Packaging & Conveying Equipment Materials

Wear-resistant, low-friction materials for packaging machinery, conveying systems, and power transmission. (NAICS #333613, 333922, 333924, 333993, 561910)

Packaging machinery, conveyor systems, and power transmission applications in the industrial and commercial sectors rely on plastics for long-lasting and efficient components to reduce downtime. Lightweight yet durable, plastics like HDPE, UHMW, PTFE, and nylon have superior wear resistance and low friction properties compared to metal that allow them to withstand high speeds and repetitive motions associated with modern manufacturing equipment and makes them ideal for conveyor belt components, liners, guides, gears, and other packaging equipment or conveying system applications. Plastics like acetal and PET are more rigid and dimensionally stable, making them a better choice than UHMW for applications that require rigidity or undergo temperature swings that would make UHMW expand or contract. Non-impact and abrasion resistant materials like Type 1 PVC also have roles to play in canning and bottling lines, providing the dimensional stability, chemical resistance, and flame retardant properties necessary to withstand the constant motion and cleaning seen in high-speed production lines.

General Properties

Impact- and wear-resistant
Resist chemicals, moisture, corrosion
Wide service temperature range
Low friction
Lightweight
Easily machinable

Applications

Wear and friction-resistant parts
Enclosures and safety guards
Power transmission components
Gears, sprockets, and bearings
Hopper and chutes
Sorting and handling systems
Dispensing and filling systems

Industries

Packaging
Manufacturing
Industrial
Transportation
Supply chain management
Warehousing and distribution
Canning and bottling
Power transmission and mechanical systems

Packaging & Conveying Equipment Materials Overview

Why are plastics used in the packaging machinery and conveying systems?

Plastics are essential in packaging machinery, conveying systems, and power transmission applications - they provide exceptional durability, low friction, and resistance to wear and chemicals, even in demanding environments. For plastics like acetal, HDPE, PET, nylon, PTFE, and UHMWPE, additional grades that are FDA/USDA/NSF compliant are available.

Acetal is used for wear-resistant and rigid components that need to maintain their dimensional stability in the face of high-speed operations. It is more rigid than UHMW and can be precision machined, making it a good choice for components like conveyor guides, bushings, gears, and star wheels.
HDPE is utilized in packaging trays, liners, and conveyor components for its toughness and resistance to moisture and chemicals.
Nylon is valued for its strength and impact resistance, commonly used in gears, rollers, and sprockets.
PET is more rigid and dimensionally stable than acetal and has superior wear resistance at higher temperatures, making it a good choice for load-bearing applications where precision is necessary. PET reliably holds its shape even under temperature swings.
Polycarbonate offers high impact strength and clarity, making it a reliable choice for protective covers, windows, and inspection panels.
Type 1 PVC lacks the impact or abrasion resistance of other materials, but has good dimensional stability, chemical resistance, and flame retardant properties. These characteristics make it well-suited for canning and bottling lines where materials that withstand constant motion and exposure to cleaning agents are required.
PTFE is favored for its low friction and chemical resistance, making it ideal for slide bearings and non-stick surfaces.
UHMWPE is widely used in conveyor systems, guide rails, and wear strips due to its exceptional abrasion resistance and low coefficient of friction.

Plastics used in packaging and conveying equipment fall under NAICS codes #333613, 333922, 333924, 333993, 561910.

Packaging & Conveying Equipment Material Resources & PDFs

Customers Also Asked:

What materials are commonly used in packaging machinery and conveying systems?

Common plastics used in packaging machinery and conveying systems include UHMW (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), Nylon, HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), Acetal, and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). These materials are durable, lightweight, and have good resistance to wear, abrasion, and chemicals, making them ideal for components like conveyor belts, rollers, liners, protective covers, and more. Polycarbonate, with its excellent impact resistance and clarity, is used for protective covers and windows.

Why are plastics preferred over metals in packaging machinery and conveying systems?

Plastics are preferred over metals in packaging machinery and conveying systems because they are lighter, more cost-effective, corrosion-resistant, and offer lower friction. Unlike metals, plastics reduce noise, require less maintenance, and are more suitable for applications requiring food safety and chemical resistance, making them an excellent choice for modern packaging operations.

