Conveyor Belts and Sliding Rails: Choosing the Right Wear Resistant Plastic
We work daily with customers who need help choosing the right wear resistant plastic for their conveyor belts and sliding rails. It can be a difficult task, as there are many different materials to choose from. In this article, we will compare some of the most common materials: PE-UHMW, PA6G and POM-C.
The question is, which material is best for your specific needs? Does it depend on the load capacity, temperature limit or something else?
PE-UHMW: a Popular Choice
PE-UHMW is one of the most used materials for sliding rails and wear parts in conveyor belts. It has a low friction coefficient, of about 0.15, which means it slides easily and does not generate much heat. Additionally, PE-UHMW has a high wear resistance and can handle high loads without breaking down.
PE-UHMW also has good chemical resistance and can be used in environments where there is a risk of chemicals and cleaning agents. However, it has a relatively low maximum temperature, of about 80 degrees Celsius, which can be a problem in some applications.
PA6G: an Alternative with High Load Capacity
PA6G is another material that is often used for sliding rails and wear parts. It has a high load capacity and can handle very high loads without breaking down. PA6G also has a good friction coefficient, of about 0.20, and can slide easily against different surfaces.
However, PA6G has a slightly higher friction coefficient than PE-UHMW, which can lead to more heat and wear. Additionally, PA6G has a slightly lower chemical resistance than PE-UHMW, which can be a problem in some environments.
PA6G has a maximum temperature of about 120 degrees Celsius, which is higher than PE-UHMW. This makes PA6G a good choice for applications where high temperatures occur.
POM-C: a Material with High Wear Resistance
POM-C is a material that is known for its high wear resistance and can handle very high loads without breaking down. It has a friction coefficient of about 0.25, which is slightly higher than PA6G and PE-UHMW.
POM-C has good chemical resistance and can be used in environments where there is a risk of chemicals and cleaning agents. Additionally, POM-C has a maximum temperature of about 140 degrees Celsius, which is higher than both PA6G and PE-UHMW.
However, POM-C has a slightly higher density than PA6G and PE-UHMW, which can affect the weight and balance in some applications.
Comparison of Material Properties
- PE-UHMW: low friction coefficient, high wear resistance, good chemical resistance, maximum temperature 80 degrees Celsius
- PA6G: high load capacity, good friction coefficient, slightly lower chemical resistance, maximum temperature 120 degrees Celsius
- POM-C: high wear resistance, good chemical resistance, high maximum temperature 140 degrees Celsius, slightly higher density
When should you choose which material? It depends on the application and requirements. If you need a material with low friction coefficient and high wear resistance, PE-UHMW is a good choice. If you need a material with high load capacity and good chemical resistance, PA6G is a good choice.
But what if you need a material that can handle high temperatures and has high wear resistance? Then POM-C is a good choice. Or maybe you need a material that is light and has low density? Then PE-UHMW or PA6G may be a better choice.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has helped you understand what materials are available for sliding rails and wear parts in conveyor belts. It is important to choose the right material for your application, as it can affect performance, lifespan and safety.
If you have questions or need help choosing the right material, do not hesitate to contact us. We are always here to help you with your needs.
Take a look at our range of PE-UHMW, PA6G and POM-C to see which material is best suited for your application. We also have 65 Shore D and other hardness levels available.
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