Plastics For The Medical Industry

When you think of medical-grade devices what comes to mind? Probably a bunch of odd looking metal instruments gleaming under surgical lights. In fact, plastics have a huge role to play in the medical industry with countless applications where they offer benefits. These applications can include UHMW polyethylene knee or hip joints. In the case of a knee replacement, the UHMW forms the seat of the metal ball joint providing exceptional self-lubricated properties alongside excellent wear properties. In the case of a hip replacement, UHMW can be the entire ball joint, providing a long-lasting, slick, and easy rotation.

Other plastics widely used are Polysulfone, PEEK, and ULTEM. Both can handle high temperatures and sterilization via autoclave. The application in this case tends to be as the handle of medical tools. Specialty tools and sensors can be manufactured with an acrylic or polycarbonate casing. FRP wall panel is everywhere in medical offices and hospitals. Redwood Plastics and Rubber can provide rod/sheet/tube for your medical application or, in many cases, quote completed parts. If you’re interested in our assistance with your medical application, please contact us today.

Plastic Angle

Out of the many parts and plastic profiles requested of Redwood Plastics and Rubber, plastic angle keeps coming up. This is typically plastic bent at a 90 degree angle halfway. This is primarily used for protection of a surface or object if machined out of UHMW or nylon plastic. However, much stronger (more rigid) fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) angle is available and stocked by our supplier. A common example of a FRP angle application would be to bolt it in on the edge of a platform at a train station. FRP angle is available in a variety of widths and thicknesses with 1/4″ and 3/8″ thick being the most common. It is available in all three primary EXTREN resin types (general purpose polyester, fire-retardant polyester, and vinyl ester). These angle profiles are more expensive than steel or aluminum angle; however, for certain applications such as those that demand electric or radio non-conductivity, plastic angle may be your only choice.

To get a quote on an angle profile is easy. Firstly, we need to know the width of each side of the angle, they are not always the same! We then need to know both the thickness and the material required. If you need assistance selecting a material, just ask, but me sure to be ready to answer questions about your application such as what the angle is doing, if there is any chemical or high heat exposure, etc. Angle profiles of all plastic types are typically sold by the 10 foot length; however, there are cases where we can supply shorter or longer profiles.

For a quote on your plastic angle needs, please contact us today.

 

The #1 Myth About FRP Wall Panel

FRP wall panels are used everywhere: from gas stations, to food processing facilities, to mud rooms at home. Customers are curious about the accessories, colors, and installation methods but one “speed bump” usually comes up that gives the project a pause. Customers who are looking into an FRP wall panel project tend to request smooth panels because they believe the smooth panels will maintain a cleaner, longer lasting, vandalism-resistant surface. This is a myth!

In reality, the textured FRP panels are superior. They are designed so that dirt, grime, mud, liquids, marker, etc cannot imprint. The smooth panels, while they might look a bit more attractive for the first few months, will eventually become permanently stained or defaced. The smooth surface allows filth, marker, biological waste and other contaminants to stick and gather on the surface. The textured panels on the other hand were specifically designed to resist all these contaminants. The pearly, asymmetrical surface compels grime and liquids to drain off or at least bead for easy cleaning. The bumpy surface doesn’t allow for vandalism such as graffiti as those liquid-based contaminants will also bead.

There is no catch. As the textured surface was designed to be the new ‘standard’ in FRP wall panels it is more available, and less expensive, than the smooth panels. While there are many variables to consider in your FRP wall panel project, do not waste time or money on smooth panels unless this is absolutely necessary (and you know the consequences!). For a quotation* on our Redco FRP wall panels and accessories please contact us today.

*FRP wall panel from Redwood Plastics is only available for sale and shipping within Canada.

The Redco “Pet Potty” System

More and more people are moving into more dense living spaces, such as high rises. These people don’t want to give up their pets but where does your dog go to the bathroom in an urban environment? One solution has been the “pet potty” system, which traditionally was some sort of pea gravel or aggregate for pets to go to the bathroom on. Unfortunately, while solids can be picked up off the gravel, the liquids are much harder to clean and cause hygiene issues and bad smells.

Our Woodland, WA branch has come up with a solution: the Redco Pet Potty system. For this system, our 4′ x 10′ x 1.5″ thick Redco Mini-Mesh grating is suspended in a frame and on pedestals above a washdown system. Synthetic turf is then placed on top of the grating. The end result is a spot that looks attractive and natural but is easy-to-clean. Sprinkler heads can wash the urine which flows through the synthetic grass, through the holes in the grating, and into a hidden trough below. A second washdown system in the trough below the grating ensures the liquids are sent to a drainage point. The Mini-Mesh and pedestals are resistant to common chemicals used in the cleaning of these areas. This is an excellent example of an industrial plastic solving a current need in the construction industry.

