The Project:
Independent Testing of DPI’s Injection Molded UHMW Components
Before making the switch from extruded, machined plastic drag paddles to injection molded UHMW paddles as a cost saving measure, our customer put things to the test.
As one of the world’s largest manufacturers of drag flight conveyors for the grain handling industry, it was important for our customer to ensure there would be no performance issues or material property loss in making the change to an injection molded part. Their drag paddles are large, thick plastic components that need to withstand the grain load when in a vertical position and also have extreme resistance to wear when continuously conveying through grain.
Although the grain equipment manufacturer was already using DPI’s injection molded UHMW for other products, their engineering team wanted to conduct testing both internally and with a third-party lab to eliminate any potential bias.
The Challenge:
Putting DPI’s Proprietary, Injection Molded UHMW Drag Paddles to the Test
Few manufacturers can mold plastic parts and components as large and thick as what Diversified Plastics can do. So, it only makes sense that an engineering team may want to see plastic parts prototypes or production methods thoroughly tested before releasing new parts into the field. For this study, the customer’s engineering team wanted to test both deflection and the wear resistance to abrasion of our injection molded UHMW drag paddles.
Testing of maximum load, flexural strength, tensile strength, and abrasive wear was conducted by an independent lab. Naturally, the customer wanted conclusive evidence that DPI’s injection molded UHMW drag paddles were equal to their existing machined drag paddles before making the change in part-production methods.
Performance data comparing our customer’s current extruded and machined drag paddles against the new injection molded UHMW drag paddles prototypes was collected and analyzed so that all parties could see the results.
The Results:
Uncompromised Performance and Cost Savings is Achieved
In the plastic drag paddle testing report’s conclusion, it was determined there was no significant difference in the material wear nor mechanical properties and performance between the existing extruded and machined parts and the newly-developed, injection molded UHMW parts.
Following the testing and approval of the injection molded UHMW plastic drag paddle parts, our grain handling equipment manufacturer customer is now enjoying the benefits of a reduced price point for these parts, helping to optimize profitability on their end. Additionally, they are now able to have the drag paddles molded in a specific company color and add any part IDs and logos without the extra costs of machining in these important features.
Learn More:
Discover the Possibilities with Plastic from DPI.
Learn more about innovative plastics solutions from Diversified Plastics for the agricultural industry as well as related material handling and conveying equipment.
