ISO 9001:2015ITAR RegisteredRoHS · REACHLead time from 3 business daysMOQ = 1 part
PifyC
Services
Materials
Industries
Applications
Resources
Locations
Company
Request a quote
5-axis CNC milling drawing: Al 7075-T6 block with pockets, toolpath and dimensions
Compare · Plastic vs Metal Gears

Plastic vs metal. Gears compared. Power transmission.

Plastic vs metal gear comparison. Plastic for low-load quiet, metal for high-load high-temperature. Each suits different applications.

Process comparisonsWuxi, ChinaMOQ 1 partDFM review included

Key principles.

Quiet, light, cheap

Quiet operation, self-lubricating, lighter. Cheaper at production volumes.

Strong, hot, durable

High torque capacity, high temperature, long-life durability.

Low-medium

PEEK gears handle moderate torque. Acetal for low torque.

High

Steel/brass gears for high torque. Industrial machinery.

Up to 100°C typical

Most plastics limited to 100°C. PEEK to 250°C.

Unlimited

Metal gears handle any temperature.

FAQ

Low load, quiet operation, self-lubrication, weight-sensitive. Camera equipment, instruments, consumer.

High torque, high temperature, long life. Industrial, automotive, aerospace.

Plastic gears cheap at volume (molded). Metal gears more expensive but more durable.

Plastic gears often run dry (self-lubricating). Metal gears need lubrication.

Plastic-metal pairs possible. Plastic worm + metal gear. Reduces noise, lubrication need.

Plastic 1K-1M+ via molding. Metal hobbed economical at any volume but cheaper at scale.

Get an instant quote

Send your CAD — we reply with detailed pricing, lead time, and DFM feedback within 4 working hours.

Talk to an engineer

WhatsApp our team directly. Most messages answered within 12 minutes during work hours.

Explore all services

CNC, 3D printing, injection molding, sheet metal, casting, finishing — one quality system, one partner.

Working on a live project? Send the STEP file and the two or three features you are unsure about — an engineer replies with DFM notes and a price, usually within four working hours.

5-axis CNC milling drawing: Al 7075-T6 block with pockets, toolpath and dimensions

Send a CAD file. Get an engineering-reviewed quote.

No minimum quantity, free DFM feedback from a senior manufacturing engineer, and an NDA signed before file review on request.