For more information on the Redco Pet Potty system or a brochure with additional pictures and details, please contact us today.

Industrial Plastic: Keeping You Safe

Plastics have an increasingly popular reputation as being a quality material for solving a variety of maintenance issues, while helping companies become more profitable. But industrial plastics do more than decreasing downtime and improving efficiency: they help keep you and your employees safe and in a variety of industries. Here are some specific examples of plastic helping to keep crews safe:

Anti-Slip Materials:

Many high-quality plastic solutions exist to reduce or eliminate slip hazards. BRAXX UHMW polyethylene is a sheet material that comes “studded” with a raised surface of sand or clean coal slag material and is available in blue or safety yellow. Sheets completely surfaced with LUNS clean coal slag are also available. The sheets can be cut to fit a variety of applications such as stair or ramp treads, boat launches, decking, or station surfacing in transit applications. Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) stair treads are also an easy and economical way of providing an anti-slip surface to slippery stair surfaces, particularly wood or concrete.

FRP grating is also an excellent anti-slip solution in that it comes “standard” with a meniscus anti-slip surface. However, the panels are also commonly available with grit surfacing and can even be ordered specially with integrated grit.

Industries served: Sawmills, Construction, Large-Scale Manufacturing, Military, Transport, Food Processing, Amusement/Recreation

Safety Glass:

What is commonly called “safety glass” is often impact-resistant polycarbonate plastic. Polycarbonate takes an incredible amount of impact and can be procured in bullet-resistant grades. The plastic is available in scratch-resistant and UV-stable options for outdoor applications and also can be procured tinted in various colors, if required.

Industries served: Sawmills, mining, corrections, military, fabrication

Flame-Resistant Materials:

“Flame-retardant, anti-static” (FRAS) materials are critically important in underground mining applications. However, there are many flame-retardant plastic solutions available. These include phenolic grating and various industrial laminates.

Industries served: Mining, Oil & Gas, Utilities, Power Generation

Non-Conductive Materials:

Many plastics, especially the virgin grades, are excellent electrical insulators. Industrial laminates (phenolics) such as FR-4 in particular have proven their value for many years. Other plastics, such as FRP grating, are electrically non-conductive and often specified into applications for this advantage alone.

Industries served: Utilities, Power Generation, and anywhere electrical hazards are an issue

Stabilizing Equipment:

Redco outrigger pads offer numerous advantages over wooden or metal outrigger pads. They do not rot, rust or support mold growth. They do not easily stick in soft soils, are lightweight and also easy to clean.

Industries served: Mining, Oil & Gas, Utilities, Construction, Crane Service, Concrete Pumping, Tree Service

For more information on how plastics can solve safety issues in your workplace contact us today!

 

Product Spotlight – I-6500

“You get what you pay for” is an old cliché, but in the world of construction with tight budgets and growing costs, pricing is truly a concern. When it comes to FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) grating the old open-mold type continues to be used in many applications. Molded grating is a fine product but it has deficiencies compared to the increasingly popular pultruded grating. Pultruded grating is stronger and more customizable but it does cost more.

However, with every rule there are exceptions. I-6500 grating was specifically designed to compete with molded grating on price and can be procured at or below the cost of molded grating. The grating is widely stocked across the U.S. and for many “foot traffic” applications provides both economic and performance benefits to your application. As its name would suggest, it utilizes an “I” profile bearing bar with 65% open space between the bars.

I-6500 grating is “pultrusion on budget” – for more information, contact us.

E-MAIL: sales@redwoodplastics.com

Plastics – Did You Know?

For those of us dealing in mechanical and high-performance plastics, the advanced properties and abilities of these plastics to provide solutions in various applications can be a big surprise as we learn about them. After all, most people’s experience with plastics are in consumer items: electronic casings, packaging and disposable products. People come to believe that plastic is “cheap” and are therefore surprised when they learn about the properties of the more advanced plastics. It is a prejudice the industry is constantly fighting to overcome.

On that train of thought, we wanted to share a few random bits of plastic trivia that may surprise you and might change your personal view of these remarkable materials:

-Did you know…PTFE is the third ‘slickest’ solid known?

-Did you know…PTFE is also the only known substance a gecko can’t stick to?

-Did you know…Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) structural materials have 80% of the strength of steel, at 30% of the weight?

-Did you know…Plastics outwear metal 2-20x in many applications?

-Did you know…Plastics such as HDPE and UHMW can provide medical radiation shielding?

-Did you know…Plastic development helped fuel the post World War II economy?

-Did you know…Elastomers such as polyurethane always return to their original size after any impact?

