Span Tech: Why molded plastic conveyor parts are better than metal

Span Tech: Why molded plastic conveyor parts are better than metal

Supplier News

Metal vs. molded plastic conveyor parts

There's no doubt that plastic has been a game-changer for countless industries since its invention in the 19th century. Case in point: adopting molded plastic conveyor belt parts has provided numerous benefits compared to their metal counterparts.

Many advancements in technology have resulted in metal conveyor belt parts being replaced by plastic – and for good reason. Read on to learn why plastic conveyor parts have become the better choice, which specific conveyor belt parts have converted to plastic, and why Span Tech is the place to go for all things related to conveyor belt systems.

Lower Costs

When you can use more affordable products in your equipment, it's a win-win for all concerned. Because molded plastic conveyor parts are more affordable to produce, everyone gets to keep a little something extra in their pocket, from the manufacturer to the consumer.

Better Availability

Because they're less costly and easier to produce, it's feasible to keep larger minimum quantities on hand and easier to get molded plastic conveyor belt parts when you need them.

Designed for Heavy Duty

Because there are very few limitations to designing injection molded parts, modern engineering methods allow them to be designed to optimize strength and thus are surprisingly durable. Molded plastic conveyor parts are designed to handle the most rigorous loading for the application.

More Consistency

Welded metal parts often have issues with warping, which is oftentimes unpredictable and can be hard to control. Molded plastic conveyor belt parts are more uniform than their metal counterparts.

Less QC is Required

Manufactured parts often have to go through several steps during the manufacturing process (such as sawing, milling, turning, welding, coating, etc.). When replacing parts that are coated (like an LPI chain guide), there's less chance of losing parts due to additional steps in manufacturing, so less quality checking is required.

Improved Material Characteristics

Plastics come in a wide range of material properties. Parts can be made rigid or flexible, high-friction or low-friction. Depending on the design requirements, there's a plastic material that's best suited for the application.

Better Design

Molded plastic parts can be engineered with features that are much more ergonomic and safe compared to traditionally manufactured metal parts.

This article was originally published by Span Tech.

Latest Packaging News

British Plastics Federation urges firms to report false recycled content claims
Business

British Plastics Federation urges firms to report false recycled content claims

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) is calling on businesses to report suspected cases of...
London Drugs’ new eco store features SC Johnson soap refill station
Sustainability

London Drugs’ new eco store features SC Johnson soap refill station

Canadian retailer London Drugs has launched a new concept store in Burnaby, British Columbia,...
Ocean bound plastics deemed unsuitable for food contact by UK regulators
Business

Ocean bound plastics deemed unsuitable for food contact by UK regulators

An assessment by the Joint Expert Group on Food Contact Materials (FCMJEG) has evaluated the use of...
German frozen bakery market leader ARYZTA continues to automate with Lantech packaging machines
Supplier News

German frozen bakery market leader ARYZTA continues to automate with Lantech packaging machines

With 26 large bakeries in 27 countries, including 12 in Europe, and around 8,000 employees...
Syntegon: Producing the perfect gummies and jellies
Supplier News

Syntegon: Producing the perfect gummies and jellies

When we say we are gummy experts, we mean it. Backed by over 95 years of jelly expertise, we...