Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why are engineering plastics used instead of metals in some products?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
plastic
Plastic soft-drink bottles are commonly made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Engineering plastics, also known as engineering resins, are specialized polymers designed with properties that allow them to compete directly with die-cast metals in demanding applications such as plumbing, hardware, and automotive manufacturing.1
These materials are utilized as alternatives to metal because their properties can be specifically tailored to meet the requirements of particular applications. By offering high performance, strength, and durability, they provide functional solutions for complex components like gears, bearings, and structural parts that were traditionally made from metal. Examples of these versatile materials include polyacetal, nylon, polycarbonate, epoxy, and polyetheretherketone.1