Differences between metal eyelets and plastic eyelets

An eyelet is a reinforcing element that is inserted through various materials such as tarpaulins, fabrics, banners, posters, carbon fibre, PVC, etc., to allow fastenings to be threaded through them. An eyelet can be reinforced with a washer, which strengthens the attachment of the fastener to another material. It is widely used across various sectors, ranging from digitally printed signage to supports for awnings, curtains or swimming pool covers.

There are various types of eyelets available on the market, depending on the material. The most common are metal eyelets (iron, brass or aluminium) and plastic eyelets (which come in both transparent and solid colours). When choosing an eyelet, the main factors to consider are the type of material to be used and the quality of finish you wish to achieve.

If you’re already using metal eyelets, is it worth replacing them with plastic ones? It’s true that metal has traditionally been the most common choice, but it’s important to understand how the two types of eyelets differ in order to assess whether it’s worth making the switch in production.

4 differences between eyelets

Next, we’ll look at the main differences between metal eyelets and plastic eyelets:

1. Durability of the eyelet material

This is one of the main differences between the two eyelets.

Metal eyelets are prone to corrosion due to the rust they give off over time. Furthermore, the malleability of the material can cause it to deform and stain the surface on which it is fitted. It is common to see rust marks on tarpaulins directly beneath the metal eyelets, leaving the eyelet itself stained and worn.

There are eyelets made from corrosion-resistant metals, such as aluminium, but this increases the cost of the item considerably.

In contrast, plastic eyelets cannot rust because of the type of material they are made from, and their thickness means they do not become misshapen.

2. Image of the mount

In large-format graphic printing, image quality is the most important factor. A good substrate and a good image are essential for image quality, but what role do eyelets play? As they are added during the finishing stage of the banner, we aim to ensure they have as little impact as possible on image quality.

A good stand and a good image are essential for image quality.

Metal eyelets disrupt the composition as they are a solid element. In contrast, there are transparent plastic eyelets that are barely visible, ensuring that the image printed beneath them is not obscured. Whilst the visual impact may not be as striking on large-format banners, on X-shaped displays or in medium-format applications, the eyelets may be too conspicuous.

The important thing is that the print is visible, which is why it is becoming increasingly common in the digital printing sector to use plastic grommets.

3. Sustainability and recycling of eyelets

Plastic eyelets are free from heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury, and are phthalate-free. Unlike metal eyelets, plastic eyelets can be used in food-contact applications (in accordance with EU and FDA regulations).

Furthermore, there is no waste due to scrap during the manufacture of the part, as all defective parts are reprocessed.

One of the advantages of plastic eyelets is that they can be included in the recycling streams for PP or PE materials, making them the perfect solution for banners of this type. Conversely, if you use metal eyelets, you will have to remove them before the material can be recycled, which takes up production time. PP or PE tarpaulins are very common in supermarket advertising, so the use of plastic eyelets is recommended.

4. Strength of the eyelets

Whilst it is true that plastic eyelets are more flexible than metal ones, there are no major differences between the two.

In both cases, when a tarpaulin is pulled tight and is not properly reinforced, a tear occurs in the tarpaulin around the eyelet. It is then the tarpaulin material that will give way first under the tension (in this article, you can find out more about the strength criteria for eyelets).

The four characteristics analysed that distinguish one eyelet from another are a good starting point for deciding which type of eyelet to use. If you’re looking for durability, aesthetics, environmental friendliness and stability, plastic eyelets are the best option. They undoubtedly offer greater advantages over metal ones, which is why they are very common in the digital printing market.

If you’re looking for high-quality eyelets, you’ll find them at PLASTGrommet. Take a look at our product range. 100% European-made.