Polyurethane Slide Pieces: Uses, Wear Life & Replacement
by admin-ha
Polyurethane slide pieces are small parts with a big job. They allow components to slide smoothly against each other while protecting more expensive metal parts from wear. This guide explains where they are used, what affects their life and how to know when to replace them.
What Are Polyurethane Slide Pieces?
Slide pieces are wear components that sit between moving parts, such as a drill feed and its slide or carriage. Made from polyurethane, they provide a low-friction, wear-resistant contact surface that is far cheaper to replace than the metal parts it protects.
Where Slide Pieces Are Used
Drill rigs
On underground jumbos and production drills, slide pieces guide the drifter along the feed beam. They work alongside drifter slides and holders.
Other mining equipment
Slide pieces and wear pads are also used in booms, telescopic sections and guides on a range of mining and heavy equipment.
Why Polyurethane?
- Strong resistance to abrasion from dust and grit
- Absorbs vibration and shock loads
- Protects metal surfaces from scoring
- Light and quick to replace
For a wider comparison, see polyurethane vs rubber vs steel for wear parts.
What Affects Wear Life?
Operating conditions
Abrasive dust, water and mud speed up wear. Underground drilling environments are especially tough.
Alignment and fit
Poorly aligned components concentrate load on part of the slide piece, causing uneven wear.
Material quality
Not all polyurethanes are equal. The formulation and manufacturing quality have a big effect on life.
When to Replace Slide Pieces
- Visible wear reaching the minimum thickness
- Excessive play or rattling in the feed
- Cracks, chunking or uneven wear patterns
- Metal-to-metal contact marks on mating parts
Our guide to signs your urethane components need replacing covers more warning signs.
Get Polyurethane Slide Pieces
We manufacture polyurethane slide pieces in-house for mining equipment. If you need a size we don’t list, we can make it to suit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do polyurethane slide pieces do?
They provide a wear-resistant, low-friction surface between moving parts, such as a drifter and feed beam, protecting more expensive metal components.
How often should slide pieces be replaced?
It depends on operating hours and conditions. Inspect them during scheduled maintenance and replace them before they wear through to the minimum thickness.
Can you make custom slide pieces?
Yes. Mining Parts Australia manufactures polyurethane slide pieces and can make custom sizes from a sample or drawing.
Why use polyurethane instead of metal slide pieces?
Polyurethane resists abrasion, absorbs vibration and protects mating metal surfaces, while being lighter and cheaper to replace.
Talk to Mining Parts Australia
Send us a part number, photo or description and our team will source it for you. Browse the product list, explore our services or contact us on (07) 5535 2228. For the bigger picture, read our complete guide to mining parts in Australia.
Posted in Urethane Components