Plastic balls are produced using standard and special polymer resins with diameters from 1.50 to 150mm. and they can be used instead of stainless steel or steel balls in various industrial applications at lower cost than metal balls.
Plastic balls offer above all the advantage of being very light, sinces their specific weight is very low. They are also highly resistant to heat and they provide smooth and silent running, totally noise and friction free. Unlike conventional metal balls they do not require lubrication.
Another important feature is their excellent resistance to oxidation and abrasion and, therefore the use of these balls, even in very corrosive environments, allows long life of the component concerned. They also provide electrical and heat insulation and are not magnetic. The most suitable type of synthetic material can be chosen from a wide range of plastics each with different characteristics.
The most common applications include plastic bearings and rollers, ball bearings for furniture, micro- pumps for sprays, dispensers, pumps and valves, precision instruments, measurement and control equipment, photographic and pharmaceutical equipment, computers, conditioning and automation equipment, photocopiers and equipment for the industry.
NYLON (PA)
Isoluble in common solvents, alcalis, diluted mineral acids and organic acid substances. it is, above all, resistant to alcalis, oils and petroleum greases at temperatures up to 150°C, inorganic saline solutions, aromatic hydrocarbons, low strength clcohols, gasoline. it has high strength, rigidity and hardness characteristics.
DELRIN (ACERAL RESIN - POM)
Polymer resin with excellent mechanical and chemical resistance and good electrical properties. resistant to inorganic saline solutions, aliphatic, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, low strength alcohols, ether, combustible mixtures, mineral oils and greases. balls made of these materials are often used for sliding fittings of tables and drawers, furniture bearings, rollers, valves and electronic components, sailing boat fittings.
POLYPROPYLENE (PP)
Excellent chemical resistance, low specific weight (lees than water) and the highest melting point of thermoplastics. it is an excellent electrical insulator and has a low dielectric constant coefficient. it is often used where the capacity to float on fluids in general is required. it is ideal for equipment used for blood transfustions, level indicators and deodorant roll-on sticks. it is highly resistant to chemical substances, such as acids, alcalis, alcohols and many inorganic substances, saline solutions, solvents, alcohols, gasoline (petrol), water, oils, greases, detergent, fruit juices and milk. it is not resistant to aromatic hydrocarbons and chlorates. it is perfect for all medical and pharmaceurical applications.
POLYSTIRENE (PS)
A low cost thermoplastic with excellent resistance to abrsion and strong impacts. it is commonly used for various medical, pharmaceutical and electronic applications.
TEFLON (PTFE)
It is exceptionally resistant to most industrial acids, inorganic saline solutions, caustic substances, cryogenic liquids and hydrocarbons. it cannot be damaged by any kind of solvent. it is self-lubricating and recommended for all uses that require strong chemical resistance.
POLYETHYLENE (PE)
This material has a low density compared with other types of plastics and it is suitable for applications where the capacity to float is required. it is very strong and resistant elongation. it also has excellent electrical and dielectric properties. it's absorbing very little water, has high chemical resistance, and it's resistant to diluted acids, alcalis, solvents, alcohols, gasoline (petrols), water, grease and oils. it is not resistant to oxidising acids, ketones, aromatic or chlorinated hydrocarbons anetergents. it is odourless, and there are no counter-indications for the use of this material with food.
VULKOLLAN (PUR)
A polyurethane with excellent resistance to abrasion and with the advantage that it can asapt itself to any imperfections in the ball housing. it is resistant to combustible mixtures, greases, oils, alcohols, gasoline (petrol), ozone, oxygen, weak acids and alcalis. it is not resistant to strong acids and alcalis. It is not resistant to strong acids, ketones, aromatic alcohols, hot water, hot air, saturates steam and some gasoline (petrol) additives.
TORLON
Highly resistant to heavy loads and compression. Used in bearings and heavy duty sailing boat fittings.
TORLON 4203L
A polymer not subjected to deformation and highly resistant to loads and high temperatures. it offers considerable advantages compared to metals or other kinds of plastics which are unable to withstand high temperatures or heavy loads. torlon is a material lighter than others, it is not subject to corrosion, and it does not require lubrication. it is compact and tough, and it can withstand strong compression, distortion and impacts. it is resistant to abrasion and hydraulic fluids, hydrocarbons and combustible gases..
Because of these characteristics, torlon is the ideal material for many industrial applications, such as pneumatic and hydraulic valves, nautical accessories, bearings for linear movements, and control valves. torlon, due to its low weight and inertia, ensures faster response to pressure changes compared to metals and better seal at low pressures. as they are self-lubricating, Torlon balls are not subjected to attack by impurities or fats which could impair performance.
Torlon 4203L contains 3% of pigment and 0.5% of additive. tolon 4301 has been designed for high friction and abrasion conditions and contains 12% of graphite powder and 3% of aditive.
Breaking point test with parallel plates (also known as the compression strength critical point test): this test determines the maximum load at which a critical breaking or total fracture point can be observed on the sample being examinated. a loads is applied to the upper plate of a device that carries out the test at a rate of 1.3mm/min until the critical point is reached.
The maximum load and deflection under stress values are obtained from a reading of the data recorded by the machine during the test and permanent deformation or set in measured under load. the values obtained represent a mean value for a sample of 10 items tested.
Compression tests determine the capacity of the ball to bear load of 150 kg for 5 seconds using a materials, testing ,machine. the load is applied to the upper plate at a rate of 1.33mm/min. Permanent deformation (Set) is measured as the change of diameter recorded immediately after the end of the test. deflection under load represents the total change in the diameter with the load applied and is measured by a recorder applied to the machine. the data obtained are a mean value for 10 samples.
