Metal Replacement Solutions

Replace metal components with MaterraX's high-performance polymers. Achieve weight reduction, cost savings, and superior performance with our lab-tested materials.The examples below represent potential applications.View our case studies →

Why Choose Metal Replacement?

Weight Reduction

Up to 50% lighter than metal while maintaining structural integrity

Cost Savings

Lower material costs and simplified manufacturing processes

Superior Performance

Lab-tested materials that outperform traditional metal solutions

Showing 16 metal replacement use cases
Automotive - Pedal Bracket
Automotive

Pedal Bracket

Transfers foot pedal forces to braking/throttle systems; requires fatigue strength and crash safety.

Key Requirements

tensile/flexural modulusfatigue resistanceimpact retention at -30°C

Recommended Materials

SAAP137-LGF52Low moisture, high impact, thin-wall capable.

Common Incumbents

Steel stampingAluminum
Automotive - Seat Frame Reinforcement
Automotive

Seat Frame Reinforcement

Structural component in seat frame requiring crash energy absorption.

Key Requirements

crash impact resistancefatigue strength

Recommended Materials

SAAP137-LGF52High impact and fatigue resistance for crash applications.

Common Incumbents

SteelAluminum extrusions
Automotive - Front-End Module Carrier
Automotive

Front-End Module Carrier

Carries radiator, headlights, fans; needs rigidity and dimensional stability.

Key Requirements

flexural modulus ≥ 14,000creep resistance

Recommended Materials

SAAP137-LGF52High stiffness and dimensional stability for structural applications.

Common Incumbents

Steel stampingsAluminum extrusions
Automotive - Crash Beam Reinforcement
Automotive

Crash Beam Reinforcement

Bumper reinforcement beam; crash energy absorption and stiffness.

Key Requirements

impact ≥ 100 kJ/m²flexural_modulus ≥ 14,000 MPa

Recommended Materials

SAAP137-LGF52High impact strength and stiffness for crash applications.

Common Incumbents

Steel beams
Automotive - Motor Mount Bracket
Automotive

Motor Mount Bracket

Secures engine/e-motor to chassis; must resist vibration and heat.

Key Requirements

HDT ≥ 200°Ccreep resistance

Recommended Materials

SAAP137-LGF52High temperature resistance and creep strength for engine applications.

Common Incumbents

Aluminum die-cast
Automotive - Water Pump Housing
Automotive

Water Pump Housing

Precision housing managing coolant flow; requires dimensional stability.

Key Requirements

HDT ≥ 150°Clow water absorption ≤ 0.5%

Recommended Materials

SAAP137-LGF52Low moisture uptake and high temperature resistance.

Common Incumbents

AluminumCast iron
Automotive - Oil Pump Housing
Automotive

Oil Pump Housing

Houses rotating pump for lubrication; exposed to oil at high temp.

Key Requirements

oil resistancecreep strengthHDT ≥ 200°C

Recommended Materials

SAAP137-LGF52Oil resistance and high temperature performance.

Common Incumbents

Cast aluminum
Automotive - Compressor Housing (AC/Boost)
Automotive

Compressor Housing (AC/Boost)

Structural shell for AC or turbo compressor; requires heat and pressure resistance.

Key Requirements

high modulusdimensional stability under pressure

Recommended Materials

SAAP137-LGF52High stiffness and dimensional stability for pressure applications.

Common Incumbents

Cast aluminum
Automotive - Bearing Cage / Retainer
Automotive

Bearing Cage / Retainer

Holds rolling elements in place; needs fatigue and wear resistance.

Key Requirements

fatigue resistancelow creepdimensional stability

Recommended Materials

SAAP137-LGF52Fatigue resistance and dimensional stability for bearing applications.

Common Incumbents

Steel cages
Industrial / Aerospace - Drone Arm / Gimbal Mount
Industrial / Aerospace

Drone Arm / Gimbal Mount

Lightweight structural arms with vibration damping; stiffness-to-weight critical.

Key Requirements

stiffnessimpact resistancelow moisture uptake

Recommended Materials

SAAP137-LGF52High stiffness-to-weight ratio and impact resistance.

Common Incumbents

AluminumCarbon fiber
Industrial - Gearbox Housing (Power Tools)
Industrial

Gearbox Housing (Power Tools)

Encloses gears under torque and impact; requires shock resistance.

Key Requirements

impact strengthdimensional stabilitycreep resistance

Recommended Materials

SAAP137-LGF52High impact strength and dimensional stability for gearbox applications.

Common Incumbents

Aluminum castings
Industrial - Pump Impeller (Chemical / HVAC)
Industrial

Pump Impeller (Chemical / HVAC)

Rotating pump blade for fluids; requires stiffness and low swelling.

Key Requirements

creep resistanceimpact at thin-walllow absorption ≤ 0.5%

Recommended Materials

SAAP137-LGF52Low moisture absorption and high impact for thin-wall impeller designs.

Common Incumbents

Stainless steelAluminum
Industrial - Valve Body (Chemical/Water)
Industrial

Valve Body (Chemical/Water)

Controls fluid flow; requires dimensional stability under pressure.

Key Requirements

stiffnesscreep resistancelow water uptake

Recommended Materials

SAAP137-LGF52High stiffness and low moisture uptake for valve applications.

Common Incumbents

Cast ironBronze
Heavy Equipment - Agricultural Pump/Motor Housing
Heavy Equipment

Agricultural Pump/Motor Housing

Housing for sprayers/pumps on tractors; must withstand vibration and weather.

Key Requirements

chemical resistancecreep strengthimpact

Recommended Materials

SAAP137-LGF52Chemical resistance and impact strength for agricultural applications.

Common Incumbents

Cast aluminumSteel
Heavy Equipment - Truck Air Brake Housing
Heavy Equipment

Truck Air Brake Housing

Structural air brake system housing; requires fatigue resistance and creep strength.

Key Requirements

stiffnesscreep resistanceimpact

Recommended Materials

SAAP137-LGF52High stiffness and creep resistance for brake system applications.

Common Incumbents

Cast aluminumCast iron
Marine - Engine Cover
Marine

Engine Cover

Structural cover in marine environment; lightweight alternative to aluminum.

Key Requirements

corrosion resistancestiffnessimpact

Recommended Materials

SAAP137-LGF52Corrosion resistance and high stiffness for marine applications.

Common Incumbents

Cast aluminum