength, and resistance to temperature and chemical influences. Examples include fuel systems, electrical components, and interiors.
Electronics
Plastics such as polycarbonate and ABS are used in everything from mobile phones to large electric motors — providing physical protection and electrical insulation.
Medical technology
PEEK and polycarbonate are used in medical devices because they can be sterilized, are biocompatible, and have high wear resistance.
Chemical industry
In chemical plants, engineering plastics are used in tanks, pipes and valves that can withstand aggressive chemicals and high temperatures.
Construction and infrastructure
Engineering plastics are used in everything from insulation materials to load-bearing structures — low weight and high strength simplify transport and assembly.
Conclusion
Engineering plastics are an exceptional material for use in demanding environments, thanks to their unique properties such as corrosion resistance, low weight, high strength, chemical resistance and insulation. These properties make it possible to use engineering plastics in everything from underwater equipment to medical technology and the automotive industry.
In a world constantly searching for lighter, stronger and more durable materials, engineering plastics will play a vital role in future technological developments, making them an ideal solution for companies looking to balance performance, cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
"Engineering plastics are an exceptional material for use in demanding environments, thanks to their unique properties such as corrosion resistance, low weight, high strength, chemical resistance and insulation properties."
Frequently asked questions
Engineering plastics (structural plastics) have significantly better mechanical, chemical and thermal properties than standard plastics. They can withstand higher loads, temperatures and chemical exposure.
PEEK, POM (Delrin), PA (nylon), PPS, PTFE (Teflon) and polycarbonate are among the most commonly used engineering plastic materials.
In many cases, yes. Engineering plastics provide lower weight, better corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties — and can often replace steel, aluminum and brass.
Many technical plastic materials have a long lifespan and can be recycled. Their low weight results in lower energy consumption in transport and operation.
Offshore, automotive, aerospace, medical technology, electronics and chemical industries are among the largest users.
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