Why Plastic Is Used in Fluid Handling Equipment

Strong, cost effective, corrosion resistant

Plastic doesn’t leach, is hygienic and a flame retardant
Plastic is ideal to replace metal components
Manufacturing and maintenance costs are less with plastics

Fluid handling systems use flowing liquid to perform work, transfer energy or heat, and spray solvents and other fluids. They involve multiple interconnected components to control flow rates, temperatures, pressures, fluid levels, and more. Although metal has long been the material of choice for manufacturers that produce fluid handling systems, many are now making the switch to plastic because of the number of advantages this material offers.

Benefits of plastic for fluid handling equipment

Acrylic sheet and polypropylene are two of the most commonly used types of plastic in fluid handling. From water pump components, like bearings, bushings, housings, gears, and rotors, to containment shells, seals, valve bodies, meter components, control boxes, couplings, pipes, and more, plastics are used for a wide variety of parts. The usefulness of plastic for so many different components stems from its unique properties.

Resistance to corrosion and abrasion – Unlike many metals, industrial plastics can withstand water, chemicals, and other fluids passing through and over them without additional coatings and without corroding or breaking down. The result is that plastic fluid handling components have longer service lives than metal parts with minimal wear and tear and, as a result, little required maintenance.

Flame retardant – Certain plastics have high levels of flame and heat resistance, meaning they can perform well and maintain their shape even at very high temperatures. In addition, they provide excellent insulation, so they retain the heat of hot fluids passing around them.

Hygienic properties – Plastic fluid handling components can be sterilized and sanitized easily with highly abrasive chemicals and do not break down or corrode. This capability is extremely important for plastic pump components that need to store or transport extremely pure liquids.

Plastic doesn’t leach – Like its hygienic properties, plastics similarly do not contain any impurities that may leach into the liquids flowing through or over them. Plastic components also will not absorb any impurities that may be present in the liquid.

Plastic components are cost effective – Fluid handling equipment often requires unique shapes and extremely tight tolerances. Using injection molding, 3D printing, and secondary machining and grinding, plastic fluid handling parts can be engineered into almost any shape. To have the same customization and precision with metal components would be much more expensive. With plastic, it’s also relatively easy to create repeat and replacement parts, reducing required expenditures for production and maintenance.

At Aztec Plastic, we use a wide variety of thermoplastics and plastic resins to help you design, engineer, and produce fluid handling equipment components that meet your exact specifications. If you’re considering plastic for your product, our team can help you decide.

Contact Aztec Plastic for all your plastic needs today!