Considerations for material choice.

Narrow down your material choices by working through the following considerations.

Function:

Is your part load bearing? Example bracket

Is your part required to be conductive? Example terminal

Does your part require fatigue resistance and or toughness? Example leaf spring.

Is wear resistance desired? Example clutch component.

Would magnetism be benficial? Example in vivo medical device.

Are there any manufacturing process requirements? Example soldering.

Environment:

Is the part exposed to the elements? Example door hinge.

Does the part get submerged or exposed to salt water? Marine parts.

What is the temperature range the part is exposed to? Example cooking components

Are there any chemicals or cleaning procedures the part has to endure? Example medical device (autoclave)

Are cleanliness or loose particles a concern.

Can coatings improve or enable any of these environmental considerations?

Example zinc plating for outdoor use.

RoHS, UL  Compliance