Lumber processing require operations that are efficient, and performance plastics materials bring significant advantages where traditional materials such as metal and rubber are not cutting it anymore. Wear and impact resistance are crucial for conveying and transportation systems, from logging sites to lumber mills. To meet these harsh working environments, performance plastics like TIVAR® UHMW from Mitsubishi Chemical Group or Nylatron® nylon reduce wear, lower operating energy requirements, reduce maintenance, increase uptime, and reduce operating noise. Acetron® acetal offers exceptional stiffness and low moisture absorption when used in bearings, seals, and more. Using performance plastics in conveyors, liners, chutes, and hoppers reduce the damage done to product through low coefficient of friction properties, allowing material to move more freely, while absorbing impact forces.
Polymershapes partners with leading manufacturers such as Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials to offer specialty materials, designed to meet specific industry challenges. TIVAR® PolySteel UHMW was formulated to create a magnetically detectable polymer material that can be separated from wood pulp in solution. Offering the typical benefits of UHMW, such as abrasion and corrosion resistance, and excellent impact strength, TIVAR PolySteel offers the added benefit of reducing plastic contamination in paper mill operations.
From bushing and bearings to wear strips, Polymershapes has the impact and corrosion resistant materials needed to outlive metal and rubber alternatives. As the lumber processing industry continues to change, performance plastics will continue offering the lightweight parts required for the job.
Heavy equipment used in forestry operations also benefit greatly from performance plastics, from LEXAN™ polycarbonate glazing to increase operator safety and visibility, to engineered plastics for outrigger pads, mated parts and more. For more information, visit our Plastics for Heavy Equipment section.
Performance Plastics materials for the logging & forestry industry provide a number of benefits, typically replacing metal to provide longer lasting, more efficient parts.
- Lightweight
- Low coefficient of friction
- Requires less power to operate
- Handles pressure and friction well
- Impact and abrasion resistant
- Minimizes product damage
- Shock absorbing
- Extends equipment life
- Corrosion resistance to corrosion, rotting, rusting
- Protects hoses, wires and cables from rubbing, crushing and kinking
- Cost efficient
Materials such as UHMW and acetal are often used in:
- Saw tables
- Liners
- Hose wrap/saddles
- Bushing & bearings
- Seals and gaskets
- Rollers
- Sprockets
- Chain guides
- Safety windows
- Flange caps
- Wear rails
- Saw guides
