Plastic materials are integral to contemporary home construction, ranging from flooring to insulation. Their versatility delivers both functional and aesthetic benefits that enhance a home’s performance and market value. Below are six prominent applications where plastics drive innovation, cost sav

At Craftech, we engineer plastic bearings from a wide range of high‑performance materials. Some deliver superior performance for demanding applications. When selecting a material for a high‑performance bearing, three stand out: Vespel®, Torlon®, and Fluorosint® (mica‑filled PTFE). Below we examine w

Thermoplastics are transforming the pump and valve industry. By offering superior corrosion resistance, reduced vibration, and higher temperature tolerance, they lower repair costs and extend service life. Operators worldwide are switching from metal to plastic components to improve reliability and

How Nylon Is Made For centuries, inventors sought a synthetic replacement for silk. In the early 1880s, Sir Joseph Swan experimented with dissolving the inner bark of mulberry trees to produce filaments. Though Swan recognized that the material could be woven, he pursued it mainly for light‑bulb fil

From Vegetable Origins to Petrochemical Dominance Early plastics were derived from natural feedstocks—cellulose, furfural, seed oils, and starches. The first fully synthetic resin, Bakelite, emerged in 1907 when Leo Baekeland blended phenol with formaldehyde. Bakelite’s non‑conductive, heat‑resistan

With hundreds of screw drive designs available, selecting the right one can be daunting. This guide focuses on the most widely used drives—slotted, Phillips, Hex, Hex socket (Allen), Torx, and One‑Way—highlighting their key characteristics, typical applications, and advantages. 1. Slotted Drive The

Thermoplastic polyurethane* is a fully thermoplastic elastomer. It is elastic and melt‑processable, making it suitable for extrusion, injection molding, and compression molding. Because TPU is a linear segmented block copolymer composed of hard and soft segments, it offers a wide spectrum of propert

Acetal, Delrin AF, and PTFE are among the most reliable plastics for high‑performance bearings, gears, and slide plates. Acetal and its DuPont brand, Delrin®, are thermoplastics that melt and retain their shape when cooled. PTFE, the lowest‑friction plastic known, is not a thermoplastic but can be e

What Is Injection Molding? From toothbrushes to automotive parts, plastic components molded by injection are ubiquitous. At Craftech Industries we specialize in producing high‑quality plastic fasteners and custom parts through precision injection molding. For a clear, in‑depth overview, watch Bill H

Plastic Component Standards: A Practical Guide for Engineers & Buyers When sourcing a plastic component—whether you’re an engineer developing a prototype or a purchasing agent scrambling to fulfill a last‑minute order—having a clear understanding of the relevant standards is essential. It guarantees

Working in a plastic manufacturing firm, I’ve seen firsthand the environmental concerns tied to single‑use plastics such as take‑out containers, utensils, and bottles. While U.S. recycling rates have risen—an EPA‑reported 4.3% increase in 2014—many companies are exploring plant‑based polymers as a s

A burr—often called a “flash”—is an unwanted raised edge or fragment that remains after machining or molding. These imperfections can appear on metal, rubber, plastic, or any material subjected to cutting, drilling, milling, turning, or tapping. The result is a raw, unfinished look that can compromi

High‑tech rockets, expensive propellants, and billions of dollars in research are only part of the story. Plastic materials have been pivotal in every era of spaceflight—from early Earth orbit missions to lunar landings—by enhancing safety, comfort, and performance. Robust Helmets & Clear Visor

Biodegradable plastics are gaining traction as a cleaner alternative to conventional polyethylene, polypropylene, and other petroleum‑derived materials that overwhelm landfills and harm ecosystems. While current commercial grades are still evolving, they offer a markedly faster decomposition time—ty

The relentless drive for higher efficiency is reshaping production facilities worldwide. Automation, data analytics, superior product quality, and cleaner workspaces are the hallmarks of modern manufacturing. These shifts are propelled by globalization, fierce competition, and breakthroughs in compu

Fiber‑reinforced plastic (FRP) is revolutionizing industries from construction to wastewater treatment and theme parks. But how does it stack up against traditional materials like steel, aluminum, and timber? Let’s explore. 1) Fabrication and Design FRP offers exceptional design flexibility. It can

PVC is the leading thermoplastic in the medical device sector, having proven its reliability over more than five decades. Originally engineered to replace rubber and glass for flexible tubing and containers, PVC quickly became the preferred material as the demand for single‑use, pre‑sterilised compo

Contrary to popular belief, many plastics can biodegrade under the right conditions. The idea of biodegradable plastics and polymers emerged in the early 1980s. Bacterial Breakers Research into plastic‑degrading bacteria dates back to 1975, when Japanese scientists isolated a strain of Flavobacteriu

Plastic materials are reshaping safety standards in modern workplaces. From construction and fire protection to athletics, automotive, healthcare, and manufacturing, advanced polymers are delivering lighter, stronger, and more resilient solutions that protect workers and assets alike. Construction

Cryogenic deflashing and deburring is a state‑of‑the‑art method that uses ultra‑cold temperatures to eliminate flash from parts made of a wide range of plastics and other materials. Commonly treated polymers include nylon, Tefzel®, HD‑PE, PPS, PET, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyurethane, liquid