“Plastic metals” typically refer to metal-filled compounds that exhibit properties similar to metals while retaining some characteristics of plastics. These materials are often used in industrial applications where the benefits of both metals and plastics are desired. Here are some key aspects:

1. Composition: Plastic metals are composite materials composed of a polymer matrix (usually a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin) filled with metal particles or fibers. The metal fillers can include aluminum, steel, bronze, copper, or other metals, depending on the desired properties.

2. Properties: Plastic metals combine the mechanical strength, durability, and thermal conductivity of metals with the lightweight, corrosion resistance, and formability of plastics. They can exhibit high tensile and compressive strength, excellent dimensional stability, and good machinability.

3. Applications: Plastic metals find applications in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, construction, and manufacturing. They are used for components such as housings, gears, bearings, tooling, electrical connectors, and structural parts where lightweight, high strength, and corrosion resistance are essential.

4. Processing: Plastic metals can be processed using conventional plastic processing techniques such as injection molding, extrusion, compression molding, or casting, depending on the specific material composition and application requirements.

5. Alloys and Formulations: Manufacturers offer a wide range of plastic metal alloys and formulations tailored to specific applications and performance requirements. These formulations may vary in metal content, polymer type, filler size, and reinforcement additives to achieve desired properties.

6. Cost and Performance: The cost of plastic metals can vary depending on factors such as the type and amount of metal filler, polymer matrix, and manufacturing process. While they may be more expensive than traditional plastics, their performance benefits often justify the investment in applications where lightweight, high strength, and corrosion resistance are critical.

7. Environmental Considerations: Plastic metals may pose challenges for recycling due to the complexity of separating the metal fillers from the polymer matrix. However, advancements in recycling technologies are addressing these challenges, making plastic metals more environmentally sustainable.

Overall, plastic metals offer a compelling solution for industrial applications requiring lightweight, high-strength materials with corrosion resistance and formability. Their versatility and performance make them valuable for a wide range of applications across various industries.