Our customers successfully use plastic trapezoidal nuts (such as PETP+SL or PEEK) within the following industries:
1. Machine and Device Construction
In precision engineering and device manufacturing, plastic is the absolute favorite. Think of applications like 3D printers or professional coffee machines. In these devices, the forces involved are relatively small. Plastic nuts are ideal here because they are virtually silent and can operate entirely without external lubricating grease. This prevents grease from getting near consumer products or sensitive electronics.
2. Swimming Pool Technology
Customers operating in pool technology almost always choose specific plastic nuts. Metal components corrode in no time due to constant exposure to chlorine and water vapor. High-performance plastics (such as PEEK) are chemically inert and unaffected by chlorine, ensuring the installation continues to run reliably for years.
3. Water Management
Within water management, many valves and gates are used that come into contact with surface water or outdoor air. Our customers in this sector prefer using plastic nuts. They do not rust, barely swell due to moisture, and require no lubrication underwater, which is also better for the environment.
Where Bronze Remains Indispensable (High Forces and Safety)
On the other side of the spectrum, we have customers building machines where plastic would simply fail under the forces. Here, bronze remains king:
1. Heavy Equipment and Maritime
Builders of heavy machinery, such as winches for ships, industrial presses, and clamps, use bronze. In these heavy industries, the surface pressure on the thread is gigantic. Plastic would immediately deform or fail under these extreme loads. Bronze possesses the mechanical rigidity and strength to effortlessly absorb these brute forces.
2. Lifts and Car Hoists
Customers building lifts or car hoists almost always choose bronze for the load-bearing components. This is due to the high duty cycle, heavy loads, and safety. Bronze is excellent at dissipating the heat generated when hoisting a car or lift cabin.
Interesting Practical Example: The Car Lift Even when bronze is the standard, you sometimes see plastic return as a safety feature. In a number of car lift models (such as those from the well-known brand Zippo), a combined system is used. The load-bearing nut—which does the heavy lifting and actually hoists the vehicle—is made of bronze. In addition, a plastic safety (catch) nut is installed. If the bronze load-bearing nut should happen to wear out after years of loyal service, the plastic nut safely catches the construction.
Summary
The practice of our customers clearly shows:
- Choose plastic if your application involves chemical influences, water, food safety, or if it needs to be whisper-quiet and maintenance-free (at lower loads).
- Choose bronze as soon as serious loads are involved, the machine needs to run continuously back-to-back, or when mechanical safety under extreme loads is required.
Are you unsure which nut best fits your specific machine or device? The team at Trapeziumdraad.nl is happy to advise you based on the required surface pressure and environmental factors!