This work main goal is to study the viability of replacing metal components by plastic components. The first chapter presents an introduction of the whole work, containing its main objective, reason and the methodology applied. The second chapter shows the history of polymers in industries as well as its changes through time and its constantly growing demand by companies. The third chapter describes the particular properties of each component. These properties can be separated into chemical and physical ones, and within the physical properties we will focus on the description of the mechanical properties of the materials. The fourth chapter presents the study of the different types of synthetic polymers materials and how they are rated for their applicability. The fifth chapter aims to show the mechanical behavior of polymers and its mechanical properties such as tensile strain curve, macroscopic strain, viscoelastic strain, among other properties of the polymeric materials. The chapter ends with the description and a graphic representation of those properties regarding a generic group of polymers. The sixth chapter is intended for factors that influence mechanical properties and several additives. In this chapter, we will consider actions that modify the molecular structure of the polymer and substances that are intentionally introduced to improve or modify some properties, making the polymer more useful. The seventh chapter objective is to compare the group of polymeric materials with other materials used in engineering, especially metals. In this chapter, we will discuss a series of charts and graphs that have specific properties in which different materials are compared, taking into account the same mechanical properties. Finally, the eighth chapter contains the final considerations obtained from this study.