use a rubber ball to replace a stainless ball for lotion/spray pump 1

[joe66]

Currently,Saintless balls(304/316)are commonly used in lotion pump/ spary / dispenser. Is it possible to use a rubber ball to replace the stainless ball? Any considerrations on the performance or in the assembling process? Thanks

 

[monkeydog]

What about compatability with the lotions and other fluids used in the processing?

 

[joe66]

thanks. Monkeydog. Yes, this definately is one of the considerations. I think proper choice of the rubber material can overcome this problem. I'm wondering whether a rubber ball can not seal as good as the stainlessball does? or the automatic assembly line for stainless balls will not be suitable for using rubber balls? Because the cost of rubber balls should be less than that of stainless balls, what factors prevent the sprayer/dispenser makers from using rubber balls?

 

[IRstuff]

I would think that the cost is the other way around. There is a gigantic market for steel balls, since they can be used for ball bearings, and there are zillions of manufacturers.

Trying to develop a custom manufacturing process for nearly perfectly round rubber balls sounds expensive, and the market would be limited to you alone.

The material development effort alone will probably swallow any potential cost savings. It's not just the seal but also the set. Steel balls will never develop any memory of the seal surface, certain rubbers will set into the sealing surface and retain the seal's imprint, which can later cause problems. You need to balance the chemical and physical properties to get a duplication of the steel ball's overall performance, so your choices are limited and probably not off-the-shelf.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[joe66]

Thanks IRstuff. Your point sounds reasonable. however, how about for lotion pumps,perfume dispensors, home chemical or disposable items which sealing requirements are looser? "Fair" spherocity may be good enough for such applications. Then, the cost of rubber balls may be less than stainless balls, and the quanities demand are tremendous. Are there any one in such industries can provide some thoughts?

 

[sreid]

I think that some spray bottles use plastic balls and plastic springs.