Mining Operations

Engineered plastics are an excellent alternative to traditional metal components in mining equipment. The unique physical characteristics of a wide variety of materials provide a performance advantage in the rugged requirements of mining operations.

Product icon

Heavy Equipment Pain Points

Wear Life
Lubrication Reduction
Corrosion & Abrasion Resistance
Weight Reduction

Wear Life

The low coefficient of friction and inherent wear resistance of engineered plastics have proven to increase part life in demanding applications. These materials are also non-abrasive to mating surfaces, improving the wear life of the metallic components as well.

Lubrication Reduction

The sliding characteristics of engineered plastics and the enhanced surface lubricity offered by internal fillers can reduce or in some cases eliminate the need for additional lubrication.

Corrosion & Abrasion Resistance

Engineered plastics do not rust, they exhibit good UV resistance, and they are unaffected by a wide variety of chemicals. Abrasion resistance is also very good, enabling the materials to be used in extremely dirty environments.

Weight Reduction

Engineered plastics have an excellent strength to weight ratio, providing fuel economies, decreased compaction, and lower structural stress.

Secondary Industries

Mining Equipment

There aren’t many environments tougher than mining operations. Replacing metal parts with engineering plastics helps mitigate many of the common challenges mining professionals experience when it comes to safety and equipment operation. Plastics are self-lubricating, impact- and corrosion-resistant, and many materials exhibit a low coefficient of friction while performing exceptionally well under high pressure and at high rates of speed. When used in safety applications, plastics can even save miners’ lives through proximity alarming equipment (read our armor housings case study) and by preventing arching and rat-holing. At Cope, we partner with OEMs and tier 1 manufacturers of surface mining equipment, crushing equipment, screening equipment, conveyors, and more.

Featured Parts: Wear Pads, Bed Liners, Railcar Liners, Kick Plates, Drag Flights, Hose Clamps, Skid Plates,  Chain Tensioners, Sprockets, Pulleys, Slider Beds, Hopper Liners, Conveyor Boards, Skylights, Windshields, Windows, Bushings, Bearings, Rollers, Guides, Gears, Impact Plates, Thrust Washers, Armor Housings

Nylon Roller Plastic part used for mining equipment
Lubricant Filled Nylon Bushing Plastic part used for mining equipment
Nylon Shoulder Bushing Plastic part used for mining equipment

Bulk Material Flow

Performance plastics are suitable for a variety of bulk material flow including:

Coal, Iron Ore, Copper Concentrate, Clay, Limestone, Soda Ash, Chemical Powders, Peat, Synthetic Gypsum, Kaolin Clay, Potash, Salt, Silica Sand, Soap Detergent, Wood Chips, Zinc, Concentrate, Phosphate, Dust, Talc, Bauxite

Bulk Material Flow
Bed Liners for Bulk Material Flow
Let's talk about your next project!

Secondary Industries

Agriculture Equipment

Construction Equipment

Mining Equipment

Windows & Skylights

Cranes

Lifts

Replacing Metal Parts with Plastic Yields Better Field Performance

Through proper material selection and engineering, we successfully solved binding issues for an asphalt paving equipment manufacturer.

Learn More