Plastic fasteners are ideal alternatives for metal fasteners, and are used in various industries to join applications. These fasteners are known for their durability, flexibility, reliability, and versatility. The various construction material features and their advantages make plastic fasteners ideal for challenging conditions. Today, plastic fasteners have become a popular choice for marine applications. This post analyzes the reasons behind it.
Top 4 Reasons to Employ Plastic Fasteners in Marine Applications
If you are into the marine vehicle manufacturing, then you should read these benefits provided by plastic fasteners.
- Plastic Fasteners Prevent Rust and Corrosion: Most metals corrode when they are exposed to sunlight, moisture, and chemicals for a long time. The corrosion weakens the fastener and shortens its shelf life. The plastic fasteners are anti-corrosive and they don’t rust easily, which makes them ideal for most marine applications. Metal fasteners made from platinum, gold, and palladium may withstand rust, and corrosion, but they are very expensive. However, plastic fasteners are affordable, and provide consistent performance through years.
- Many Plastic Materials Can Resist UV Rays: Many plastic materials including Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP), or polyamides can resist UV rays. There are many plastic materials, which absorb UV energy and produce free radicals. These free radicals can initiate corrosion, cause brittleness, and discoloration. This is why it is very important to select plastic fasteners that don’t absorb UV energy.
- Many Plastic Materials Can Perform in Salt Water: Many plastic materials demonstrate excellent saltwater resistant properties. Some of the examples include:
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is corrosion resistant. Also, it retains its properties in salt water, which is why it is used in various marine applications.
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) – a popular FDA grade plastic, it is used in a variety of aquaculture applications such as brine shrimp hatcheries.
- Isoplast is an impact-resistant plastic. This plastic is hydrophobic, and delivers consistent performance throughout the years. Also, Isoplast fasteners are stronger than PET, and PVC ones.
Precaution: Nylon fasteners are not recommended for marine applications because they can swell on coming in contact with salt water, and offer weak corrosion resistance.
- Plastic Steel Hybrid Fasteners are Ideal for Marine Applications: Stainless steel is an alloy of steel and chromium. The chromium rusts when exposed to oxygen, or salt water. However, steel is a strong material, which is known to perform in extreme conditions. Thus, the risk of corrosion in salt water is reduced by adding plastic core to the steel fastener. Most plastic fastener materials can be reinforced with steel to make durable fasteners. This means you can take advantage of the strength of steel, and non-corrosive properties of plastic in a single item.
The above mentioned points validate the rising use of plastic fasteners in marine applications. Also, you can approach a plastics expert to identify potential benefits of specific plastic fasteners for marine applications. They will guide you on precautions, correct selection procedures, or even guide you on the plastic materials that are suitable for your marine applications.
