Across many industries, plastic components are becoming the preferred choice over traditional metal parts. Advances in material technology have created plastics that deliver impressive strength, durability, chemical resistance, and heat performance. When paired with expert machining and fabrication, these materials often outperform metal in applications that require cleanability, precision, or long-term wear resistance.
At Royal Custom Plastics, we see this shift every day in food processing, cheese and dairy, automation, OEM manufacturing, paper mills, and other industrial environments. The advantages are clear and often lead to better performance and lower operational costs.
1. Plastics Reduce Weight and Improve Efficiency
Plastics are significantly lighter than metal, which makes equipment easier to handle, transport, and maintain. Lighter parts reduce strain on moving systems in automation and OEM equipment. This can improve speed, accuracy, and overall efficiency. Weight reductions can also decrease energy usage, helping equipment operate more smoothly over time.
2. No Risk of Corrosion or Metal Contamination
Metal parts can rust, corrode, or shed particles over time. This creates problems for food, dairy, and cheese processing facilities with strict sanitation standards. Plastics do not corrode and do not introduce metal fragments into production lines.
Because Royal Custom Plastics specializes in plastic machining only, parts are produced without any risk of metal cross contamination. This is especially valuable for applications that must meet industry and FDA requirements for clean and safe operation.
3. Plastics Offer Superior Wear and Abrasion Resistance
Many engineered plastics are designed to withstand constant movement, friction, and direct impact. Materials like UHMW and Acetal provide excellent wear resistance in demanding environments such as conveyors, guides, gears, paper mills, and packaging equipment.
These materials often outperform metal in applications where smooth, low friction surfaces are essential. Plastics also operate quietly, which improves the working environment and reduces vibration.
4. Better Chemical Resistance for Harsh Environments
Certain industries rely on aggressive cleaners, sanitizers, oils, or solvents as part of their daily operation. Metals may degrade or react when exposed to these substances. Plastics designed for chemical resistance maintain their shape, strength, and functionality even with frequent washdowns.
This is especially important in food processing and dairy facilities that follow strict sanitation procedures. Plastics help ensure long-term durability and consistent performance under harsh cleaning conditions.
5. Lower Cost and Easier Manufacturing
Plastics are often more cost effective than metal, both in material cost and machining time. They are easier to fabricate, do not require corrosion treatments, and offer long-term savings through reduced maintenance.
For many projects, switching from metal to plastic significantly extends the lifespan of the component. Plastics also allow for complex shapes and custom machining that would be more expensive or difficult to achieve using metal.
6. More Flexibility for Custom Applications
Plastics provide unmatched versatility. You can choose materials that prioritize strength, impact resistance, heat tolerance, clarity, cleanability, or food safety. This flexibility makes it easier to design parts that fit the exact needs of your equipment and industry environment.
Royal Custom Plastics supports both replacement parts and new product development. If you have a rough sketch or an idea for a new component, we help refine the design and select the best material for performance and longevity.
7. A Better Fit for Modern Industrial Demands
Industries today require components that are strong, lightweight, chemical resistant, and easy to clean. Plastics meet these needs while keeping costs manageable and performance consistent.
As more companies recognize the benefits, the move away from metal continues to grow. With the right partner and the right materials, plastic components often become the smarter long-term solution.