Process Encyclopaedia

The biggest mistake with forming polymers is to design the products the same way as metal products - it took 20-30 years from the introduction of polymer forming for many manufacturers to use them well. For instance, because of the comparatively low strength and stiffness of most polymers, "ribbing" is often incorporated into the design – this will have an effect on which processes can be used.
Generally, polymer products are formed near-net-shape and do not require further finishing. This "one-stop" processing gives polymer processing a cost advantage over metal processing.
Polymer processing basically splits into those suitable for thermosets and those suitable for thermoplastics, although care must be taken over toxic fumes for both.