The Definitive Checklist for Purchasing Plastic Fasteners

How to Buy Plastic Fasteners

While most fasteners on the market are metal, many manufacturers now choose plastic fasteners for their superior properties. Before you place an order, gather essential information to ensure you receive the exact part your application demands.

What Are the Options?

Prospective customers often turn to Craftech to identify the best plastic fastener solutions for their needs. With over 50 years of experience serving industries such as Semiconductor, Marine, Automotive, Medical, Construction, Aerospace, and Communications, we help engineers match the right material to the right application.

Below is a list of key factors to consider when selecting a plastic fastener:

1. Identify the Fastener Type and Dimensions

   Determine the exact fastener family you need—bolt, screw, rivet, etc.—and specify the required dimensions. If you have a part drawing, it will clarify many questions and streamline the selection process.

   
2. Assess the Application Requirements

   Ask whether your environment imposes any of the following constraints:

   • Chemical Resistance – Many plastics can tolerate aggressive chemicals; for example, chlorine in swimming‑pool components.
   • Extreme Temperatures – Certain plastics maintain serviceability up to 300 °C.
   • Low Outgassing – Critical for vacuum‑sensitive sectors such as semiconductor and aerospace.
   • UV Exposure – Some grades resist UV; others can be enhanced with UV stabilizers.
   • Wear Resistance – Essential for bearing and sliding applications.
   • Weight – Most plastics weigh less than metal, a decisive factor when mass reduction is needed.
   • Strength – Plastics can match or exceed stainless steel strength, especially when reinforced with glass or carbon fibers. Consider tensile, compressive, and impact properties.
   • Dielectric Properties – Important for electronics; factors include temperature, thickness, and voltage rise rate.
   • Non‑Conductivity – Used for thermal insulation in many applications.
   • Color and Transparency – Plastics can be molded in virtually any color or made transparent.
   • Cost – Price varies widely; recycled grades can offer savings.
   • Non‑Flammability – For flame‑exposed parts, flammability tests assess combustibility, smoke, and ignition temperatures. Additives can make a material non‑flammable.
   • Water Absorption – Exposure to moisture can affect weight, dimensional stability, and mechanical performance.
3. Define Quality and Compliance Requirements

   Determine whether you need ANSI, DIN, or other standards compliance. Identify required testing, ISO certification, material traceability, and tolerance precision. Craftech can provide all of these services.

4. Select the Optimal Plastic Material

   Material choice influences function, durability, appearance, and cost. Craftech’s portfolio includes dozens of grades, and we can advise whether machining or molding best suits your design.

5. Establish Delivery Timeline

   For urgent needs, choose a supplier with ready stock. Craftech keeps thousands of fasteners in inventory and can ship immediately.

6. Determine Quantity

   Higher volumes lower unit cost and may dictate a shift from machining to molding. Molds incur upfront cost and lead time, so consider your order size carefully.

Technical Guidance

Choosing a reputable supplier is paramount. Look for a partner that offers robust technical support, especially for material selection. Craftech’s value proposition combines competitive pricing, stringent quality, responsive customer service, deep technical expertise, and on‑time delivery—qualities our customers consistently rate highly.