Many plastic applications in sawmill and planarmills that we promote here are innovative solutions that are readily noticable: bushings made of proprietary materials, the Shark Fin System, Hi-Temp kiln cart bushings, and urethane Deadplate. Solutions which stand out amongst other equipment in the mill. However, one application that does not get enough attention are UHMW polyethylene conveyor flights. These flights are often made of steel but UHMW is an excellent replacement for several reasons:
-UHMW is strong, will not break when flexed
-More abrasion-resistant than steel
-Reduces power needs
-Chemical resistant and will not rust
-Sanitary as USDA/FDA/AG approved materials are available
-Economical
-Moisture resistant
-Self-lubricating
In the case of Redwood Plastics, we can manufacture these in house at our branches without needing to have these done at our central manufacturing location. This cuts down on freight and lead time costs meaning the flights are very cost-effective. UHMW will outwear, outlast, and outperform steel flights and is an obvious replacement at your mill.
