Choosing the Right Plastic for Electrical & Electronic Components

In today’s world, plastics play a critical role in powering the devices and systems we depend on every day. From LED lighting fixtures to control panels, from adapters to sensors, electrical and electronic assemblies rely heavily on precision-engineered plastic components. The choice of material directly impacts not only the product’s performance but also its safety, durability, and long-term reliability.
At Cancer Plastomech, we specialize in manufacturing high-performance plastic parts tailored for the electrical and electronics industry. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essential types of engineering plastics, their properties, and why selecting the right plastic is key to your product’s success.
Why Material Choice Matters in Electrical Components
Unlike standard plastic products, electrical and electronic components face challenging conditions such as:
- High temperatures from current flow and electronic circuits.
- Mechanical stress during assembly or operational use.
- Exposure to moisture, dust, and chemicals in industrial environments.
- Safety concerns such as fire resistance, insulation, and protection from electrical faults.
This is why engineering plastics are preferred. They combine strength, thermal stability, and electrical insulation properties that standard plastics cannot deliver.
Top Engineering Plastics Used in Electrical & Electronics
1. Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is widely used for LED driver housings, electrical enclosures, and transparent covers. It offers high impact resistance, heat stability, and excellent electrical insulation. Its flame-retardant grades make it a safe choice for electrical assemblies.
2. Nylon (Polyamide)
Nylon is an excellent choice for cable glands, rivets, and DIN rail clamps. Its high tensile strength and wear resistance make it durable in environments where parts face mechanical load and continuous usage.
3. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS balances toughness with cost efficiency. It is commonly used in adapter housings, small enclosures, and consumer electronics where rigidity and surface finish are important.
4. Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene offers excellent chemical resistance and electrical insulation. It is often used in switch housings, connectors, and insulation parts.
5. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PET provides good dimensional stability and resistance to moisture. It is useful in precision components and insulating parts.
Applications of Plastics in Electrical & Electronic Industries
At Cancer Plastomech, we manufacture a wide variety of products using these materials, including:
- LED Driver Housings – Providing thermal safety and reliability for lighting systems.
- Power Adapter Housings – Durable casings that protect and insulate devices.
- PCB Mounting Accessories – Ensuring precision fit and insulation.
- Cable Glands & DIN Rail Clamps – Supporting electrical panels with safety and stability.
- Washers, Rivets, and Pins – Small yet critical parts for assemblies.
Key Factors in Selecting the Right Plastic
When deciding on the material for your component, consider these factors:
- Thermal stability – Can the plastic withstand operational heat?
- Electrical insulation – Is it resistant to current leakage?
- Mechanical strength – Can it handle stress during installation and usage?
- Flame retardancy – Does it meet industry safety standards?
- Cost efficiency – Is it suitable for both small and bulk production?
How Cancer Plastomech Ensures the Right Fit
Our in-house tooling and mold development allow us to design and test components with precision. Every product undergoes strict quality checks for dimensional accuracy, tensile strength, and electrical resistance. This ensures that our customers receive only the most reliable components for their applications.
Whether you need white label production, contract manufacturing, or OEM manufacturing, our flexibility ensures you get products tailored to your requirements with the highest quality assurance.
Future of Plastics in Electronics
With industries moving toward miniaturization, sustainability, and energy efficiency, plastics are evolving too. Flame-retardant, recyclable, and eco-friendly engineering plastics are on the rise, making them the future of safe and sustainable electronic systems.
At Cancer Plastomech, we constantly upgrade our materials and processes to meet these future demands—ensuring our customers always stay ahead in innovation and compliance.
Conclusion
Choosing the right plastic is not just a technical decision—it’s a strategic one. The correct material ensures safety, reduces failures, and extends product life, ultimately building customer trust. With decades of expertise in the field, Cancer Plastomech is committed to helping brands and manufacturers achieve success through precision-engineered, high-performance plastic components.