Wear rates and friction of plastics

[es_shoes]

I am looking to replace a set of brass and steel sleeve and cylinder having a ceramic tip with a plastic sleeve and cylinder having a plastic tip. The only question I have actually has two parts... are there any plastic, machineable materials that have comparable wear rates to that of ceramic? The probe enclosed on this setup works off the Eddy current, so the tip can't be metal. Just wondering if anything pops out at you guys for a strong plastic with good wear rates, and low friction between two layers of that material. Thanks in advance.



Ben

 

[Nate810]

ign plastics such as Delrin and Nylon are commonly used for applications with high wear resistance, low friction, and the ability to be machined. PTFE (Teflon) is another option that has excellent wear resistance and low friction, although it is more difficult to machine. Depending on your application, you may want to look into some of the newer engineered plastics, such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). These materials have excellent wear resistance, good strength, and can be machined.

 

[Moetasim]

, thank you for your question. I understand your interest in finding a suitable replacement for the brass and steel components in your setup. The wear rates and friction of plastics can vary greatly depending on the material and specific application, so it is important to carefully consider your options.

In terms of wear rates, there are some plastics that have been shown to have comparable wear rates to ceramics. For example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been used in various industrial applications due to its high wear resistance and low coefficient of friction. However, it is important to note that wear rates can also be affected by factors such as load, temperature, and surface finish, so it is important to thoroughly test any potential replacements in your specific setup.

In terms of machineable plastics, some options to consider may include acetal (POM), nylon, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). These materials have shown good wear resistance and low friction in various applications. Again, it is important to carefully test and select the most suitable material for your specific setup.

Additionally, there are other factors to consider when replacing metal components with plastic, such as the strength and stiffness requirements of your setup. It may be necessary to modify the design or incorporate reinforcements to ensure the plastic components can withstand the same loads and forces as the metal components.

In summary, there are some plastics that have shown promise in terms of wear rates and friction, but it is important to carefully evaluate and test them in your specific setup to ensure they meet your requirements. I recommend consulting with a materials expert or conducting thorough testing to determine the best option for your application. Best of luck with your research!