UHMW recommendations

[dnw64]

Planning to line my chute with it, as well as make the chute rotation holddowns out of it.

McMaster does sell a "Ultra Weather Resistance" variation, but the thinnest it comes in is 1/4" which I just is too thick for the chute lining(I was thinking 1/8", which is available with an adhesive back?). I would plan to use the 1/2" thick to make the holddowns for the chute (cut a slot in the edge so it has UHMW both above and below).

All the other types they offer show "Outside use: No". I'm guessing it's because it's not resistant to UV, and that for the limited exposure it would get mounted in a chute that's stored in a garage when not in use, it would be fine. Temperature rating is -20 to +180ｰF so that shouldn't be a factor.

The also have an "Extra Slippery" variety, but it's made so by filling it with oil. My thought is that may actually be a slight deterrent for snow/ice sliding off. And it is also available no thinner than 1/4".

Any thoughts?

 

[FatTire]

I imagine 1/4" would still bend easily enough if your chute is curved, perhaps the only issue is the additional cost. How much for the 1/4" sheet? I agree UV damage isn't an issue for you.

 

[dnw64]

For the most part I really like how McMaster works. For a basic item type, such as Plastics, there are a whole bunch of parameters you can chose on the left side such as thickness, width, color, grade, etc, and as you make selections it refines the list.

McMaster-Carr

For a 1/4 x 24 x 48 Ultra Weather Resistant it's $47 (plus shipping, which is likely to be outrageous with UPS's current billing policy).

If I got the 1/8" regular grade you can get it in 6" wide strips (I haven't measured - blower is not nearby ATM but I'm guessing that would do = M-F/Kubota/RAD 2360) by the foot in lengths up to 100' (I guess it's rolled) for $9.17/Foot with adhesive backing or $7.74 without adhesive. I was going to get the adhesive back figuring that if it stays stuck I not only won't have to bother with hardware and drilling holes, but if it doesn't it's nothing more than I would have had to do in the first place if I got it without adhesive. Would make sure the surface is nice and clean.

 

[FatTire]

If the adhesive fails while you're running, could the plastic panel drop down and hit the fan? Or is the opening too small?

 

[ArlyA]

Adhesive backed?? I'm skeptical of that holding much since these polys don't like to stick to anything but maybe they think you'll be using screws or bolts as well. 1/4 thick poly material does not like to be bent.

 

[dnw64]

If the adhesive fails while you're running, could the plastic panel drop down and hit the fan? Or is the opening too small?

I would plan to install it during the summer to give it plenty of time to learn its new shape. I would think if it were going to fail it would happen early on.

During use I would expect that the force of snow going through it would be much stronger than gravity.

 

[dnw64]

Adhesive backed?? I'm skeptical of that holding much since these polys don't like to stick to anything but maybe they think you'll be using screws or bolts as well. 1/4 thick poly material does not like to be bent.

I hadn't thought about the fact that the adhesive also has to stick to the UHMW... Then again, if they're* selling it I am assuming they've figured it out.

Yeah I was thinking 1/4" might be too thick to be practical. It is a thermoplastic so it could probably be coaxed into place with the help of a heat gun or a session in the oven but don't see why I should bother when thinner material is available.

*If it was just "some place" I found on the internet I wouldn't necessarily trust them, but McMaster in particular is a reputable company and I've never gotten anything from them that didn't meet expectations. Yet...

 

[ArlyA]

At my job, I have spent much time buying, cutting, and installing poly's. I love this stuff and have my own stock of it. I found the 1/4 thick on the difficult side to evenly heat and form. Nonetheless, I'm not sure how wide the piece is that you'll need to bend. I have done 3/8 but it was around 8" wide. Ask if you'd like to see a photo of that.

 

[PILOON]

I'd use countersunk flat head hardware , like 1/8 or 3/16 and only at the bottom of the snow chute. Perhaps like 9 ea in 2 rows., 5 in 1st and 4 next.
Also consider only lining the back side as that is where most resistance will be. (just look at missing paint from sand and pebbles for confirmation)

As to actual material, 1/8 would be adequate for a lining but difficult to attach so probably 3/6 is better.

Another consideration is the fact that there is a slight void where the chute meets the fan chamber. A shaped strip of sturdy flat (3/4 X 1/8) could be used to clamp the liner firmly to the chute with the balance of the liner simply loose kinda like a flag in the wind. In effect anchoring the poly at the base.
Blowing snow will position it snugly and it won't come lose.

 

[leonz]

Just as an FYI you can buy slick plastic left overs from Horn Plastics
and they usually have quite a bit of left over sheet and sheet parts
to sell from custom cutting jobs for truck bodies of all types.


UHMW and HMW Plastic Dump Truck Box Liners - Super-Slide