What are the benefits of using plastic in conveying systems?

The benefits of using plastics in conveying systems include improved efficiency, reduced equipment wear, and lower maintenance costs. Plastics offer low friction, which enhances material flow and reduces downtime, while their general resistance to abrasion and impacts ensures long-lasting performance even in high-stress environments. Plastics also help reduce noise levels during operation, creating a quieter and more worker-friendly environment.

How do plastics improve efficiency in packaging operations?

Plastics improve efficiency in packaging operations by providing smoother surfaces for material handling, reducing friction, and minimizing jams or wear on conveyor components. Their light weight helps reduce energy consumption, and their durability ensures longer operational lifespans, allowing for faster, more reliable production processes.

What are the advantages of using plastics in power transmission components?

Plastics offer several advantages in power transmission applications, including low friction, lightweight design, corrosion resistance, and minimal noise levels. Unlike metal gears and bearings, plastic components made from acetal, nylon, PTFE, and UHMWPE do not require lubrication, resulting in reduced maintenance costs and downtime. Their ability to absorb shock and vibrations also enhances the longevity of machinery, making them ideal for gears, pulleys, bushings, and sprockets in high-speed and heavy-load applications. These materials can withstand exposure to chemicals, moisture, and variable temperatures, promoting reliable performance in harsh industrial environments.

Plastics like acetal, UHMWPE, nylon, PET, and PTFE are preferred over metal for wear and friction-resistant parts in packaging and conveying applications due to their superior durability and generally low coefficient of friction, which helps minimize wear on moving components and increase part life. These plastics are lightweight and self-lubricating, reducing or eliminating the need for external lubrication and allowing for their use in environments where lubrication is not recommended or impossible.

Acetal is a lightweight, rigid, and wear-resistant material that maintains its dimensional stability even in high-speed oprations. Its low friction, good chemical resistance, and low moisture absorption make it an alternative to UHMW in applications that require more rigidity.
Nylon is a lightweight, moisture-resistant, and chemically-resistant material with a good balance of toughness, wear resistance, and load-bearing capacity. In packaging and conveying applications, nylon components typically consist of gears, rollers, and bushings.

Nyloil is a specialized grade of cast nylon with internal lubrication that enhances its wear properties. With a 25% lower coefficient of friction than standard nylon grades, this grade of nylon is ideal for use when lubrication is difficult or impossible to use. Its internal lubricant won't spin out, dry out, or drain out in harsh environments. FDA compliant grades are available.

PET is a more dimensionally stable and rigid material than acetal with superior wear resistance at higher temperatures. It holds its shape under temperature swings and is a good choice for load-bearing applications requiring stability and precision.
PTFE is a high-performance material that features an extremely low coefficient of friction, making it ideal for applications requiring smooth motion and minimal wear like bearings, slide plates, and seals. Its non-stick properties promote smooth product movement and help prevent material buildup.
UHMWPE is an excellent choice for chain guides, wear strips, and conveyor rails. Its abrasion resistance, impact strength, and self-lubricating properties help reduce maintenance downtime and extend the service life of packaging and conveying equipment.

Tivar HPV UHMW is a FDA compliant bearing-grade UHMW sheet that offers a near-zero level of slip-stick and helps eliminate squeaking and chatter. In packaging and conveyor systems, it helps enhance motion and reduce friction.

Polycarbonate is a popular material choice for enclosures and safety guards in the packaging and conveyign industries. A nearly unbreakable thermoplastic, polycarbonate has exceptional impact resistance, optical clarity, and durability. These properties allow clear visbility while providing reliable protection for monitoring operations. Polycarbonate is lightweight and can operate over a wide temperature range, allowing for its use in places where glass or metal may not work. Polycarbonate is versatile and can be thermoformed, machined, fabricated, or bonded using solvents.

Polycarbonate

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Antimony trioxide, CAS 1309-64-4, 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.

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 Tetrafluoroethylene, CAS 116-14-3, 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 Tetrafluoroethylene, CAS 116-14-3, 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 Polyvinyl Chloride, CAS 9002-86, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.