As of late 2023, predictions estimate the automotive plastic market size to reach 44.6 billion dollars by 2032. This growth is due in part to the sector’s heavy reliance on the properties of plastic. The government has also pushed for the use of lightweight plastics instead of metal to lower vehicular emissions.
If you’ve bought a vehicle in the past decade, you may have noticed a shift towards lighter parts. But why would the industry shift towards plastic, which must be less durable than metal?
Here are five benefits of plastic car parts that you may not know.
1. Better Fuel Efficiency
Maximizing fuel economy is important for both the automotive industry and buyers. The best way to do so is by lightening the load your engine has to carry.
All types of plastic parts are much lighter than the metals that make up older cars. As such, your engine has to consume less fuel to move your vehicle. This also means your vehicle will suffer less strain and last longer.
2. Cost-Effective
On top of a lighter weight, plastic injection molding is much more cost-effective and efficient than working with metal parts. It allows companies to mass-produce automotive parts with minimal waste. Production costs go down and so does the cost of vehicles.
3. Flexible Designs
Design flexibility is important if you work with automotive parts. There are a lot of different pieces and parts that need to fit a wide variety of designs. These complex forms and shapes can only be easily achieved through injection molding.
In addition, the type of plastic resin can also affect where each part is used.
For example, polyethylene is tough and works best for car bumpers. Meanwhile, polystyrene is more rigid and is used in instrument panels.
4. Corrosion Resistant
One of the main reasons to use plastic car parts over metal ones is that they resist corrosion, chemicals, and weathering. As long as a vehicle doesn’t get into an accident, the plastic car parts will last longer than traditional materials. Plastic is also much easier to recycle and reuse than metal parts.
5. Wide Variety of Applications
Plastics are versatile materials that are applicable in many industries. When it comes to car parts, they can be useful for bumpers and fenders as well as dashboards and consoles. These plastics offer different kinds of flexibility and durability.
New advancements have increased the range of thermoplastics that can be used in injection molding. That means manufacturers have more flexibility when it comes to their offerings.
Try Plastic Car Parts In Your Next Build
Plastic car parts offer a wide range of uses and applications, regardless of what kind of project you’re working on. Automobiles are just one industry that has benefited from their lighter weight, durability, and flexibility.
If you need a new plastics manufacturer, look no further than Nova Stevensville. We’re a world-class producer of plastic molded components from design and engineering to tooling and manufacturing. Reach out to request a quote and see what we have to offer.
