Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products (Quadrant EPP, Lenzburg / Switzerland; www.qplas.com) has introduced a bearing grade PE to improve the productivity and safety of conveyor systems and reduce maintenance. “Tivar” HPV is an ultra-high molecular weight PE (UHMW-PE) developed specifically for wear components in production environments, operating at high speeds, high temperatures, high loads and using aggressive cleaning agents. It is food contact compliant and is available as semi-finished material and as custom machined components.

The material has a built-in dry lubricant and tests by Quadrant indicate that it offers the lowest coefficient of friction (COF) value on the market, with a reduction of up to 80% in comparison to other UHMW-PE materials. As a result, components made in the material show improved sliding behaviour and high wear and abrasion resistance.