Nylon is a durable thermoplastic that offers exceptional strength and versatility. This material is an excellent alternative to metal for custom nylon sheaves and heavy equipment sheaves. Not only are they strong and resist wear and tear, nylon sheaves reduce wear on ropes and wires in a pulley system, for less maintenance and a longer useful life. Here we’ll look at how nylon and metal compare for sheave applications and some of the advantages cast nylon offers.
Cast Nylon vs. Metal Sheaves
Traditional sheaves are often made from steel or aluminum alloys; however, in many applications, cast nylon non-metallic sheaves are just as functional, with these additional benefits:
- Corrosion Resistance. Nylon has excellent saltwater and rust corrosion resistance, making it a durable choice for many outdoor and marine applications.
- Durability. Nylon’s modulus of elasticity results in minimal deflection under load, which reduces the stress on wire ropes and extends their lifespan.
- Lightweight. Cast nylon pulley sheaves weigh a fraction of steel ones and nearly half the weight of aluminum, which means they make industrial and heavy pulley systems lighter and easier to handle and maintain.
Key Applications in Heavy Equipment
With high tensile and compressive strength, cast nylon sheaves can be used for many heavy equipment applications including:
- Forklifts and Telehandlers. Reduces wear and improves maneuverability on mechanical systems.
- Hoists and Cranes. The lightweight nature of these components reduces the overall load on structural elements of lifts and increases the lifting capacity.
- Marine Equipment. High resistance to saltwater corrosion helps extend the service life.
Benefits of Cast Nylon Sheaves
Cast nylon material has a number of benefits for reducing overall weight of components and pulley systems, especially where frequent manual operation is involved. Nylon sheaves are durable in exposed conditions, and can help prolong the useful life of wire rope and cable.
Lighter Weight for Easier Handling
- Enhanced Safety. Lighter components allow for easier maintenance and installation.
- Increased Load Capacity. Lower sheave weight affords a higher payload, particularly in boom point applications.
Weather Resistance and Corrosion
- Increased Longevity. Compared to metal sheaves, the non-corrosive properties of cast nylon sheaves offer lasting longevity.
- Reduced Maintenance. Eliminates the need for frequent rust inspections or application of protective coatings.
Extended Wire Rope and Sheave Life
- Lower Operational Costs. Requires fewer maintenance interventions and less frequent replacements.
- Prolonged Wire Rope Lifespan. High compressive strength results in a reduced cushioning effect and less contact pressure, which decreases wear on the internal rope.
Why WS Hampshire Leads in Nylon Sheave Fabrication
Custom Fabrication Capabilities
WS Hampshire specializes in manufacturing custom nylon sheaves that meet the specific requirements of an application. In addition to custom castings, our services include:
- Assembly. We can incorporate sleeves, snap rings, bearings, and other components in sheave assemblies to meet customer requirements.
- Precision Machining. Precision CNC machining is efficient and virtually eliminates variation from part to part.
Proven Performance Across Industries
With over a century of proven industry experience, WS Hampshire has served a range of industries from construction to oil and gas to mining and beyond. We offer custom fabricated non-metallic parts and components from a wide range of the highest quality polymers, thermoplastics, and other composite materials. Our team is committed to providing each customer with innovative materials and products of OEM quality for large-scale production as well as low-volume components.
Choosing the Right Material and Design
Originally developed by DuPont in 1935, nylon, or polyamide, has come a long way since its initial use in parachutes and stockings. Common types of nylon include type 6/6 for extrusion and type 6, which can be extruded or cast. Nylon materials have a combination of favorable qualities that make it a good choice for applications in challenging environments, including a high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and general toughness.
Material Grades for Load and Speed
Unmodified cast nylon, is also a durable and strong material, suitable for general applications, offering exceptional hardness and high strength.
Because nylon components are cast by mixing two separate streams of liquid that react, it is possible to incorporate additives that enhance its performance. One common option is molybdenum disulfide-filled nylon, sometimes called “moly.” The addition of molybdenum disulfide enhances nylon’s load-bearing strength and wear resistance.
Design Support for OEM Needs
WS Hampshire provides design, engineering, and material selection support to ensure manufacturability and performance according to design intent. Our knowledgeable team can provide engineering assistance for optimal sheave design, along with help in selection the best type and grade of nylon for the application.
Nylon Sheaves Built to Last by WS Hampshire
Nylon is an affordable and durable material that typically outperforms traditional metal sheaves in heavy equipment applications. At WS Hampshire we manufacture high-quality, custom cast nylon pulley sheaves that withstand even the most harsh operating conditions and heavy loads.
Contact us today to learn more about our selection of nylon and other non-metallic materials, and our custom manufacturing capabilities.