5 Reasons Why Metal Stamping Parts Beat Out Plastic

One change the stamping industry has seen throughout its history is that some manufacturers have implemented plastic stamping into their product lines. 

Not at Charles Richter. 

We have a strong belief in our metal stampings and the longevity they enjoy, serving our customers for years to come. There’s an old saying, “If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.”

But we’ll be upfront. Plastic do provide some advantages for certain goods and applications – we’re not here to deny or argue that. Rather, we want to explain why metal might be better in many other circumstances.  

Pros and Cons of Metals 

The industry has a lot of experience working with metals. Metal offers strength, conductivity, and resistance to heat and UV rays. Various metals offer different benefits. For example, aluminum is lightweight and is far less expensive to ship that say, brass or steel. It also accepts finishes well such as liquid paint and powder coatings. Brass has a nice smooth exterior, is corrosion-resistance, and temperature limits. Plus, its unique color makes it a nice choice for those metal products that have a more decorative purpose. 

On the con side, metals can mess with transmission signals in some electronic applications. The material can be heavy and dense, which isn’t the most suitable option for some products.

Pros and Cons of Plastics 

Plastic are strong insulators, when needed. This is ideal when consumers do not want electric currents to transmit through the material. Plastic is also lighter than metal. This feature can be great for user-experience depending on the product, and also for delivery purposes. Lighter products can decrease production and shipping costs.

Some drawbacks: Compared to metals, plastic has limited resistance to corrosion, temperature and acids. It also becomes deformed during certain manufacturing processes, displaying its inferior weakness. Finally, plastic can emit toxic fumes while burning.

Metal stamping  

5 Reasons We Prefer Metal Stamping 

  • Tradition – Charles Richter has been manufacturing metal stampings since 1911. Our dedicated staff is extremely familiar with the machines and processes metal stamping requires. Our parts have withstood the test of time because of their high quality. 
  • Strength – The goods we produce need to be durable and reliable. Metal provides those benefits. 
  • Conductivity – Many of the applications from the industries we serve require conductive materials. Again, metal stampings are the viable option over plastics, which are often insulators.
  • Versatility – Aluminum, brass, steel, copper and stainless steel all offer unique advantages. Whether it’s for design, functionality or finish, Charles Richter likely has the right metal for the job.
  • Resistance Features – Our products endure intense heat and are vulnerable to corrosion and various acids during manufacturing and application usage. Plastic simply would not be able to handle the wear and tear that metals can.  

It all comes back to providing our customers with the best possible metal stamping solutions. Charles Richter has been dedicated towards this commitment for more than 100 years and does not plan on stopping anytime soon. Feel free to contact us with questions you may have about metal stamping or any of the various products we offer.

Contact Us Today!