Machined Components – Anything is Possible

Unasco experienced staff machine engineering plastics materials into complex engineering components. Utilising the latest in machining technology, Unasco are able to provide uniform components every time. No matter how complex the application Unasco consistently deliver the goods where other fail.

Seals, gaskets, bearings and bushings all materialise from solid billets or tubes after passing through the Unasco machine shop. Attention to detail is one of our key strengths.

Challenging components require experience and the right materials and equipment. Unasco have an extensive machine shop and some of the most experienced operators in the country.

One of the very few limitations of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) compounds is its lack of outstanding mechanical properties. It is possible to improve these properties by the addition of bronze and other materials which enhance the tribological properties of PTFE. Adding bronze to PTFE increases its hardness and compressive strength, provides better dimensional stability and lowers creep and cold flow and wear. The more bronze that is added (up to 70%) the better the properties. An additional advantage is that the bronze aids in heat dissipation of the plastic material. All of these properties mean that bronze filled PTFE is an ideal material for applications such as self lubricating bearings and bushings.

Carbon and graphite are also added to PTFE to provide property enhancements and to aid in startup properties of dynamic products such as bearings bushings and ball joints. Unasco have the knowledge and experience to know what combinations of additives are best suited to specific applications. By consulting with a Unasco engineer we are able to advise you of the correct product for your situation.

PTFE materials are ideally suited for bearings and bushings in the following situations:
– Where stick-slip is a problem, as in stop-start operations,
– Where lubrication is undesirable, unattainable and impossible,
– Where a continuous service is needed to 20,000 PV or intermittent service to 50,000 PV,
– Where lubrication is a nightmare in high temperatures of 288 degC to cold temperatures of -260 degC,
– Where wear occurs in starting and stopping applications even with lubricants,
– Of high humidities and submerged environments associated with chemicals and corrosion problems and
– Where space and weight must be saved and in areas where tremendous friction and wear associated with faulty lubrication problems is often present.

At Unasco we understand that it is not always possible to utilise off the shelf components for your applications. We can work with you to design and select the correct materials for your situation. We will take into consideration all aspects such as working environment, temperature, load conditions and operating temperatures before making recommendations. We can then work with you to help design the components and manufacture these to the agreed specification. Custom components and materials are just one of the many facets of Unasco which separate us from other suppliers.

Why not talk to us about your application and let us assist you to overcome problems which you may have. When it comes to materials selection, design and engineering expertise as well as manufacturing excellence Unasco are second to none.

Unasco have one of the widest ranges of seals and gaskets available. We not only carry some as stock lines but we are able to machine customised sealing systems to suit your needs. Our seals division comprises a full range of PTFE based rod, piston seals and wipers together with seals machined by the latest state of the art methods on modified CNC machines. The seals are available in all common materials and profiles. The following materials are available:

– Polyurethane
– Nitrile butadiene based rubber
– Acrylonitrile butadiene rubber
– Viton rubber
– Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
– Silicone rubber
– Polyoxymethylene (POM) elastomer
– Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) virgin material
– Glass and mineral filled PTFE
– Carbon or Graphite filled PTFE