Plastic Products for Logging & Forestry Applications
Products for Wear, Strength, & Reliability
About Logging & Forestry Industry Plastics
Performance plastics bring significant advantages to lumber processing when traditional materials such as metal and rubber aren’t cutting it anymore. Operating environments in the logging and forestry industries are abrasive, noisy, and generally tough on materials. Wear and impact resistance are crucial for successful conveying and transportation systems, from logging sites to lumber mills. Performance plastics can be used to create longer-lasting, lightweight parts that improve operational efficiency and lower its carbon footprint.
Reduces Maintenance Time & Costs while Increasing Uptime in Efficiency
Using UHMW-PE such as TIVAR® 1000 in conveyors, liners, chutes, and hoppers reduces the damage done to lumber because its low coefficient of friction allows material to move more freely while absorbing impact forces. Parts made from Nylatron® cast nylon reduce wear, noise, and maintenance while decreasing operating energy requirements and increasing uptime. Acetron® acetal offers exceptional stiffness and low moisture absorption when used in bearings, seals, and similar applications. Heavy equipment used in forestry operations also benefit greatly from performance plastics, from LEXAN™ polycarbonate glazing that increases operator safety and visibility to engineered plastics for outrigger pads, mated parts, and more. For more information, visit our page on plastics used in Heavy Equipment.
Manufactured with a Highly Advanced Polymer that Separates Wood Pulp from Solution
Polymershapes partners with leading manufacturers such as Mitsubishi Chemical Group to offer specialty materials designed to meet specific industry challenges. TIVAR PolySteel UHMW-PE was formulated to create a magnetically detectable polymer that can be separated from wood pulp in solution. In addition to the typical benefits of virgin UHMW-PE, such as abrasion and corrosion resistance and excellent impact strength, TIVAR PolySteel also reduces plastic contamination in paper mill operations. Polymershapes offers a comprehensive portfolio of engineering plastics ranging from general purpose to extreme performance that can reduce weight and power requirements, eliminate costly lubrication, and increase Mean Time Between Repair (MTBR), all while improving your ability to meet stringent quality and reliability metrics. In addition to stock sizes of plastic rod, sheet and tube, we also custom fabricate parts. Contact one of our material experts today to discuss the best polymer for your logging and forestry application.
Manufactured with a Highly Advanced Polymer that Separates Wood Pulp from Solution
Polymershapes partners with leading manufacturers such as Mitsubishi Chemical Group to offer specialty materials designed to meet specific industry challenges. TIVAR PolySteel UHMW-PE was formulated to create a magnetically detectable polymer that can be separated from wood pulp in solution. In addition to the typical benefits of virgin UHMW-PE, such as abrasion and corrosion resistance and excellent impact strength, TIVAR PolySteel also reduces plastic contamination in paper mill operations. Polymershapes offers a comprehensive portfolio of engineering plastics ranging from general purpose to extreme performance that can reduce weight and power requirements, eliminate costly lubrication, and increase Mean Time Between Repair (MTBR), all while improving your ability to meet stringent quality and reliability metrics. In addition to stock sizes of plastic rod, sheet and tube, we also custom fabricate parts. Contact one of our material experts today to discuss the best polymer for your logging and forestry application.
Features & Benefits
Lightweight
•Impact, Abrasion, Wear & Corrosion Resistant
•Low Friction
•Shock Absorption
•Noise Reduction
•Self-lubricating
•High Weatherability & UV Resistance
Lightweight
Requires less power to operate, improving fuel efficiency and decreasing energy costs.
Impact, Abrasion, Wear & Corrosion Resistant
Extends part life to reduce maintenance and downtime.
Low Friction
Improves material flow through chutes, conveyors, or hoppers.
Shock Absorption
Helps minimize product damage during transport or processing.
Noise Reduction
Quieter than metal components for a better work environment.
Self-Lubricating
Reduces need for grease or oil, minimizing contamination risk.
