Plastic in the mining industry: wear resistance under extreme conditions

We have all heard of the mining industry and the tough conditions that prevail there. Hard-wearing materials, extreme temperatures and chemical stress are just a few of the challenges that the mining industry faces. But how can plastic, which is often associated with something light and fragile, be used in such a demanding environment? This is a question that we will try to answer in this article.

One of the most critical aspects of the mining industry is the handling of materials, which often consist of coarse and hard minerals. These materials can cause enormous wear on equipment, which can lead to expensive repairs and downtime. But by using the right type of plastic, you can reduce wear and extend the lifespan of equipment.

PE-UHMW: a wear-resistant plastic for chute liners and hoppers

One of the most wear-resistant plastics on the market is PE-UHMW. This plastic has an extremely high wear resistance and can withstand the toughest conditions in the mining industry. We use PE-UHMW for the manufacture of chute liners and hoppers, which are critical components in the mining process. By using PE-UHMW, you can reduce wear on equipment and extend the lifespan of these components.

But why is PE-UHMW so wear-resistant? It is because of its unique molecular structure, which gives it an extremely high density and a very low friction coefficient. This means that PE-UHMW can withstand the hard and coarse materials that occur in the mining industry without being damaged or worn. Additionally, PE-UHMW has a very low weight, which makes it ideal for applications where weight is a critical factor.

PA6G: a durable plastic for heavy-duty bearings

Another plastic that is very suitable for the mining industry is PA6G. This plastic has an extremely high strength and can withstand the toughest conditions in the mining industry. We use PA6G for the manufacture of heavy-duty bearings, which are critical components in the mining process. By using PA6G, you can increase safety and reduce the risk of downtime.

But PA6G also has another advantage: it can reduce noise levels in the mine. By using PA6G, you can reduce the mechanical vibration and noise that occurs when materials are handled. This can contribute to a safer and more pleasant working environment for miners.

Practical examples

But what does it look like in reality? We have several examples of how plastic can be used in the mining industry. For example, we have manufactured chute liners and hoppers in PE-UHMW for a mine in Sweden. By using PE-UHMW, the mine has been able to reduce wear on equipment and extend the lifespan of these components.

We have also manufactured heavy-duty bearings in PA6G for a mine in Norway. By using PA6G, the mine has been able to increase safety and reduce the risk of downtime. Additionally, noise levels have decreased, which has contributed to a safer and more pleasant working environment for miners.

But why should you choose plastic instead of steel? It is because of several factors. Plastic is often much lighter than steel, which makes it ideal for applications where weight is a critical factor. Additionally, plastic is often more corrosion-resistant than steel, which means it can withstand the chemical substances that occur in the mining industry.

Important properties of plastic in the mining industry

Wear resistance: The plastic must be able to withstand the hard and coarse materials that occur in the mining industry.
Strength: The plastic must have an extremely high strength to be able to withstand the toughest conditions in the mining industry.
Corrosion resistance: The plastic must be able to withstand the chemical substances that occur in the mining industry.
Low weight: The plastic must be light to be able to be used in applications where weight is a critical factor.

We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of how plastic can be used in the mining industry. If you have any questions or want to know more about how we can help you, do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

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