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Wear-resistant plastic, sliding plastic and abrasion-resistant plastic

A beloved child has many names, and wear-resistant plastic has many applications. One of the most common uses for plastic is to protect exposed surfaces. It is often a cost-effective way to protect sensitive or expensive parts on machinery, conveyor belts or similar structures.

There is a wide variety of wear-resistant, sliding and abrasion-resistant plastics. Here at PlastShop, we’ve written extensively about wear-resistant plastics, and we’re sure to do so again. Describing the advantages and disadvantages of every type of plastic in a single article would be too extensive and rather tedious, wouldn’t it?

That’s why, in this blog series, we’ll be focusing on specific product groups, so that you, the reader, can explore the world of plastics in a structured way. In this article, we’ll tell you more about PE Bulk, a high-performance polyethylene plastic specially developed to perform well as a wear and sliding plastic.

Compared with, for example, PE-1000 (a more traditional type of plastic), PE Bulk has an even higher molecular density as its base material. Imagine a chain made up of molecules, where the molecules are even more tightly packed than in PE-1000. This results in a material that is tougher and harder, which often leads to a longer service life. Furthermore, the material is available with various additives that can further enhance its properties.

PE Bulk: the family of plastics for extreme conditions

PE Bulk is a family of plastics designed for demanding environments. They offer extremely high temperature resistance and very good sliding properties. By adding microscopic glass beads, even higher abrasion resistance can be achieved. Here is an overview of the various materials in the PE Bulk family:

• PE Ultra HD
  Colours: RAL5003 (dark blue), RAL7031 (blue-grey)
  In its standard form, PE Ultra HD is a wear-resistant plastic with excellent sliding properties and high resistance to mechanical wear and impact. The material has very low moisture absorption, making it dimensionally stable even in damp environments. It also offers high resistance to most chemicals and good sound-dampening properties. Furthermore, the material is approved for contact with foodstuffs in accordance with Directive 2002/72/EC. Typical applications include conveyor belts, side guards and various types of chain and belt guides. It is also frequently used as cladding on silos and other containers for various types of bulk materials.
• PE Ultra HD AST
  Colour: RAL9005 (black)
  PE Ultra HD AST contains an additive of electrically conductive carbon. As well as making the material antistatic, this additive gives it a black colour and makes it more resistant to UV light. This variant is therefore suitable for outdoor use, for example as cladding on lorries and flatbed trailers. Its antistatic properties also prevent fine dust from being attracted to the panels.
• PE Bulk UV
  Colour: RAL9005 (black)
  PE Bulk UV contains a lubricant additive that makes the material self-lubricating and gives it extremely good sliding properties. Furthermore, the material is both UV-resistant and antistatic, which further broadens its range of applications. It was originally developed as wall cladding for conveyor belts in breweries, where a material was needed that cans and bottles could bounce off in the bends.
• PE Bulk Bead
  Colour: Yellow/green
  PE Bulk Bead contains an additive of microscopic glass beads, which improves the material’s sliding and wear properties. This results in a material with extremely good durability, even under very high wear loads.
• PE Bulk MoS²
  Colour: Anthracite (no RAL code)
  PE Bulk MoS² contains an additive of molybdenum disulphide (MoS²), a dry lubricant that improves sliding properties and makes the material self-lubricating. The material also becomes harder, which makes it easier to machine.

But which wear-resistant plastic should I choose?

Finding the right one isn’t always easy. For the best results and value for money, it’s important to spend a little time choosing the right material. The PE Bulk range belongs to the premium segment for wear-resistant plastics. As a designer, you need to take several factors into account before selecting a material.

It may be worth considering the expected service life, the costs of maintenance and replacement of the wear-resistant plastic, and weighing these up against the purchase price. If you choose PE Bulk, you have chosen one of the highest-performing materials in this category. You can expect it to last longer than simpler solutions. Whether the higher purchase cost is justified varies from project to project.

Here at PlastShop, we’ll help you find the right plastic. Would you like to discuss your project with us?