SpecialFocus

by IAPD Editorial Committee

MRO refers to maintenance, repair and operation supplies. This includes the materials, equipment and supplies used in the production process at a manufacturing plant but are not part of the finished goods being produced.

Performance plastics excel in numerous applications that can keep a manufacturing plant running, such as bushings, bearings, gears, manifolds, pulleys, cams, rollers, sheaves, sprockets, housings, seals and gaskets. Guards and safety shields can keep workers safe, as do personal protective equipment. Conveyor applications such as corner tracks, rails, bumpers, chain guides, machine guards and wear strips keep products moving.

Advantages of using performance plastics for these applications include their lightweight nature, making them easier to handle, store and move to where they are needed. Plus, they are reliable, durable and long-lasting. Self-lubricating performance plastics eliminate the need for additional greases or other lubricants, which are not environmentally friendly. Performance plastics can stand up to difficult working environments, with their high strength-to-weight ratio, impact and abrasion resistance and chemical and corrosion resistance. Sacrificial parts made from performance plastics are a cost-effective solution when used to minimize the wear on mating metal parts. Plus, they can reduce noise, making for a more pleasant working environment.