Designing in Plastic

Key things to consider when designing a plastic product:

The scale of production (1 – millions)
Budget for research and tooling development
Processing method – injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding, thermoforming, foaming and rotational moulding.
Material selection – density, thermal conductivity, mould shrinkage, compressive strength, chemical resistance, heat resistance, food grade
End use performance requirements of the product
End of product life options – 12 design guidelines for Sustainable Plastics

12 Design Guidelines for Sustainable Plastics

Avoid using more than 1 type of Plastics
Check compatibility – plastics, labels, foils, caps, adhesives
Use colourants sparingly
Always use Plastics Identification Codes
Disassembly – ease of emptying, use snap fittings or break points to replace component or separate for recycling.
Avoid secondary finishes and coatings
Avoid composite materials
Avoid metal foils, components and fasteners
Avoid toxic additives
1Don’t over specify or over order
Establish possible reuses
Provide clear information on recyclability to end user.

There are some fantastic design guidelines and industry approved Codes of Practice for labelling and designing plastic products click here to view these.

If you are developing a product and need more information contact one of our members (link to membership list?) or we recommend “Know Your Plastics” published by the Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association of Australia for detailed instructions. Please refer to the 'Reference Materials For Sale' to order for this book and others that are available to purchase.