What materials are commonly used in the manufacturing of roller shells?

The roller shells used in the manufacturing industry come in a variety of materials. Depending on the intended application and the environment, manufacturers must carefully select the best available material for the roller shell. The most common materials used in the manufacturing of roller shells include plastics, metals, and ceramics.

Plastics

Plastics are the most common material used in the making of roller shells. In some instances, they may even substitute traditional metals in the manufacturing and operation of these components. Plastics are cost-effective solutions for roller shells, and they provide enhanced corrosion resistance, greater fatigue resistance and extended service life.

Some of the most widely used plastics in the fabrication of roller shells are polypropylene, the most commonly used plastic in the making of roller shells. It is a thermoplastic that displays excellent mechanical properties and high resistance to fatigue. Its low melting temperature makes it easy to both extrude and injection mold. It is also resistant to many chemicals, including oils and greases.

Water resistant grades of polypropylene are available and are specified in applications subject to water exposure. These are usually filled with compounds such as glass, talc, mica or calcium carbonate, improving the water resistance of the material. Polypropylene has an operating temperature range of -5°C to 100°C.

Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is also used in the fabrication of roller shells. It is a crystalline, semi-transparent, highly modified engineering plastic with a high mechanical strength. It is very resistant to hydrocarbons, Refrigerants, hydraulic and brake fluids. It has excellent resistance to weathering and UV radiation. It has a low coefficient of friction and a good temperature resistance range of -50°C to +140°C.

Metals

Metals are the traditional material used in the fabrication of roller shells. Metallic roller shells are very popular and still widely used in the manufacturing industry due to their high strength and durability. It is often cheaper to produce metal roller shells, as opposed to plastic roller shells.

The most common metals used in the making of roller shells are steel and aluminum. Steel is the most widely used metal in the fabrication of roller shells, due to its strength and durability. It is available in a variety of forms, such as cold-rolled steel, stainless steel, and galvanized steel. Steel roller shells typically have an operating temperature range of -20°C to +100°C.

Aluminum is also used in the manufacturing of roller shells. It can provide a lighter alternative to steel, and it is highly ductile, meaning it can be easily formed into shapes or sections. It has a high resistance to corrosion and can be hard anodized to further improve its durability. It has an operating temperature range of -20°C to +80°C.

Ceramics

Ceramic roller shells are a relatively new development in the manufacturing of roller shells. Ceramics are a desirable choice for some applications due to their excellent wear, chemical, and corrosion resistance, and their ability to operate in high temperatures. Ceramics are also widely used in applications that require non-magnetic materials.

The most common type of ceramic used in the fabrication of roller shells is alumina ceramic, also known as aluminum oxide. This is a high-strength material, with excellent wear, chemical, and corrosion resistance properties. It can tolerate temperatures up to +1750°C, making it an ideal choice for applications requiring extreme temperatures.

Zirconia ceramic is also used in the making of roller shells. This material is highly resistant to wear, and it has an excellent corrosion-resistance to many chemicals. It has a low coefficient of thermal expansion and high thermal stability. Zirconia can operate at temperatures up to +1750°C and is an ideal choice for areas requiring very high temperatures.

Final Thoughts

Roller shells are essential components in many manufacturing processes, and selecting the right material can make a huge difference in their performance. Choosing the correct material depends on the application and environment they will be exposed to. The most commonly used materials include plastics, metals, and ceramics. Each of these materials offers their own advantages and disadvantages, and careful consideration should be taken when selecting the best material for any specific application.