High Weatherability & UV Resistance
Withstands long-term outdoor exposure without degrading.
Applications
Bushings & Bearings
Plastic bearings and bushings are lightweight, cost-efficient, corrosion resistant, and quiet, making them a long-lasting choice in abrasive lumber environments. Acetal such as Acetron GP provides low moisture absorption and exceptional stiffness, while nylon like Nylatron offers higher tensile strength and can handle slightly higher temperatures.
Chain Beds & Liners
Cast nylon is frequently used in chain beds and liners to improve chain life and decrease lubrication required. Specialty grades can offer additional wear resistance and self-lubrication. UHMW-PE such as TIVAR-88 is also an excellent choice that offers superior wear resistance.
Chain Guides & Channel Inserts
Chain guides, channel inserts, and other profiles are often extruded in UHMW-PE. Many standard sizes and geometries are stocked by manufacturers and others can be made to order. Contact Polymershapes to discuss all your profile needs.
Chutes & Conveyor Components
When choosing a material for conveyor guides, flights, wear strips, and other components, TIVAR 1000 UHMW-PE offers excellent wear and abrasion resistance that increases the MTBR of your equipment. Its low friction also promotes material flow. Specialty grades are available, including TIVAR Polysteel, which is metal detectable to prevent plastic contamination of wood pulp.
Flange Caps
These extruded profiles cover metal edges on lumber sorters to protect the wood from damage. They are typically made from impact and abrasion resistant UHMW-PE.
Hose Wrap & Saddles
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is often used to protect hoses so they aren’t crushed and don’t rub or kink. This durable material combines strength with cost-effectiveness and ease of fabrication.
Liners
UHMW-PE is a preferred material for a wide range of liners, including those used in the logging industry. Its low frictional properties promote material flow, while its abrasion resistance results in long lasting performance. Recycled grades are also available to promote sustainability.
Outrigger Pads
Logging equipment depends on outrigger pads to provide stability by distributing its weight, which protects its operators while also minimizing damage to the ground. UHMW-PE is an excellent material for heavy-duty outrigger pads, with recycled grades such as TIVAR ECO available to reduce your environmental impact. For the most extreme applications, nylon or phenolics may be the best choice. Polymershapes can fabricate outrigger pads for all your heavy equipment needs.
Sawmill Components
Sawmills and planer mills feature lots of opportunities for plastics to reduce noise, improve efficiency, and improve part life, such as chipper spouts, chips screens, and saw guides. UHMW-PE’s excellent wear resistance and low frictional properties make it an excellent choice for components that come in direct contact with lumber. Polyurethane is sometimes used for mass produced pieces like drop gate and diverter arms. Self-lubricating nylon is an excellent choice for many rotating parts to decrease noise and downtime.
Security Glazing & Safety Windows
From heavy equipment windshields to machine guards to security glazing, LEXAN polycarbonate combines optical clarity with near unbreakable strength to protect your operators in any lumber applications that require a see-through material. LEXAN Margard™ offers additional abrasion resistance for the harshest environments.
Sprockets & Gears
Materials used to make gears and sprockets must be strong, stiff, and able to be machined into intricate designs with tight tolerances. Depending on the application specifications, nylon and acetal can both be excellent options. Polymershapes can help you decide upon a material and can even fabricate the parts you need.
Wear Plates, Strips & Rails
When selecting a material that can protect the rest of your equipment from wear and abrasion, UHMW-PE is the clear choice. This tough material features excellent abrasion and chemical resistance for long-lasting performance. A recycled grade such as TIVAR ECO is often used to support sustainability efforts.
Other Applications
- Deflector blades
- Guide rails
- Hooks
- Paper wedges
- Press protectors
- Press slides
- Rings
- Rollers
- Seals and gaskets
- Suction box covers
Products for Logging & Forestry Applications
Polyurethane (PU)
Rigid polyurethane (PU) delivers a broad range of chemical resistance along with superior impact strength.
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