What Are Gears Made Of?
Traditionally, metal gears—typically made from steel or brass—have been the go-to choice for high-load applications. However, plastic gears, especially those engineered from high-performance polymers like iglidur®, are gaining popularity due to their lightweight design, corrosion resistance, and quiet operation.
Why Plastic Gears Excel in Tropical Conditions
1. Corrosion Resistance in Humid Environments
Tropical climates accelerate the corrosion of metal components, especially in outdoor or marine settings. Plastic gears, such as those made from iglidur® high-performance polymers, are inherently corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for machinery exposed to moisture, salt, or chemicals.
2. Lightweight and Energy Efficient
Plastic gears weigh significantly less than metal gears, which reduces the load on motors and surrounding components. This leads to lower energy consumption, improved efficiency, and extended equipment life—an advantage for manufacturers focused on sustainability and cost control.
3. Quiet Operation in Industrial Settings
Industrial environments often involve high levels of mechanical noise. Plastic materials help absorb vibrations and dampen sound, making them suitable for applications where noise reduction is essential—such as in medical devices, electronics assembly, and office equipment.
4. Cost-Effective for High-Volume Production
Plastic gears can be injection molded, enabling efficient mass production with minimal post-processing. Their smooth surfaces and precise dimensions come directly from the mold, reducing labor and machining costs. Additionally, their self-lubricating and maintenance-free properties eliminate the need for external lubrication, while their lightweight design lowers shipping costs and energy usage.
Explore our full range of plastic gears for high-performance applications.
When Metal Gears Are Still the Better Choice
While plastic gears offer many advantages, metal gears remain essential in specific scenarios:
Heavy-duty applications requiring high load capacity and impact resistance.
Extreme temperature environments where thermal stability is critical.
Precision engineering that demands ultra-rigid components and minimal deformation.
However, plastic gears continue to be in demand due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for humid and vibration-sensitive environments.
igus® Plastic Gears: Engineered for Demanding Conditions
At igus®, we offer a wide selection of self-lubricating plastic gears made from our proprietary iglidur® materials. These gears are:
✅Maintenance-free
✅Wear-resistant
✅Tested extensively in our 3,800 m² lab in Cologne, Germany
Our gear solutions are trusted across industries including food processing, automation, agriculture, and electronics.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Gear for the Right Job
In humid and high-performance environments, plastic gears offer compelling advantages—especially where corrosion resistance, energy efficiency, and quiet operation are priorities. However, metal gears still play a vital role in high-load and high-temperature applications.
🔧 Ready to find the best gear solution for your needs?
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