Duracon POM resin from Polyplastics has been selected for use in a crawler-based transport system developed in Tokyo by CuboRex, a provider of mobility solutions. The system is intended to significantly increase work efficiency in manufacturing plants and on construction sites compared with traditional carts equipped with swivel casters. A structural element of the system is a crawler cover made from Duracon POM.
The crawler system has been designed as an add-on to existing transport trolleys. It is intended for operation under high loads, typical of material handling in industrial environments. The use of POM is aimed at ensuring adequate mechanical strength of the crawler components, stable tribological properties and predictable in-service behaviour, including in harsh environmental conditions found in production plants and on construction sites.
Selection of the engineering plastic for crawler components
Duracon POM has been used in the white crawler components, which act as load-bearing and sliding elements. The main selection criterion was high load-bearing capacity, required for operation under intensive load-handling conditions in manufacturing facilities. POM is characterised by good mechanical strength and stiffness, which allows large forces to be transmitted with limited deformation of the parts.
In addition, POM exhibits favourable friction properties in both static and dynamic regimes. Stable coefficients of friction support predictable behaviour of the crawler elements during starting, travelling and manoeuvring. The material is intended to provide durability and reliability and to meet destruction criteria under field conditions, including variable loads and uneven ground.
According to the information provided, Duracon POM was chosen as the optimal solution after comparative testing with other engineering plastics, including polyamide. The assessment covered, among other aspects, load-bearing performance, friction behaviour and operation under real working conditions of the transport system.
Characteristics of the CuboRex crawler system
CuboRex trolley crawlers can be easily mounted on existing transport trolleys. The increased contact area with the ground reduces unit pressure, which in practice lowers frictional resistance and limits sinking of the trolley into the surface. This results in a reduction of the force required for manual handling of the trolley and thus lighter operation for the worker.
The solution is intended to enable smooth movement of loads over steps, uneven surfaces and other obstacles that are more difficult to overcome for trolleys with conventional swivel casters. Under comparable operating conditions, manoeuvrability, including turning capability, is also improved. Operations that with standard casters require a high physical effort and impose a significant load on the worker become easier to perform.
The manufacturer also points out that the use of the crawler system improves the interaction of trolleys with tow tractors and AGVs. Smoother handling and more stable travel are intended to reduce downtime caused by stops and to minimise the risk of load slippage or tipping during transport.
Impact on in-plant material handling efficiency
Growing demand for in-plant material handling solutions is also observed on the Japanese market. The introduction of crawlers for standard trolleys eliminates the need to purchase new, dedicated transport carts, since the existing trolley fleet is upgraded. This makes it possible to increase operational efficiency while using the current equipment infrastructure.
This approach has the potential to reduce warehouse operation costs and improve occupational safety at the same time. Lower physical effort for operators, more stable trolley guidance and a lower risk of load loss contribute to reducing the burden on workers and to limiting potential accident events.
According to the information provided by the companies, the solution can be applied in many sectors, including logistics, manufacturing and construction. Its use is not limited to the Japanese market, and the crawler system is regarded as a solution with global potential.
Importance of appropriate material selection
The described example is intended to illustrate that the choice of structural plastic can directly affect the productivity of plant operations and that the role of the material supplier goes beyond simple material delivery. In this case, Duracon POM acts as a key material supporting the concept of the crawler transport system developed by CuboRex.
It is emphasised that the mechanical and tribological properties of POM were important for achieving the target operating parameters of the system. These include the ability to carry high loads while limiting wear and maintaining stable friction conditions in motion and at rest. The conclusion drawn from this implementation is that conscious material selection can be a significant element in optimising internal transport processes.
According to the presented case study, Duracon POM has become one of the materials enabling the CuboRex concept to be implemented in practice, contributing to the improvement of transport operation efficiency in industrial plants.
