How Plastics Are Used in Alternative Energies

From batteries to windmills to utility line poles

Alternative and renewable energy sources are becoming larger and more important aspects of our overall energy infrastructure. The new products and technologies that make up the renewable energy market require highly engineered, precise parts and components that can withstand tough environments. Polymers, and plastic resins are ideal for these systems because they offer strong wear resistance, chemical resistance, corrosion and abrasion resistance, and can function in extreme temperatures.

Plastics in the utility industry

Even before the growth of renewable energy markets, industrial plastics have been widely used in the electrical utility industry. Polymers are put to work in electrical poles to replace aging wood, as well as in electrical cables, where they replace steel cores. The benefits of plastic in the electrical industry also make it a highly advantageous material for alternative energy industries.

High strength-to-weight ratio
Superior durability and reliability when compared to treated wood
It does not rot or grow mold and mildew
Corrosion resistance
Manufactured with a low coefficient of variation Long life cycle and low maintenance
Superior durability, high reliability

Alternative energy: plastic battery components

Batteries are a large part of renewable energy technology. Whether we’re talking about electric cars or wind turbines, the electricity consumed or produced is stored using batteries. Given its high strength, corrosion resistant, and low wear properties, plastics are ideal for use in a variety of battery components.

At Aztec Plastic, we use injection molding to create plastic battery boxes, covers, vents, containers, handles, bushings, and more for cars, boats, and stationary batteries for commercial facilities. Our plastic injection molded battery housings can be manufactured to exact specifications at a lower production cost than metal counterparts. We also provide secondary services like machining, grinding, 3D printing, and 3D prototyping to handle the entire battery project in house.

Plastic windmill blades

Producing electricity using wind turbines offers numerous environmental advantages over fossil fuels and is a widely employed energy production method around the world. Thermosets are one of the primary materials used in the production of wind turbine blades. The advantage of plastic windmill blades is that they are highly resistant to weather and UV rays. Additionally, plastic injection molding and plastic machining allow precise engineering, to produce blades that are both high strength and shaped perfectly to optimally catch the wind. Whether for use in plastic battery components or plastic windmill blades, injection molding has the ability to shape and form high strength polymers and resins into nearly any shape that meets tight tolerance requirements. As more alternative energy sources are developed, plastics will play a large role in our future electrical infrastructure.

Contact Aztec Plastic to see if plastic injection molding is right for your alternative energy project.

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