Metal vs Plástico. Metade dos metais já pode ser substituída. Sabia? 🤔
(English Below) 🇵🇹
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Did you know that up to 50% of metal components in equipment can be replaced by technical plastics?
Sounds bold? Not really…
According to BASF, engineering plastics already allow the replacement of up to half of the metal components in many industrial machines, with comparable performance and several added advantages. 💡
🌍 The shift towards lighter, more versatile, and sustainable materials is well underway, and technical plastics are at the forefront of this transformation.
🧩 What are the advantages?
🔹 Lower weight – ideal for reducing energy consumption in moving or rotating parts.
🔹 Cost reduction – faster production, less waste, and easier assembly.
🔹 High chemical and thermal resistance – plastics like PEEK, PA6 or PPS perform well in demanding environments.
🔹 Lower friction and wear – extended lifespan in many applications.
🔹 More sustainable solutions – smaller carbon footprint in production and transportation.
🛠️ Where are they already being used?
Gears ⚙️, brackets, housings, valves, and many other components are already being produced with engineering plastics, delivering gains in efficiency, lightness, and innovation.
Instead of simply “replicating” a metal part, the design can be rethought, taking full advantage of the freedom of shape and function that polymers offer.
🚀 Industry has already started this transformation. What about your company?
At Ruy de Lacerda, we closely follow these technological developments and stay alert to the trends shaping the future of industry. 💼
We believe that smart material substitution, such as using technical plastics instead of metals represents a real opportunity to make processes more efficient, lightweight, and sustainable. 🌱
