Producing plastic parts that are stronger than steel is the technical expertise of Global Polymer (Madison, SD), a compression molder that has earned a reputation for delivering innovative solutions for difficult manufacturing problems. Global Polymer uses a unique compression molding process that it developed to embed steel and other metals inside ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE).
Founded in 1995, the company operates from a 75,000-square-foot facility with the capacity, tooling and expertise to fulfill national and international orders. More and more manufacturers are using the steel-strengthened parts that are nearly indestructible, according to the company, including John Deere, SAF-Holland, AGCO, Luxme and Salco Products.
The lightweight, weather-resistant plastic is a good fit for the rail industry, said Keith Parta, New Products Manager at Salco Products, which manufactures train parts that, until recently, had been made only of metal. “We’re trying to introduce materials into the rail industry that offer a higher level of performance than metal, carbon or stainless steel,” said Parta.