Delrin, Teflon or Other for sliding surface
Delrin, Teflon or Other for sliding surface
(OP)
Does anyone have a recommendation for a low friction material for use in a gravity fed cardboard box delivery system? Delin and Teflon come to mind, but there are probably other materials.
I envision 1/2" sheets structurally supported from below, and cardboard boxes sliding down an incline. This is not for production use, and perhaps 10,000 boxes may slide down in its lifetime
These units will be used outdoors and exposed to the elements. I want to avoid mechanical rollers and wheels.
Thanks in advance!
Dennis
I envision 1/2" sheets structurally supported from below, and cardboard boxes sliding down an incline. This is not for production use, and perhaps 10,000 boxes may slide down in its lifetime
These units will be used outdoors and exposed to the elements. I want to avoid mechanical rollers and wheels.
Thanks in advance!
Dennis






RE: Delrin, Teflon or Other for sliding surface
RE: Delrin, Teflon or Other for sliding surface
Once you look into cost of Polyethylene, you'll be compelled to make it work.
1. BEWARE of 'SAG' !! with any plastic system such as you are devising. I envision whatever plastic you choose to be mounted via screws to some sort of metal frame. Sag, otherwise technically known as 'creep' (meaning deformation over time') WILL HAPPEN. You mention 'sheets', but I think you should think plastic 'rails' on metal frame. (All plastic is subject to creep).
2. Be sure to use UV (ultraviolet) resistant with any plastic you use as you mentioned that this is an outside installation.
Good Luck! - petersn
RE: Delrin, Teflon or Other for sliding surface
Thanks for the quick replies. I am not tied to the 1/2" thick sheets, and did not consider the creep issue. I do like the plastic rail on supporting framework idea.
Any ideas on coefficient of friction of UMHW Polysthylene?
Thanks again!
Dennis
RE: Delrin, Teflon or Other for sliding surface
In my previous post, I recommended that you look into the cost of the materials you are considering.
Have you looked at cost? Please post what you found.
FYI, from somewhere on the web:
Coefficients.......
UMHWE = .12
ACETAL = .25
TEFLON = ????
NYLON = .35 (I was a little surprised not to see nylon on your original list of material candidates)
(Been a long time since physics 101, therefore I am not knowledgeable to interpret these numbers, nor can I vouch for their accuracy)
Don't forget UV stability!
RE: Delrin, Teflon or Other for sliding surface
Don't get confused between wear resistance and cof.
Acetal and PTFE (Teflon is also trade name) have very low wear resistance.... but in your application PP or PE should be fine
RE: Delrin, Teflon or Other for sliding surface