One of any actor’s biggest fears is to be typecast in a particular role. The same could be said for industrial plastics in sawmill applications because for decades plastics have enjoyed success in a few specific applications: hooks, lugs, wear guides and bushings/bearings. Maintenance Managers and purchasers tend to only think of plastics in sawmill/planar mills in reference to those applications. The reality is when issues such as noise, shock, wear and abrasion exist anywhere in the mill – industrial plastics can likely supply a cost-effective solution that is successful over the long-term. One recent article on this website introduced our new nylon bushing material for kiln cart bushings replacing the traditional “blue” material. Customers have used blue nylon for many years and in some cases, specifically northern areas where bitter cold is an issue, kept using the material begrudgingly not knowing there was a better solution.

Knowledgeable distributors should be able to analyze an issue you’re dealing with and work with you to select a plastic solution that will solve the problem. A test is required, but careful selection and proper installation of a part should result in drastically reduced maintenance downtime and part and equipment damage or replacement. In areas where shock or impact are a factor, urethane Deadplate may be the solution. If wear is involved, a custom wear guide may be in order. We have even developed a cold-weather formulation for sorter hooks.

When it comes to solutions to your maintenance needs – don’t pigeonhole plastic to old applications. Contact us today to discuss your maintenance needs.