Plastics Replacing Hard Metal

Byline: S. K. ANSARI and SEEMA ANSARI Manufacturers cannot expect equivalent properties for the families of materials (steels, thermoplastics, aluminum alloys, rubber), because each material family has unique properties developed for specific applications and market needs. These materials are processed using different manufacturing processes and quality control methods. All materials have advantages and disadvantages (properties, processes, and quality), making it difficult to compare the cost of finished products made of different materials and by different processes.