Plastic for wear strips

[jvanbeek]

I am looking for a plastic with good wear characteristics that is acceptable in the food processing industry (FDA, USDA acceptable). We currently use UHMW-PE in wear strips for Intralox (usually polyethylene) belting and for stainless steel roller chain. I have done some research, and am looking for some recommendations.

 

[patprimmer]

What's wrong with the UHMW-PE.

I read that it sometimes runs against normal MW-PE and sometimes against stainless steel. Is this correct

Regards
pat

 

[jvanbeek]

There is really not a problem with the UHMW, we just have to issue replacement wear strips, especially where it is used for the stainless roller chain.
I am wondering if there is a material that might work better than the UHMW.

 

[patprimmer]

Wear characteristic is a property that is difficult to relate from standard test data. The real world results are dependant on quite a few variables.

If you have results, and want o improve, knowing the mode of failure helps.

UHMW PE is better than most, provided there are no real high loads nor high heat generated. It is very good at tolerating poor lubriction and a dirty environment, but flows easily under load, and melts if much heat is generated. In short it is good if a soft material with high lubricity is needed.

Acetal being a lot harder, is a lot better if high load bearing is required.

Nylon is better if fairly high load and high temperature is required.

It really is horses for courses.

Regards
pat

 

[jvanbeek]

All right, that is kind of what I had found in my research as well.
Thanks

 

[ornerynorsk]

Nothing wrong with uhmw! Cheap, wear resistant, fda food contact acceptable.