Plastic vs metal.
Gears compared.
Power transmission.
Plastic vs metal gear comparison. Plastic for low-load quiet, metal for high-load high-temperature. Each suits different applications.
Key principles.
Quiet, light, cheap
Quiet operation, self-lubricating, lighter. Cheaper at production volumes.
Strong, hot, durable
High torque capacity, high temperature, long-life durability.
Low-medium
PEEK gears handle moderate torque. Acetal for low torque.
High
Steel/brass gears for high torque. Industrial machinery.
Up to 100°C typical
Most plastics limited to 100°C. PEEK to 250°C.
Unlimited
Metal gears handle any temperature.
FAQ
When plastic over metal?
Low load, quiet operation, self-lubrication, weight-sensitive. Camera equipment, instruments, consumer.
When metal over plastic?
High torque, high temperature, long life. Industrial, automotive, aerospace.
Cost comparison?
Plastic gears cheap at volume (molded). Metal gears more expensive but more durable.
Lubrication?
Plastic gears often run dry (self-lubricating). Metal gears need lubrication.
Combined?
Plastic-metal pairs possible. Plastic worm + metal gear. Reduces noise, lubrication need.
Production volumes?
Plastic 1K-1M+ via molding. Metal hobbed economical at any volume but cheaper at scale.
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