Spend your days working in material handling then you know that every element involved in production is a matter of consideration – including buckets.
Traditionally, metal elevator buckets have been the standard due to their strength and durability. However, plastic elevator buckets have emerged as an alternative that’s been adopted widely. Plastic buckets offer several distinct advantages over their metal counterparts, making them an increasingly popular choice for many applications. In this blog, we will explore the key benefits of using plastic elevator buckets, including their non-sparking nature, lightweight composition, corrosion resistance, and resilience when impacted.
Non-sparking properties
One of the most significant benefits of plastic elevator buckets is their non-sparking properties. In environments where flammable materials are handled, the risk of sparks caused by metal-on-metal contact is a severe safety hazard. Plastic buckets do not produce sparks when they come into contact with other surfaces. This makes plastic elevator buckets an ideal choice for industries dealing with combustible dust, grains, and other flammable substances. The use of non-sparking plastic buckets can help prevent potential fires and explosions, ensuring a safer working environment for employees.
Lightweight composition
Plastic elevator buckets are significantly lighter than their metal counterparts. This reduced weight offers advantages in terms of installation, maintenance, and operation. The lightweight nature of plastic buckets makes them easier to handle and install, reducing the physical strain on workers and minimizing the risk of injuries during the installation process. The lower weight of plastic buckets also reduces the overall load on the elevator system, leading to less wear and tear on the machinery and potentially extending its lifespan. This can result in cost savings for businesses through reduced maintenance expenses and longer equipment life.
Corrosion resistance
Corrosion is a common issue with metal elevator buckets, given frequent exposure to moisture, chemicals, and other corrosive elements. Over time, corrosion weakens metal buckets, leading to potential failures and the need for frequent replacements. Plastic elevator buckets, on the other hand, are highly resistant to corrosion. This makes them an excellent choice for industries such as agriculture, where buckets may be exposed to fertilizers, pesticides, and other corrosive substances. The corrosion resistance of plastic buckets ensures a longer service life and reduces the need for costly replacements and maintenance.
Resilience when impacted
Another notable advantage of plastic elevator buckets is their resilience when impacted. Metal buckets, although strong, can become dented or deformed when subjected to sudden impacts or heavy loads. This can lead to material spillage or blockages in the elevator system. Plastic buckets, however, are designed to be more flexible and resilient. They can absorb and withstand impacts without permanent deformation, maintaining their shape and functionality even under significant wear and tear. This ensures a more reliable and efficient material handling process and increases overall productivity.
Additional benefits
Plastic elevator buckets offer several other benefits that make them the optimal choice in various applications. These include:
- Noise reduction: Plastic buckets tend to produce less noise during operation compared to metal buckets. This can contribute to a quieter, less-stressful working environment.
- Cost-effectiveness: While the initial cost of plastic elevator buckets may be comparable to or slightly higher than metal buckets, their longer lifespan, reduced maintenance needs, and increased efficiency can result in significant cost savings over time.
- Versatility: Plastic buckets are available in various shapes and sizes, allowing for customization to meet specific material handling requirements. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of applications across different industries.
Plastic buckets have a lot to offer. Their non-sparking properties, lightweight composition, corrosion resistance, and resilience when impacted make them an excellent choice for a variety of industries. Companies that invest in plastic elevator buckets enhance safety, improve efficiency, and reduce costs, ultimately contributing to a more productive and sustainable operation.Our line of buckets offers a broad range of options that can significantly enhance your operations. Maxi-Lift is excited to provide our customers with excellent products that give them a competitive edge in today’s market—get in touch today to explore options.
