Best plastic material /grade for snow shovels

• Oct 26, 2023

• #2

TugboatEng

Marine/Ocean

Nov 1, 2015

12,035

US

I think you're on the right track with polyamide/Nylon. Do include some type of reinforcement like glass fiber. I don't know much about manufacturability with regards to PA. PE plastics don't bond well with things which limits how much strength you can gain from reinforcement. They do achieve remarkably high tensile strengths (we run UHMWPE rope on our boats and they offer equal strength to steel of same dimension in tension). PA might not have those high tensile numbers but will be much more rigid.

 

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• Oct 26, 2023

• #3

Pud

Mechanical

Mar 26, 2003

2,713

GB

You should check the cost of PAI before you get too excited. It also requires post-moulding curing.
An ideal material would be a glass reinforced TPU. Great wear resistance, low temp impact, chemical resistance.
Note it's not cheap, and needs vacuum drying before moulding.


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• Oct 26, 2023

• #4

Pud

Mechanical

Mar 26, 2003

2,713

GB

Just had a thought. A glass reinforced impact modified PA6 would be ok. E.g. Du Pont ST801 is an unreinforced grade. Others are available.

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• Oct 27, 2023

• #5

IRstuff

Aerospace

Jun 3, 2002

44,892

US

Cost vs. benefit analysis would seem to be needed; how durable and long lasting is it supposed to be? I go to the Rite Aid in Tahoe to buy a plastic snow shovel and I don't really expect much longevity from it. I buy something from HB or HD, I expect somewhat longer longevity, depending on the price point.

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