Plastics for Crane Manufacturers and Heavy Equipment Applications
High strength, lightweight, and impact resistant plastics for custom crane parts and heavy equipment applications. (NAICS 333120, SIC 3536)
Cranes and heavy machinery depend on the unique properties and mechanical strength of plastics when looking to improve part life or replace failing metal parts. Plastics provide superior durability, impact resistance, weatherability, and are corrosion and wear resistant compared to metal. Plastic parts require less maintenance and offer design flexibility due to their ability to be molded or machined into complex shapes.
Properties
Strong and durable
Impact resistant
Lightweight
Easy to handle
Wear resistant
Applications
Outrigger pads
Sheaves and pulleys
Crane cable carriers
Crane wheels
Custom machinery parts
Industries
Residential construction
Commercial construction
Civil engineering
Manufacturing
Material processing
Crane and Heavy Equipment Materials Overview
Why are plastics used in cranes and heavy machinery?
High strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and low maintenance requirements make plastics a sought-after material in cranes and heavy machinery. Their reduced weight, increased durability, UV resistance, general chemical resistance, and inability to corrode or rust when exposed to water compared to metal make them a great alternative material for structural, wear, and electrical components that see prolonged outdoor use. Plastics offer additional design flexibility for custom parts in heavy machinery and cranes.
Plastics for crane and heavy equipment applications fall under NAICS code #333120, 333248, 333923, 333924, 335314, 811310, and SIC code #3536.
Crane and Heavy Equipment Materials Resources & PDFs
Certain plastics feature excellent impact resistance and toughness and are often one of the materials chosen for applications where durability is a concern. Sturdy plastics include ABS, polycarbonate, and polyethylene.
What are heavy duty plastics?
Heavy duty plastics are materials designed to endure extreme mechanical stress, heavy loads, and exposure to hostile operating conditions. These plastics are used in applications where their high durability, strength, and wear resistance are required. Heavy duty plastics used in crane and heavy equipment include HDPE, nylon, UHMW, and acetal.
What is plastic used for in machinery?
Plastics are used in machinery for many custom parts and metal part replacements ranging from gears and bearings to seals, wear components, and electrical insulators. Plastics cna provide enhanced performance, reduced weight, and cost-efficient savings compared to metal.
What is the alternative to HDPE?
UHMW-PE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) is a tough, abrasion-resistant plastic with a higher molecular weight than HDPE. This gives UHMW enhanced abrasion resistance and impact strength over HDPE as well as a lower coefficient of friction. UHMW's properties make it suited for high-wear applications like wear strips, chute linings, and conveyor components.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Acrylonitrile, CAS 107-13-1, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Styrene, CAS 100-42-5, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Bisphenol A, CAS 80-05-7, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Ethyl acrylate, CAS 140-88-5, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Vinyl Chloride, CAS 75-01-4, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including N,N-Dimethylformamide, CAS 68-12-2, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including METHYLPYRROLIDONE, CAS 872-50-4, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.