Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-05-13 Origin: Site
When it comes to aluminium extrusion, choosing the optimal material is highly important; as part of this, there is a wide range of high temperature felt options available that could be used on extrusion machinery. Indeed, often, high temperature felts are the ideal solutions to line the extruding rollers; this helps create an even and blemish free finish to your shaped metal work while also preventing damage to the aluminium from bare metal rollers.
Still, not all high-temperature felts are necessarily created equal, and there are four common options that you might want to consider. These include PBO, Kevlar, Nomex and Polyester. But what are these unique materials, and how might these work for your needs?
If you’re looking for the ideal roller lining material, PBO, Kevlar, Nomex, and Polyester can all offer valuable solutions. But what are these, and how do they differ?
PBO, which stands for polybenzobisoxazole, is a type of synthetic polymer designed to deal with incredibly high environmental temperatures. In fact, PBO can withstand temperatures of up to 600 degrees Celsius, which makes it incredibly valuable when dealing with aluminium that has been heated for the shaping and extrusion process. PBO is considered to be approximately 1.6 times stronger and more durable than even Kevlar, making it one of the highest-quality options on the market for reliable aluminum extrusion felt.
Another excellent option you may want to consider is Kevlar, which is made from aramid fibers. Kevlar not only offers an excellent heat resistant option but is also incredibly durable, making it a good investment for brands in need of a dependable product and solution. Kevlar can be used in a wide range of applications in aluminum, such as the lining found on metal extruders, conveyor belts, and even in ballistic protection. Kevlar can withstand temperatures of up to 480 degrees Celsius. Although not as strong as PBO, Kevlar is one of the industry leaders in temperature resistance, making it ideal for use in high-temperature zones such as after fly cutting and for the run-out table.
Much like Kevlar, Nomex is made from a type of aramid fibre with impressive heat, chemical, and radiation resistance. Nomex is also incredibly flexible, making it a great choice for heat resistant felt applications.
One of the primary drawbacks of Nomex over other materials is that it isn’t quite as strong as Kevlar or PBO; as such, Nomex may require more regular maintenance or frequent replacements. Fortunately, Nomex can withstand temperatures of up to 450 degrees Celsius, making it a practical option for handling mid range temperatures and less intensive extrusion tasks.
As another option to consider, polyester offers a great solution for dealing with a range of metals, especially for finishing purposes. Indeed, polyester provides a cheap and cost effective option for many users; while it isn’t quite as durable as some alternatives, which may mean that replacements are required more often, its cheap nature means that it won’t cost a fortune to maintain.
As such, for a cheap and practical solution, polyester can often prove ideal. However, keep in mind that polyester doesn’t boast quite the same level of high temperature resistance as other materials, so this is crucial to consider.
Finding the right type of felt can often seem like a challenge, given the complex nature of aluminium extrusion. In line with this thought, knowing the different types of felts on offer can help you to get the right felt for your needs. As such, if this is something that you have been looking for, be sure to drop us an email at toby@gdcalm.com; our professional teams have worked tirelessly to develop a range of the highest-quality products, so you can count on us for the best solutions.