-Did you know…Many plastics are recyclable?

-Did you know…”Circuit board” laminates used in electronics are a type of plastic?

-Did you know…Plastics such as Polyamide-Imide can continuously operate at 500 degrees Fahrenheit?

-Did you know…UHMW-PE is unbreakable in ASTM notched Izod impact testing?

We could go on and on with the trivia – but that should provide a glimpse into the potential bound up in those polymers. For help with your application, contact us:

E-MAIL: sales@redwoodplastics.com
CDN: 1 800 667 0999
USA: 1 866 733 2684

FRP Withstanding Corrosion

The saying goes “a picture is worth a 1000 words” – but what about “$1000” in savings…Or likely much more?

How much would an injury or fatality due to corroded or rotten materials cost you?

How much do you spend on maintenance each year?

One of our reps recently provided us a shot of our Redco FRP handrail installed alongside a metal handrail of a very similar profile. The contrast is remarkable:

The corrosion on the metal railing is clear and is in need of costly repainting or replacement. The FRP materials will keep their strength and resist corrosive chemicals, salts and other elements. When you factor in potential safety issues and maintenance costs FRP has a much lower lifecycle cost. So, why stick with metal?

E-MAIL: sales@redwoodplastics.com
CDN: 1 800 667 0999
USA: 1 866 733 2684

Armored Plastics

Plastics offer many advantages over metals and wood in a variety of applications. Many plastics are both chemical and corrosion resistant and absorb little moisture leading to a longer lifespan, lower maintenance downtime and reduced costs. By the nature of their components they are “armored” for protection in applications that other materials cannot stand. However, three plastics are worth highlighting for their exceptional “armor”:

UHMW-PE:

Probably the most popular thermoplastic: UHMW is very resistant to most chemicals. It absorbs virtually no moisture and is very resistant to hydrolysis. UHMW that does not have the additive of carbon black is also an excellent electrical insulator. The only exceptions are strong oxidizing acids and halogenated or aromatic compounds. UHMW combines this resistance to chemicals and corrosion with a low coefficient of friction and a high degree of abrasion-resistance.

Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP):

FRP materials used in structural applications are highly corrosion and chemical resistant. It is a common misconception that corrosion resistance on a Redco FRP product must be requested. In reality, the basic polyester resin is strong enough for many applications. In the case of a highly corrosive application our material is available in a vinyl ester resin. Similarly, the material is long-lasting and has 80% of the strength of steel. This is combined with low electrical and thermal conductivity. Click here for an in-depth example.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE):

PTFE is one of the most inert plastics we have, resistant to all chemicals except a few alkali metals and fluorinating agents. In the past PTFE has been subjected to tough applications such as holding or transporting uranium hexafluoride. Furthermore, PTFE is one of the top three slickest solids known and is beneficial in a variety of applications. PTFE is also heat-resistant to the tune of 500 Fahrenheit: one of the best tolerances amongst plastics.

Please contact us for more information on the strengths plastics provide in a variety of applications

E-MAIL: sales@redwoodplastics.com
CDN: 1 800 667 0999
USA: 1 866 733 2684

Wastewater Solutions

If you stop for a moment and think about wastewater treatment what comes to mind? Chances are you are you think first of a putrid smell. Perhaps an endless labyrinth of pumps and pipes surrounded by rust. Maybe algae clinging on to walls or walkways. No matter what you imagine, the words “grime” or “dirty” probably enter your mind.

While our imagination tends to exaggerate, employees of wastewater treatment know it is a very tough environment and issues with corrosion and rust are prevalent. Fortunately, plastics are well-suited to provide solutions for wastewater treatment. In the past, our polyurethane has been especially useful. Redco™ urethane has successfully replaced rubber in multiple applications and our bearing grade urethanes, Redco™ 750 and 750 SXL, outperform traditional materials like brass.

Our new FRP lineup provides a wide variety of structural solutions for wastewater treatment. Our Redco™ DURAGRID® and DURAGRATE® provide a corrosion resistant and non-conductive surface. Redco™ SAFRAIL™ provides corrosion resistant industrial handrails, ladder and cage systems that are virtually maintenance free. A few examples of our wastewater solutions are here.

Redco™ COMPOSOLITE® in use as covers

SAFRAIL™ and DURAGRID®       pultruded grating

Redco™ 750 SXL bearing grade polyurethane

If you need more information on our wastewater solutions please contact us today.

E-MAIL: sales@redwoodplastics.com
CDN: 1 800 667 0999
USA: 1 866 733 2684

DURAGRID®, DURAGRATE®, SAFRAIL™ and COMPOSOLITE® are registered trademarks of the Strongwell Corporation