Omar Khalid
Plastic housing, or a plastic enclosure, is a term used to refer to a container or protective exterior, often used to protect interior mechanisms from damage. Plastic housing is used in a variety of applications, from construction and building materials to light sources and bicycle brake cables. In construction, plastic building materials are becoming increasingly common, with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) being widely used due to its low cost and durability. Polypropylene and polyethylene are also commonly used in plastic utensils and other products. In engineering, plastic housing may serve as the body of a device, providing attachment points for internal mechanisms and protecting them from structural stress or environmental damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Protection, attachment, cleanliness, stability, safety |
| Types of Plastic | Polycarbonate, ABS, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Nylon, Polyphenylene Sulfide, Liquid Crystal Polymers |
| Plastic Properties | Recyclable, flame-resistant, heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, rigidity, transparency, impact-resistant, shatter-resistant, lightweight, inexpensive, durable |
| Applications | Light fixtures, LCD screens, windows, doors, floor coverings, cables, safety eyewear, security glazing, noise barriers, carpeting, machine parts, piping systems, electrical cable insulation, roof membranes, automotive parts |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic housing in engineering
In engineering, a housing or enclosure is a container or protective exterior designed to enable easier handling and protect interior mechanisms. Plastic housing is a general name given to synthetic materials based on polymers. The construction industry uses plastic for a wide range of applications due to its versatility, strength-to-weight ratio, durability, corrosion resistance, and more.
Plastic housing can be used for pipes, cables, coverings, panels, films, sheets, and more. It can also be formed or expanded to create low-density materials or dissolved in solvents or dispersed as emulsions. Some common types of plastic used in construction include composites, expanded polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Plastic housing has several advantages. Firstly, it is lightweight yet strong, making it easy to transport and manoeuvre around construction sites. It is also resistant to rot and corrosion and can achieve tight seals, making it suitable for use in pipes and gutters. Additionally, plastic is flexible and can be easily extruded, bent, moulded, or 3D printed.
However, there are also some disadvantages to using plastic housing. Plastic has a high embodied energy content and a low modulus of elasticity, making it generally unsuitable for load-bearing applications. Most plastics are also ignitable and have a high thermal expansion rate, requiring special detailing to allow for thermal movement. There are environmental concerns about some plastics due to the difficulties in recycling them, their persistence in the environment after disposal, and the use of chemical additives to enhance their properties.
Despite these challenges, studies have shown that using recycled plastic for housing structures can reduce recycling and implementation costs, labour requirements, and construction time.
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Plastic housing in construction
Plastic is a general name for a wide range of synthetic materials based on polymers. The construction industry uses plastic for a variety of applications due to its versatility, strength-to-weight ratio, durability, corrosion resistance, and more.
Plastic can be manufactured into many forms, such as pipes, cables, coverings, panels, films, sheets, and more. It can also be formed or expanded to create low-density materials or dissolved in solvents or dispersed as emulsions. Some common types of plastic used in construction include composites and expanded polystyrene.
One of the advantages of using plastic in construction is that it is lightweight yet strong, making it easy to transport and manoeuvre around sites. It is also resistant to rot and corrosion and can withstand harsh weather conditions due to its ability to achieve tight seals. Additionally, plastic is flexible and can be easily extruded, bent, moulded, and 3D printed.
However, there are also disadvantages to using plastic in construction. Plastic has a high embodied energy content and a low modulus of elasticity, making it generally unsuitable for load-bearing applications. Most plastics are ignitable and have high thermal expansion rates, requiring detailing to allow for adequate thermal movement. There are environmental concerns regarding the use of plastic due to the difficulties in recycling certain types, their persistence in the environment after disposal, and the use of chemical additives to enhance their properties.
Despite these challenges, plastic is being used innovatively to address global issues such as poverty and plastic pollution. Some companies are building houses, community spaces, classrooms, and shelters out of recycled plastic, reducing waste and providing low-cost housing solutions. These initiatives not only help improve living conditions but also contribute to environmental preservation by promoting the recycling of plastic waste.
