Tagged With: sprockets
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 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
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
Product Announcement: H78 Sprockets
Redwood Plastics and Rubber has discontinued their line of sprockets for H78 sawmill chain. However, their 81X sprocket, which is now standard, is perfectly suitable for use on H78 chain. The difference lies in the thickness of the A-plate which holds the teeth. The H78 mold was 1″ wide whereas the 81X sprocket A-plate is … Continue reading
Why Choose Plastic Sprockets?
For customers who haven’t used plastic sprockets before, at first the product seems like a novelty. Many users think that the sprockets will be cheaper than metal because “it’s just plastic”. When they find out this isn’t true the question inevitably comes up “then why choose plastic sprockets?” It’s a good question and the answer … Continue reading
Product Spotlight: Redco 750 Sprockets
Sprockets made of Redco 750 polyurethane have been a proven solution in sawmills for decades. But it isn’t a case of one size fits all: we get requests for sprockets for all sorts of shapes, sizes, pitches and chains. To be honest, not all of those orders can be filled by us. But in the … Continue reading
Why Switch To Plastic Sprockets?
Plastic sprockets primarily made of Redco 750 have widespread use in the sawmill industry. Metal sprockets have been available long before plastic and some mills still hold out on switching to plastic. The question gets brought up “why would I want to switch to plastic?” First of all, plastic sprockets will reduce wear on the … Continue reading
Solutions In Action
When it comes to thinking of all the successful plastic applications in sawmills, words alone can’t do them justice. A few years ago Redwood Plastics developed a short 3 minute video highlighting various plastic solutions for sawmills. These products include bushings, bearings, sprockets, chain channel, sorter hooks, lugs and assorted customized plastic solutions. Similar metal … Continue reading