Best type of material for my auto project???

[SorryOciffer]

I want to have some custom suspention bushings made for a high performance car. They will be used in the upper and lower front control arms and will be subject to heavy loads. Durability, reliability, and chemical resistence are important. I have founds sources for blocks of several kinds of material that I could have machined locally.

Thanks,

S.O.

 

[patprimmer]

Some plastics that could be considered are:-
Polyurethane
Cross linkable Polyethylene or XLPE
Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene UHMWPE
Low Density Polyethylene LDPE
High Density Polyethylene HDPE
Nylon or Nylatron or Zytel or PA6 or PA66
Acetal or Delrin or Celcon or POM

They are listed from the most compliant to the hardest.

Durability ranking will be dependant on the mode of failure. If they fail by pounding out, the hardest ones will most probably be the most durable, unless the suspension operates in a bind, and then the extra compliance of the softer ones will help to reduce the point pressures.

If they fail by melting, the nylon will be the most durable.

If they wear due to inclusion of dirt, the softest ones will be the most durable.

The softest ones will give the quietest most isolated ride, but the hardest ones will give the most accurate suspension control.

The final choice will depend on a complex compromise considering bearing area vs load, surface speed, compliance required, compliance (or lack thereof) desired, environment of operation, life expectancy.

Regards
pat pprimmer@acay.com.au
eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
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[CoryPad]

Another material to consider is PAI (Torlon). Here is a link to some info:

http://www.drakeplastics.com/new_products.php

Regards,

Cory

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[SorryOciffer]

Thanks Pat and Cory. This will at least get me on my way.

S.O.