Posted by Dave Biering on Tue, Jan 24, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
With over 300 different types of Rulon available, this is a question that we hear quite often. TriStar is the official North American distributor of Rulon, so we have the in-house experts to help you identify and source the right material for your application.
View our video to learn about identifying the three most commonly-used Rulon materials, or download our Rulon white paper now for more information. At TriStar, we realize the best performance begins with the right material selection.
Posted by Kevin Smith on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 @ 09:00 AM
Because of the chemical inertness of many of the polymers used in the manufacturing (molding) of microtiter plates (96 and 384 well, others), it is necessary to modify the surface of the plate to facilitate biomolecule attachment. Treating plates – and strip PCR tubes – with a vacuum plasma process yields greater treatment uniformity, consistency, and repeatability than treating these devices with an atmospheric plasma process (mainly, corona discharge). In addition, vacuum plasma processes generally offer a much longer functional lifetime relative to corona treating.
After plasma treatment, the plates can then be further and/or selectively functionalized with silanes and cross-linkers suitable for the covalent retention of biomolecules.
The Surface Modification Division of TriStar has years of experience in the treatment of diagnostic cultureware, be it molded polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylic, or other.
Posted by Dave Biering on Tue, Jan 10, 2012 @ 09:56 AM
Q&A: My company manufactures transmission components for the auto industry. Our metal bearings are corroding and failing prematurely. What alternative material would you suggest?
TriSteel metal-backed bearings might be the answer to your challenge. Our clients have used them in many auto applications including sliding linkages within the transmission, sliding posts on dual-mass flywheels, thrust plates in planetary gear boxes, and rotary sleeves in transfer cases. They give excellent performance, efficiency and are cost effective.
TriSteels also give long service life in either dry or lubricated service. They can handle up to 1 million PVs without lubrication – add lubrication and the PV is even higher. Friction coefficients are 0.08-0.12 without lubrication, so users can operate at extremely high loads and speeds without stick slip.
TriSteel bearings are available in metric and inch sizes in sleeve, flange and thrust designs. Custom sizes are available, generally with a quick turnaround.
Learn more about TriSteel bearings.
Posted by Dave Biering on Tue, Jan 03, 2012 @ 09:55 AM
I can’t stress enough the importance of selecting the right finish for your plastic components, especially if you are outside of the normal design criteria. A finish that is too rough can impact wear, while a very smooth surface can impact the ability to transfer lubricating medium. In both cases friction and wear life will be impacted.
Before selecting the finish, of course, you first need to consider the material type and part configuration. In some cases simply taking emery paper to polish the shafts or bores will reduce the finish so it is not so rough. Conversely, when you have a surface that is too smooth, 80-grit sandpaper can be a simple solution.
View our surface finish video to learn more about the “fingernail test” and other tips to help select the right surface finish. Or feel free to reach out to our in-house Experts.
Posted by Dave Biering on Tue, Dec 27, 2011 @ 09:54 AM
I recently had a call from an engineer looking to replace a carbon bushing in a veneer application. Our Rulon 488 material has become the material-of-choice for veneer dryer bearings used in plywood and similar industries. Rulon 488 has a unique filler that causes the bearing to actually improve its thermal properties as the temperature rises. It also delivers exceptional wear and resists corrosion, especially in dry environments. It can be used in hydrogen and natural gas compressors. Learn how Rulon 488 has outperformed bronze on the brake calipers of amusement park rides.
Or download our free Rulon white paper for additional information.
Posted by Dave Biering on Tue, Dec 20, 2011 @ 09:50 AM
This week on Tech Talk we’d like to wish you a wonderful holiday season. And in this season of toys and gift giving, we thought we’d share how our Ultracomp composite bearings have become an integral part of the manufacturing of the “Toy of the Century.”
Ultracomp bearings excel in toy production because they run well against stainless components and require no greasing, which makes for a clean manufacturing environment without greasy residue on the toy parts.
Read more about Ultracomp bearings in toy production.
Posted by Dave Biering on Tue, Dec 13, 2011 @ 09:41 AM
What type of material should I use? Can you review the pros and cons for this application? What are the technical specs?
These are just some of the questions we are often asked on our Ask the Experts forum. Since selecting the right material is crucial to the ultimate performance of your application, TriStar offers an on-line Materials Selection Database. But here are some key considerations to help you find just the right solution:
Is the part being designed going to be in a tensile, compressive or flexural state? All plastics will vary in their inherent strengths and with the addition of reinforcing additives we can change these strengths to meet specific demands.
All plastics are impacted by ambient heat and have a maximum continuous service temperature. The maximum continuous service temperature is not a melting point, but is the highest temperature at which a material will retain physical integrity. Important: Note that elevated temperatures impact material properties in a negative manner and should be carefully reviewed before use.
All plastic materials have coefficients of thermal expansion. Measured in in/in/°F, plastic materials vary greatly not only from each other, but in some cases ten times that of metallic counter parts. As a result, we consider temperature variations. Components should be designed to meet required service temperature. Not doing so may result in premature failure.
Always consider the following environmental conditions under which the material must operate:
- Contact with debris such as sand, grit or dust
- Contact with chemicals such as strong acids, bases and caustics
- Contact with water, constant spray or wash downs
- FDA or USDA compliance
- Thermal/electrical conductivity or insulation
- Radiation exposure
- Microwave exposure
- Other important considerations
- Size and shape availability
- Material cost/economy
- Machinability
- Standard or custom runs
- Custom compounds
TriStar’s custom solution experts are always available for consult.
Posted by Dave Biering on Tue, Dec 06, 2011 @ 09:38 AM
Q&A: Our company designs equipment used in land maintenance, including mowers, trimmers and cutters. We are seeking a replacement bearing for our attachments that will work well in multi-directional applications. Can you offer a suggestion?
Consider our CJ self-lubricating bearings, which have a proven record in demanding conditions. CJ bearings are ideal for oscillating, linear and rotary applications, are maintenance free, run well against steel components, and can withstand even moderate shaft alignment that can occur in land clearing and maintenance. CJ bearings can even extend the operating life of your machines.
Connect with our design experts to learn more about the benefits of CJ self-lubricating bearings.
Posted by Dave Biering on Tue, Nov 29, 2011 @ 10:30 AM
As a reader of our blog, you are probably familiar with our CJ self-lubricating bearings – but are you aware of Super CJ bearings – among the strongest in our fleet? Super CJ bearings are built to exceed the normal operating conditions of just about any application. They can support extreme weight and cantilevered loads, offer excellent corrosion-resistance and good electrical insulation, and are chemically inert. Our clients even attribute Super CJ bearings to extending the operating life of their equipment.
Read about Super CJ bearings in transit.
Posted by Dave Biering on Tue, Nov 22, 2011 @ 09:35 AM
Thanksgiving is a time of reflection and appreciation. We’d like to express our gratitude to all of our friends and colleagues, partners, clients and vendors. Enjoy this special time as you celebrate with family and friends.
Happy Thanksgiving from the TriStar team.