Plastics
Plastics are synthetic or semi-synthetic materials made from polymers, primarily derived from petrochemicals, that can be molded into various shapes and forms. They are widely used in manufacturing due to their versatility, durability, and low cost, with applications ranging from packaging and construction to electronics and medical devices. In software development, the term 'plastics' is often used metaphorically or in specific contexts like 3D printing, CAD software, or material science simulations.
Developers should learn about plastics when working in fields like industrial design, additive manufacturing (3D printing), or simulation software that models material properties. For example, in CAD tools or game engines, understanding plastics helps in creating realistic material textures and behaviors. It's also relevant for IoT projects involving smart devices with plastic components or sustainability-focused apps tracking plastic usage.