Extremely Wear Resistant Polyethylene and Other Popular Materials Used in Manufacturing
RAND Sheaves Standard Sheaves are machined from extremely wear-resistant UHMW (ultra-high molecular weight) polyethylene. This is a lightweight and cost-efficient manufacturing material which offers reduced friction and longer life in comparison to other materials.
Properties of UHMW include:
Good chemical and moisture resistance
Continuous working temperature range of -22° to 180°F
Self-lubricating
Superior dielectric characteristics
High stress and crack resistance
Shatter resistance
Noise-damping characteristics
Heat and cold resistance
UHMW provides very good impact, abrasion and chemical resistance. It has excellent electrical properties and exhibits very good impact resistance. UHMW is RAND's most popular material, mainly due to its inherent lubricity and low coefficient of friction.
Color:off-white Temperature range:-22° to 180° F
Following are some of RAND's most popular custom materials.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is very similar to UHMW and works well in coated, clean or insulated wire applications. It is generally a less expensive option.
Color:off-white Temperature range:-180° to 160°
Ceram-P (Filled UHMW)
Ceram-P incorporates ceramic particles with standard UHMW. Together, they form a superior material that is one of the most abrasion-resistant options available in today's market.
Color:lime green Temperature range:-20° to 180° F
Nylon (Polyamide)
Polyamide is a self-lubricating, general-purpose nylon that offers outstanding wear and abrasion resistance, excellent chemical resistance and low friction.
Color:off-white Temperature range:-40° to 190° F
Nylatron — GS
Nylatron is molybdenum disulphide-filled 6/6 nylon. Benefits include excellent wear resistance, low surface friction and high strength and rigidity.
Color: black Temperature range: -40° to 210° F
Delrin (Black & White)
Delrin provides excellent wear resistance and also resists fuels and solvents.
Color: white or black Temperature range: -20° to 180° F
Metals & Additional Products
Beyond our plastic line, RAND machines sheaves and pulleys in aluminum, steel and stainless steel, and fabricates capstans and box rollers to your specifications.
Aluminum
Lightweight and naturally corrosion-resistant, aluminum sheaves and pulleys route wire rope, synthetic line and steel cable in high-duty applications.
Common alloys include 6061-T6 for a balance of strength and machinability and 7075-T6 for ultra-high strength and fatigue resistance. Hardcoat anodizing or ceramic coatings can be added for wear life, paired with sealed ball bearings or bronze bushings to cut friction at speed.
The lower rotating weight means faster response — a good fit for cranes, hoists, lifting blocks and outdoor or marine environments.
Steel
Steel sheaves deliver the strength and durability heavy loads demand, guiding and supporting cable, rope and chain in tough environments.
Medium-carbon 1045 is a popular pick where added strength and wear resistance matter and takes well to induction hardening; lower-carbon grades such as 1018 and A36 favor fabricating, welding and cold forming.
Common in overhead, gantry and jib cranes, hoists and winches — available single-groove, double-groove or multi-groove.
Stainless Steel
When corrosion resistance is critical, stainless sheaves stand up to chemicals, washdown and marine atmospheres.
304 is the most widely used austenitic grade, with good resistance across many chemicals and industrial settings; 316 adds superior resistance for harsher chemical and saltwater exposure; free-machining 303 suits intricate parts.
A strong fit for food, medical, marine and outdoor work where rust and contamination can't be tolerated.
Capstans
We fabricate custom capstans in nylon, aluminum or steel to your specifications for controlled wire and cable handling.
Single-, double-, triple- and other multi-groove configurations are available. Send your specs or a drawing and we'll provide a price quote.
Box Rollers
Adjustable box rollers and deflector assemblies guide and support ferrous and non-ferrous rod, wire and strip, as well as insulated cable.
Units are built from steel with durable UHMW-PE or hardened-steel rollers and bearings; fixed and adjustable models are offered, and we can build custom units to your requirements.