Author Topic: Polymer guide rods  (Read 5284 times)

blackwolfe

  • A Simple Man
  • Top Forum Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1844
  • DRTV Ranger
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Polymer guide rods
« Reply #10 on: June 10, 2009, 01:43:47 AM »

With modern chemistry, polymer rods may outlast metal ones. With the ability to add self lubricating and reforming molecules into the formulas, they can make some pretty long lasting stuff.

I'm not a materials engineer, or a metallurgist or a machinist, but the plant I work at is getting some new equipment installed.  One of the pieces of equipment is essentially a giant stainless steel mat that oscillates back and forth about 30 inches to muve sludge.  This mat has SS rail guides on the bottom that glide on HDPE strips imbedded in concrete.   The question was raised about how often the HDPE strips needed to be replaced.  We were surprised to hear that in most applications this product is used in it is the stainless steel guides that needs to be replaced as opposed to the HDPE.
"We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution. "    Abraham Lincoln
 


Wolfe

PegLeg45

  • NRA Life, SAF, Constitutionalist
  • Top Forum Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13343
  • DRTV Ranger
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 1586
Re: Polymer guide rods
« Reply #11 on: June 11, 2009, 07:44:35 PM »
I'm not a materials engineer, or a metallurgist or a machinist, but the plant I work at is getting some new equipment installed.  One of the pieces of equipment is essentially a giant stainless steel mat that oscillates back and forth about 30 inches to muve sludge.  This mat has SS rail guides on the bottom that glide on HDPE strips imbedded in concrete.   The question was raised about how often the HDPE strips needed to be replaced.  We were surprised to hear that in most applications this product is used in it is the stainless steel guides that needs to be replaced as opposed to the HDPE.



At the place I used to work, we used UHMW as roller guides on very high stress equipment with steel rollers. The rollers would have to be replaced well before the guides.
"I expect perdition, I always have. I keep this building at my back, and several guns handy, in case perdition arrives in a form that's susceptible to bullets. I expect it will come in the disease form, though. I'm susceptible to diseases, and you can't shoot a damned disease." ~ Judge Roy Bean, Streets of Laredo

For the Patriots of this country, the Constitution is second only to the Bible for most. For those who love this country, but do not share my personal beliefs, it is their Bible. To them nothing comes before the Constitution of these United States of America. For this we are all labeled potential terrorists. ~ Dean Garrison

"When it comes to the enemy, just because they ain't pullin' a trigger, doesn't mean they ain't totin' ammo for those that are."~PegLeg

Badgersmilk

  • Guest
Re: Polymer guide rods
« Reply #12 on: June 12, 2009, 08:18:41 AM »
Some plastics are "self lubricating", some metals are "self lubricating".  Expose either to a material that isnt "self lubricating" in a wear contest and the other material will loose.

While the rest of the gun seems to be made of some great stuff, I could easily make a mark in the factory guide rod of my Glock with my finger nail...  And moving the slide slowly by hand the gun cycles noticably smoother with the SS guide rod in it (though harder to pull because the springs are a bit stiffer).  Just my .02



Ichiban

  • Top Forum Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1847
  • DRTV Ranger
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 0
Re: Polymer guide rods
« Reply #13 on: June 12, 2009, 09:11:19 AM »
I had a Beretta 92fs that I replaced the plastic guide rod it came with with a steel one.  I thought it had a little less muzzle flip to it after that.  YMMV.

PegLeg45

  • NRA Life, SAF, Constitutionalist
  • Top Forum Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13343
  • DRTV Ranger
  • Liked:
  • Likes Given: 1586
Re: Polymer guide rods
« Reply #14 on: June 12, 2009, 11:52:54 AM »
Some plastics are "self lubricating", some metals are "self lubricating".  Expose either to a material that isnt "self lubricating" in a wear contest and the other material will loose.

While the rest of the gun seems to be made of some great stuff, I could easily make a mark in the factory guide rod of my Glock with my finger nail...  And moving the slide slowly by hand the gun cycles noticably smoother with the SS guide rod in it (though harder to pull because the springs are a bit stiffer).  Just my .02



I've been told that certain grades of stainless have a natural lubricity when paired with titanium, i.e. titanium frame with a stainless slide and such, would need no oil.

"I expect perdition, I always have. I keep this building at my back, and several guns handy, in case perdition arrives in a form that's susceptible to bullets. I expect it will come in the disease form, though. I'm susceptible to diseases, and you can't shoot a damned disease." ~ Judge Roy Bean, Streets of Laredo

For the Patriots of this country, the Constitution is second only to the Bible for most. For those who love this country, but do not share my personal beliefs, it is their Bible. To them nothing comes before the Constitution of these United States of America. For this we are all labeled potential terrorists. ~ Dean Garrison

"When it comes to the enemy, just because they ain't pullin' a trigger, doesn't mean they ain't totin' ammo for those that are."~PegLeg

Sponsor

  • Guest
Re: Polymer guide rods
« Reply #15 on: Today at 10:08:19 AM »

 

SMF spam blocked by CleanTalk