What is Plastic Threaded Rod?
Plastic threaded rod is a bar of round plastic material threaded in a helical structure. It is used to convert between rotational and linear movement or force. Thus, it creates a strong resistance to pressure and tension. The direction of the rotation the rod creates depends on whether it has a right hand thread or a left hand thread.
What is Plastic Threaded Rod Used For?
It is used to align support systems. Plastic threaded rod can be embedded in materials such as concrete, wood or metal to create a steady structure during construction as the threads provide good resistance. It is used in support systems in the construction industry, However it is also used in plumbing, manufacturing, medical implants, marine, agricultural, oil extraction, stone cladding and contractor work.
Threaded rod is also used when the structures that need to be held together are further apart then even the longest bolt or screw. Sometimes coupling nuts are used to connect long lengths of plastic threaded rod. It is also used to make bushings, seals, set screws and other plastic parts. And it is used in construction projects and conveyor systems. Additionally, plastic threaded rod can be used to make gear wheels, cams, bearings and rollers.
Materials
Threaded rod is often made from metals. However, in some applications plastic threaded rod is a better choice. Some of these polymers include PEEK, Nylon, Vinyl Ester, Acetal/Delrin, and PTFE (Teflon.)
PEEK
PEEK is often used for medical implants in the human body. In medicine it is seen as an advanced bio material. Unfilled PEEK can be more easily removed than metal implants.
PEEK also is radiolucent. This is the ability of a material to allow a large amount of x-rays to pass through it thus producing darkened images on x-ray films. Radiolucency permits a surgeon to better monitor the healing progress following a surgical procedure. Also, it is MRI compatible.
Nylon
Nylon plastic threaded rods made are used in electronics as it is both nonmagnetic and noncorrosive. It has high tensile strength and can bear hundreds of kgms of weight. Additionally, it is resistant to flame, sparking and many chemicals. And relative to many other types of plastics, it has a high melting point. Nylon rod is used in refrigerator installations. It is also light weight. This makes it ideal for use in furniture. Nylon rods are sturdy and less expensive.
PTFE (Teflon)
Threaded rod made from PTFE is notably less strong than other plastic rods. Like most plastics it is an excellent electrical insulator. And nothing sticks to PTFE plastic rod. Even a gecko cannot hold on. It is inert to most acids and bases as well as most organics. Additionally, it performs well in mixed chemicals and hydrofluoric acid. Hydrofluoric acid is used in the photo-resist process in semi-conductor manufacturing. When compared to other plastics, PTFE threaded rod performs better in corrosive environments at high temperatures.
Vinyl Ester
Threaded rods made from vinyl ester are both water and chemical resistant. They are light weight and do not conduct electricity. Vinyl ether is higher in strength and more durable than nylon. It can even be stronger than some metal threaded rod.
Acetal Homopolymer and Copolymer
Acetal threaded rods are good for wet environments. Nylon absorbs water as does fiberglass rod. It is a relatively low cost material. Also it resists alcohol, many solvents and gasoline.
Plaastic threaded rod made from Delrin® acetal homopolymer is commonly used for gear wheels, cams, bearings, and rollers. The good electrical insulating and dielectric properties of Delrin® make it an excellent choice for electrically insulating components.
Ultem®
Plastic threaded rod made from Ultem® is not as commonly used as the others named above. However, it is microwave clear. If that is a requirement of your application then this material is the answer.
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