Built to Last: Cope Plastics’ Impact on the Grain Handling Industry

How does a grain elevator work?

Grain elevators are essential facilities in the agricultural supply chain, designed to efficiently collect, store, and distribute harvested grains such as corn, wheat, and soybeans. After harvesting, farmers transport their grain to these elevators, which are often situated near railways or waterways to facilitate subsequent shipping. Upon arrival, the grain undergoes quality assessments, including tests for moisture content and the presence of foreign. materials. The grain is then unloaded into a receiving pit, from where a bucket elevator—a continuous belt with attached buckets—lifts it to the top of the storage silos. This vertical movement not only lends the facility its name but also allows for efficient storage and management of large quantities of grain. Proper storage within the elevator protects the elevated grains from environmental factors and pests, ensuring its quality until it is sold or further processed. To read more about the industry as a whole click this link.

Understanding Cope Plastics’ Role in Grain Elevators

For nearly 80 years, Cope Plastics has been a trusted partner in the grain handling industry, providing high-performance plastic solutions that improve efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Since our founding in 1946, we have supplied materials that stand up to the harsh conditions of grain elevators, ensuring longevity and reliability in critical applications.

Our nationwide team of sales experts works closely with customers to navigate the buying process, offering insights into the best plastic materials for their specific needs. From reducing wear and friction in grain movement to enhancing safety with impact-resistant components, Cope Plastics has been at the forefront of innovation in agricultural storage and transportation.

Key Grain Elevator Components & Plastic Solutions

Below is an outline of key sections within a grain elevator and how performance plastics play a vital role. This section will feature expert insights from our sales teams across branches, highlighting real-world applications and success stories.

1. Grain Intake & Conveyance

• Polycarbonate Windows – Used for visibility in grain elevators, offering superior impact resistance compared to traditional glass.
  • “Upgrade your grain elevator with durable polycarbonate—a strong, long-lasting replacement for old glass. It keeps critters out, withstands impact, and eliminates the hassle of frequent replacements. Invest in reliability and safety today!” ~ Andy Prevost, Lenexa Branch Manager 
• UHMW Grain Paddles on Chain Conveyors – Reduce friction and wear, ensuring smooth grain movement while extending equipment life.
  • “Our CNC fabricated UHMW Grain paddles are machined to a precise fit, custom tailored to your drag conveyor needs. Lightweight and durable, UHMW paddles outperform the competition at every turn, increasing efficiency by reducing transmission drag and allowing a greater amount of grain movement per conveying cycle.” ~Katie Gibson-Boley, Outside Sales Rep for the Hazelwood Branch  
• Polyurethane Patch Panels – Reinforce high-wear areas, protecting metal structures from abrasion and prolonging the elevator’s lifespan.
  • ○ “Production down times can be expensive. Polyurethane magnetic patches are a quick and effective fix to keep production going until a scheduled maintenance shutdown for proper repairs.” ~ Matt Hansen, Outside Sales Rep for the Fargo Branch

2. Grain Storage & Protection

• Polyurethane Liner for Grain Header (Used in a Grain Bin) – Provides impact and wear resistance, preventing grain damage during movement.

• UHMW Grain Flight on Chain Conveyor – Ensures efficient material handling by reducing drag and improving product flow.
  • ○ “Chain conveyors utilize UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) because of its exceptional wear resistance, low coefficient of friction, and ability to withstand abrasive materials, making it ideal for the high-friction, material-dragging action on chain conveyor system, especially when handling harsh or heavy bulk materials. It is also lightweight, 1/7 the weight of steel, so this help with your chain and the motor that is pulling it, you can move more material per horsepower. There are different variations of UHMW that can fit different types of materials and applications.” ~ Scott Wiezorek, Outside Sales Rep for the Hiawatha Branch

3. Outbound Transport & Loading

• UHMW Liners in Hoppers & Chutes – Minimize sticking and material buildup, improving flow efficiency and reducing downtime.
  • “UHMW liners in hoppers and chutes can be a game changer for optimizing grain flow by reducing material buildup and minimizing sticking, which improves efficiency and reduces downtime. With a variety of formulations and additives available, UHMW can meet specific material and environmental requirements. Cope Plastics has the expertise to help identify the right solution for each unique application.” ~ Tim Macrander, Omaha Branch Manager 

•  Bearings & Bushings – Self-lubricating components that eliminate the need for external greasing in high-friction areas.
  • “One the biggest complaints I hear from customers is that they hate having to put in the time and labor into actually greasing. The grease attracts so much dirt, and debris, it turns into an abrasive. We help our customers find the right material for their application and keep things running smoothly. With the implementation of plastic, we can eliminate the need for grease and extend the life of the part, along with the mating parts. The conversion from metal to plastic brings a number of advantages. Let our team at Cope Plastics help guide you through the process and get your business running smoothly.” ~ Brian McClanahan, Peoria Branch Manager 

The Cope Advantage: Performance Plastics for a Stronger Grain Industry

Cope Plastics continues to lead the way in performance plastic solutions for grain handling, ensuring elevators operate with maximum efficiency and minimal downtime. By leveraging our decades of experience and deep industry expertise, we help customers optimize their operations with innovative, long-lasting materials.

Whether you’re upgrading an existing grain elevator or building new infrastructure, Cope Plastics provides the materials and knowledge you need to get the job done right. Contact our nationwide team of experts today to find the perfect performance plastic solution for your application.