Everyone Needs Them
Each month, industry publications are packed with the “latest and greatest” gadgets and gizmos. Do you ever wonder what could actually be new? Do you wonder if your equipment is working, why do you really need to improve it? Are you locked into proprietary equipment to the point of diminishing returns? This article is intended to clarify all those questions as PLASTIC DEFLECTION SHEAVES go under the microscope.
Installing plastic sheaves reduces dead weight, increasing working capacities and lower inertial loads during operation. Reduced weight plastic sheaves are easier to handle and installed as compared to traditional steel sheaves. SWARTZ TECHNICAL PLASTICS, a German company, has two new offerings in this type of sheave. The first is called the OPTAMID Green and the second is called the OPTAMID Highrise. Both are being offered with claims of longer material life, less service effort, reduced error rates, and improved ride comfort. Those are bold claims. Both sheaves meet the need for reducing materials, energy usage and even grease. Over the long haul, that combination of factors could result in significant savings and less downtime. Also, plastic sheaves are virtually resistant to rust and salt water corrosion. Plastics do not rely on paint or other coatings to protect the sheave.
For the skyscraper crowd, the OPTAMID Highrise is designed to upgrade your current system and keep it working with optimal efficiency for the next decade. With a maximum travel speed of 18mph, the Highrise will provide dimensional stability even under high loads and during temperature fluctuations.
On their website, the Schwartz company declares they are, “… the leading manufacturer of custom-made technical plastics for use in machine construction. Our specialty is the production of high impact resistant plastics and large-sized and complex components made of application specific materials PA6G, PA12G and POM.” One thing is for sure, the Schwartz company is looking for every edge they can figure out. The products are certified worldwide, and in the United States the company holds an ASME Certificate of Conformance.
Let’s make a direct comparison to the Hollister Whitney 25x5.75 (part number 331-17). Both come in around a thousand dollars, but the OPTAMID is 25% lighter. That savings will show up right away with less shipping costs. In the long run, using the plastic sheave can extended hoist cable life by as much as double by limiting the wear. That is significant cost savings.
Due to extended life of hoist ropes typical failures will occur internally vs externally. The outer strands will last longer due to the extended life. Internal breaks will cause a reduction in the rope diameter much like rope stretch. Periodic inspections require measuring the rope diameter as compared to counting visible breaks on the outside of the hoist rope.
Should your company make the change? The best way to determine if an upgrade will save you time and money, and provide your vertical transportation a smooth ride into the future, is to contact me at CITYWIDE ELEVATOR CONSULTANTS. I look forward to evaluating your equipment and developing a personalized performance plan.