Dave Biering

Plastic Bearings and Coefficient of Friction

We all realize that friction generates heat, and heat can be problematic for plastic plane bearings. So how can you choose the right plastic bearing...

Machining UHMW – Points to Consider

A customer recently asked us for tips on machining UHMW materials to better hold tolerances. UHMW is a very unstable material to machine, since it...

1 min read

What are some advantages of using polymer materials for gears?

Polymer gears are commonplace in many industries and applications. The advantages of a polymer gear include noise reduction, self lubricating...

Which material do you recommend for small construction equipment?

This question was posed to us from a manufacturer of small excavators, the kind you often see in the consumer rental market. Cast nylon is a good...

TriSteel PE Metal-Backed Bearings

I recently had a call about our TriSteel line of bearings. TriSteel PE bearings are specifically-designed for high-temperature and corrosive...

Q&A: Is there a seal material that will operate at 600° continuously?

This question was posed to us from an aerospace client. Temperature is always a big issue in aerospace, particularly in military aircraft and...

Q&A: How do I identify which Rulon material I have?

With over 300 different types of Rulon available, this is a question that we hear quite often. TriStar is the official North American distributor of...

Trilon AR - A Modified UHMW Compound for Gears, Sprockets and Bearings

I recently received a call regarding Trilon AR, one of our newer materials. Trilon AR is a modified UHMW (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight) polyethylene...

1 min read

More on Crystallinity of PTFE

Previous blog addressed importance of crystallinity control on PTFE as it relates to porosity, changes in physical strength and dielectric values....

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Which Plastics are Biocompatible?

The growth of plastics in medical devices is growing exponentially around the world. Plastics are regulated like any other materials that may come in...

Tivar HOT - High Temperature UHMW

Tivar HOT is a unique UHMW grade that has a dramatically higher continuous operating temperature (275°F) than standard UHMW. Tivar HOT still has...

1 min read

Fluoroloy H Dielectric Insulator Material

Fluoroloy H, aka Rulon H, is an interesting combination of ceramics and PTFE. This unique dielectric material is used inside connectors for high...