How Plastic Molded Parts Are Changing The Construction Industry

Plastic Molded Parts - Chad Fisher Construciton

As technology advances and the demand for bigger and better is on the rise, plastic molded parts have become a vital part of the revolutionizing of commercial construction.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Plastic Parts In Construction?

Every material has its benefits and its drawbacks.  Steel, for example, is one of the strongest options for building the framework of any structure or vehicle.  However, both buildings and vehicles have weight limits and budget restrictions, so building either entirely out of such a heavy metal would be impractical, both physically and financially.  It’s no mystery that classic car owners value their heavy chassis and metal panels, but at what cost does this bragging point come at?   A construction project can not afford to have their product fail, and for that very reason using the proper materials for each and every step of the construction process is incredibly important.  Deciding which material to use for some parts is not always a simple task for the general contractor.  There is one choice that is advancing through technology and engineering in the construction industry:  The plastic molded part.  But why plastic?  There’s a number of reasons.

Cost

Using plastic injection molded parts can greatly affect a projects budget.  Where copper tubing may be a traditional choice for a project, the same product in PVC may cost only a fraction of the price, and over the course of a big budget project, can save our customer a significant amount of money.  Before the parts even arrive on site, plastic parts have often saved spending costs by weighing much less than their counterpart.  Shipments often come from across the country or even overseas, and when an order shipping fee is calculated based on its weight, using plastic can be result in big savings.

Weight

Shipping is not the only place the weight of plastic parts can benefit a project.  Every project has its weight limitations, and substituting plastic in place of heavier product can make or break these restrictions.  Even small parts, when used in high volume, their weight can quickly add up and take a toll on a project’s limits.  The ability to swap out steel braces for plastic, wooden sheets for PEX or copper tubing for PVC, all saves when calculating a construction project’s final numbers.

Durability

An underestimated benefit of using plastic parts is its resistance to nature and the elements.  Rust and corrosion are not an issue for PEX, for example.  Its ability to be exposed to to a chemical unintentionally and continue to function without damage is an amazing benefit over a heavier but corrosive metal part.  Resistance to the expected elements is also a factor to consider when deciding to choose plastic.  Humidity and heat can greatly effect a wooden shingle, where as the proper plastic plate would go unaltered by any moderate change in environment.  While residue can be left behind on any material, plastic is often one of the most resistant to stains and easiest to clean quickly.  As years pass, maintaining the original specs of a plastic part can be exceptionally less of an inconvenience that keeping a wood or metal piece in its proper form.

Repair

Fixing and replacing a plastic part is most often an easy task.  The modification of a plastic part is much preferred over doing the same to a steel part, for example.  Repairs to a plastic part can be as simple as applying glue, running a bolt through the plastic piece or cutting out the damaged area and replacing it.  The direction might be to not attempt such a repair on metal parts, and eat the cost of replacing the entire part.  Keeping a light weight, low cost plastic part on hand is another maintenance benefit.  This, again, can benefit both the general contractor and client.

Recycling

Plastic parts removed from a project can often be re-molded and re-purposed.  This does not only lead to savings of construction costs for both the builder and client, but also contributes to satisfying everyone’s desire to have as much of an eco-friendly project as possible.  Even when a project is being demolished or deconstructed, if disposed of properly, many plastics can be recycled.  Construction companies across the globe are making a conscious effort to make as little effect on the environment as possible and the evolution of plastics has helped make that possible.

Presentation

Most molded plastic parts come in a variety of colors and textures.  These attributes can usually be modified on site and can be an important part of the final product of any construction project.  Changing the color of a plastic sheet is much less daunting than, for instance, darkening the same sheet made of wood.  With it’s solid colors and smooth appearance, plastic is often the choice for many parts that are left exposed for a finished project.

Plastic molded parts have become a staple for general contractors and commercial construction alike.  From their incredible versatility, to their light weight and flexibility, plastic is the first choice for so many elements of construction projects, big and small.

Final Thoughts

At Chad Fisher Construction we constantly research new and innovative technology and material to improve our customers building plans.

Examples of our commitment to include innovative solutions into customer projects include solar power implementationeco-friendly roof construction and climate control systems to name a few.

Contact us today to discuss how we can partner with you on your next project.