polyurethane
Polyurethane vs. UHMW
Regarding sprocket applications in particular it seems the default request in 2020 is for “UHMW” sprockets. Indeed, UHMW is used in some sawmill sprocket applications and is widely used elsewhere in sawmills as wear parts. However, the material is not ideal for use in either a drive or idler sprocket – why is this so? … Continue reading
Why Is Polyurethane Used So Often In Sawmill Applications?
We occasionally hear from our sawmill customers “You guys want to stick urethane in everything!” The comment isn’t to be mean but it reflects the fact that many applications and problems we are tasked with solving end up with a polyurethane solution. For many people they are surprised that polyurethane can serve any “industrial” applications … Continue reading
Custom Redco 750 SN Bearing Inserts
Redwood Plastics and Rubber offers a series of six molded polyurethane inserts for SN bearing systems. Part numbers R-1150 to R-1155 cover bores 1-15/16″ to 3-15/16″ but what if you have a larger bearing? The news is good as we can absolutely manufacture larger sizes! We just need a part number for the original bearing … Continue reading
Why Are You Still Using Metal Sprockets?
Recently we took part in a large expansion of one of our customer’s facilities and Redco plastic solutions were in all of the new machinery; however, for a new sorter our plastic sprockets had been declined in favor of a less expensive steel option. This is, of course, the customer’s choice but there were already … Continue reading
Differences Between Redco SPS-2000 and Synsteel
Redwood Plastics and Rubber offers two “pulp safe” plastics and while they might appear to be interchangeable or similar, they’re really not, and have both different properties and applications. In fact, it’s critically important to know where each should be used. SPS-2000 is meant to dissolve in the kraft mill chemical process and should be … Continue reading
Redco 750 L- Channel For OSB Mills
One of our recent solutions has been replacing UHMW L-shaped channel for chain runs in OSB mills with Redwood Plastics and Rubber Redco 750 polyurethane. The issue is that the chain creates too much heat on the UHMW plastic warping it and causing it to bubble. Redco 750 bears more load and its properties appear … Continue reading
Custom Colored Polyurethane Parts
Polyurethane is one of the main plastics used for sawmill applications. Everything as diverse as kraftmill safe machined U-channel, to sprockets, Shark Fin lugs, and bearings. Softer urethane being used for Redco Deadplate or other shock and vibration dampening products. Most of the time for customers color isn’t important but sometimes a mill manager or … Continue reading
81X Sprocket Modifications
Plastic 81X sawmill sprockets are primarily a molded product, this is to reduce delivery times as well as cost. The standard sprockets available from Redwood Plastics and Rubber have a hub that is 3-3/4″ wide (length-through-bore). Often these days customers want a thinner hub to fit into their sawmills and in most cases that’s fine! … Continue reading
Deadplate: 5 FAQs
Redco Deadplate is a polyurethane with very specific properties and the sole application in sawmills of absorbing and deadening shock. Because Deadplate is so unique, sometimes customers don’t understand how to use incorporate it into their mill or even request a quote. Fortunately, it’s an easy material to quote, manufacture, and install. So what are … Continue reading