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Plastic housing in bicycles
In addition to helmet straps, plastic housing can also be found on bicycle brake and shifter cables. These plastic housings are designed to protect the cables from dirt, debris, and moisture, ensuring smooth and precise shifting and braking performance. The plastic housing also provides structural support to the cables, preventing them from becoming loose or damaged.
It is important to note that plastic housing on bicycle components may be susceptible to damage over time due to exposure to sunlight, extreme temperatures, or physical impact. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components are crucial to ensure their functionality and safety.
While plastic housing offers protection and support, some cyclists may prefer alternative materials such as metal or composite housings for enhanced durability or aesthetic reasons. It's worth mentioning that the choice of housing material can impact the performance and feel of the bicycle, particularly in terms of shifting and braking responsiveness.
When it comes to repairing or replacing plastic housing in bicycles, it is generally recommended to consult a professional or the manufacturer for guidance. Attempting to repair or modify the plastic housing without proper knowledge may void warranties and potentially compromise the safety and performance of the bicycle.
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Plastic housing in automobiles
Plastic is one of the most frequently used materials in vehicle manufacturing. It is significantly cheaper and lighter than metal, and vehicles made with plastic parts use less fuel. Plastic makes up around 50% of a car's volume but only about 10% of its weight, reducing both the consumer's expenses and their greenhouse gas emissions.
There are several types of plastics commonly used in automobiles. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a flame retardant plastic that can be formed into either flexible or rigid components. It is commonly used for dashboards and automotive body parts. Polypropylene is another plastic that is frequently used in car manufacturing. It is a thermoplastic polymer that can be formed into almost any shape and is generally resistant to impact. It is often used for car bumpers, gas cans, and carpet fibres. Polypropylene is also more economical than plastics of similar strength and durability, which helps drive down manufacturing costs. Polycarbonate is a plastic that is highly resistant to weathering and impact. It is often used for car bumpers and headlight lenses or covers. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a type of plastic that is resistant to impact, heat, and water. It is often used for steering wheel covers, dashboards, and automotive body parts.
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Types of plastic used in housing
Plastic is applied to any material that can be moulded or bent into shape. It is a general term for polymers or synthetic materials made from petrochemicals. Plastic is used in a variety of products, from televisions, computers, and cars to houses and refrigerators.
There are several types of plastics used in housing. The most common plastic in the world, polyethylene, is manufactured in varying densities, giving the final plastic unique physical properties. For example, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is ductile and used to make products like shopping bags, plastic bags, and clear food containers. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is more rigid and used for plastic bottles, piping for water and sewer, snowboards, boats, and folding chairs.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is another commonly used plastic in construction and pipes due to its strength and durability. Acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic used as a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass. It is often used in sheet form to create products such as mirrors and plexiglass. Acrylic can also be made in various colours and with special properties such as abrasion resistance, bullet resistance, and UV tolerance.
Polypropylene (PP) is a flexible thermoplastic that is stronger than polyethylene. It is durable, heat-resistant, acid-resistant, and cheap, making it ideal for laboratory equipment, automotive parts, medical devices, and food containers. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is another commonly used plastic with excellent chemical resistance to organic materials and water, and it is easily recyclable.
Other types of plastics used in housing include silicones, which are heat-resistant resins used as sealants, cooking utensils, and industrial paints, and urea-formaldehyde (UF), which is used as a wood adhesive and in electrical switch housings. Additionally, high-performance plastics are a category of polymers with superior properties, including high-temperature resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, and excellent mechanical and electrical characteristics.
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Frequently asked questions
In engineering, a housing or enclosure is a protective exterior or enclosing structural element designed to enable easier handling, provide attachment points for internal mechanisms, and protect interior mechanisms. Plastic housing is commonly made from materials such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Plastic housing is used in a variety of applications, including windows, doors, floor coverings, cables, and electronic devices. It provides protection, shock absorption, and stability to the enclosed components.
Plastic housing offers several benefits, including lightweight construction, mouldability into various shapes, and impact resistance. Additionally, certain types of plastic housing can be melted down and reused, making them more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
