Plastic Wear Parts
Plastic wear parts replace metal in components that rub, slide or face abrasion, such as wear pads, liners, star wheels, scrapers, cams and gears. Materials like UHMWPE, nylon, acetal, PU and PTFE compounds cut noise, weight and lubrication, and protect costlier mating parts.
What it is
Choosing the right polymer for the wear mechanism, sliding, abrasion, impact or rolling, can extend part life significantly compared with metal, while being sacrificial so the expensive machine part isn't damaged.
Parts are machined from stock shapes for low volumes or moulded for high volumes.
Typical applications
- Wear pads and liners
- Star wheels and timing screws
- Scrapers and wipers
- Cams, gears and sprockets
- Bushes and slide blocks
Materials & grades
- UHMWPE
- Nylon (cast and filled)
- Acetal (POM)
- Polyurethane
- Filled PTFE and PEEK
Points to consider
- Describe the wear problem (abrasion, sliding, impact) to choose the material.
- Check temperature limits of the chosen polymer.
- Allow for thermal expansion and moisture in fits.
- Consider food-grade materials in food plants.
Frequently asked questions
Can plastic outlast metal in wear parts?
Often yes, especially in sliding abrasion and where lubrication is poor; UHMWPE and PU are particularly good.
How do I choose a plastic for wear?
Share the load, speed, temperature, abrasives and mating material, and we will recommend a suitable grade.
Are plastic wear parts cheaper?
They are usually lighter and cheaper to machine, and protect expensive mating parts.