Abstract
High Costs and User Doubts Slow Adoption of High Temperature Plastics in Motor and Gear
Applications
High temperature resistant plastics are being increasingly used in the production of motor
components and gears, hot fuel systems, and air manifolds in automobiles that would have degraded
earlier-generation polymers. However, high costs and lingering doubts among potential end users
about the efficacy of these plastics are holding back their adoption. One of the toughest uses for
plastics in automotive motors is in bearings, which have to withstand high temperatures as well as
pressures, wear, and chemical aggression to be proven effective. Moreover, plastics processing, when
compared to metalworking, is extra sensitive to environmental factors, such as humidity.
This Technical Insights research service analyzes the advances in high temperature plastics for
motors and gears, segmenting it by automotive, marine, oil and gas, materials handling, industrial
machinery, and aviation applications. In addition to discussing the various technology drivers and
restraints, the study also covers research and development efforts at various universities, leading
companies, and other research institutions across the globe. This comprehensive research service
helps participants identify potential collaborators, stay ahead of competition, and keep abreast
with critical developments.
Injection Molding of Plastics Facilitates Production and Attracts Manufacturers
"Injection molding of high temperature resistant plastics provides makers with design
flexibility, high production rates, lower labor costs, and lesser need for finishing molded
parts," remarks the analyst of this research service. "Compared to the costly and
labor-intensive forging, casting, cutting, and grinding of metals, these factors attract
manufactures to shift to polymers." The greatest advantage the parts offer to motor makers is
their lightweight. This translates into greater fuel efficiency, a benefit brought home by the
ongoing spike in gasoline prices.
Replacing metal parts is thus a huge opportunity for high temperature-resistant plastics
manufacturers. Opening new markets for next-generation polymers is probably the fastest way to
increase their demand. Leading plastics makers that are already involved in high temperature product
development are expected to continue manufacturing them, particularly in applications where there is
enough capital to buy costly products, such as automotive and marine engines. A strong chemical
engineering presence in research and development divisions is required for these companies to be
effective in maintaining high production standards.
Technological Advances Boost Performance Potential of High Temperature-Resistant Plastics
New plastic gears can help reduce maintenance costs and power consumption while ensuring longer
wear.
Plastic gears are corrosion-resistant and can reduce noise significantly. Further,
computer-aided-design (CAD) tools have had a positive impact on plastic gears, whose designs can now
be optimized to meet specifications such as elevated temperatures and humidity. "Design
engineers are using CAD tools and state-of-the-art testing methods to predict the performance of
plastic gears with greater accuracy, thus advancing their development and demand," explains the
analyst. In addition, high-performance plastics have been successful in improving the quality and
working life of parts in numerous industrial applications that were once served by metal components.
These applications comprise of feed, spur, and worm gears, as well as those in engines such as
bearings, pistons, retaining rings, and valves. Plastic gears were, until recently, restricted to
low-transmission applications, but improvements have brought them into high performance functions
including race cars and household appliances. Since plastic gear manufacturing is cheaper than that
of metal gears, even incremental improvements in the performance of the former are expected to
expand their use. | 
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