Not all handwheels are made of metal. In addition to stainless steel and cast iron handwheels, there are plastic handwheels. Plastic handwheels are characterized by a thermoplastic construction. They are made of a plastic polymer that becomes softer and more pliable when heated, and they become hard and solid upon cooling.
Pro: Lightweight
Plastic handwheels are lightweight. They weigh less than their stainless steel and cast iron counterparts. Thanks to their lightweight properties, plastic handwheels are easy to transport and install. If you’re tired of hauling around a heavy steel or cast iron handwheel, you may want to invest in a plastic handwheel for this reason.
Pro: Multiple Styles
You can find plastic handwheels in a variety of styles, such as handle, no-handle and fold-away. Handle-style plastic handwheels feature a perpendicular handle that extends out of the rim. Rather than grabbing and turning the rim, you can grab and turn this handle extension. No-handle plastic handwheels feature a simpler design. As the name suggests, they lack a handle extension. Finally, fold-away plastic handwheels feature a handle extension that can be folded down to conserve space.
Pro: Electrical Insulation
Plastic doesn’t conduct electricity, so plastic handwheels are ideal for situations needing electrical insulation. This is especially important in environments where there’s a risk of electrical shock or where the handwheel might come into contact with sensitive electrical equipment.
Pro: Corrosion Resistant
Plastic handwheels are corrosion resistant. You can use them in humid and moist environments without fear of them corroding. Corrosion is only an issue with metal handwheels, such as steel and cast iron handwheels. With metal handwheels, oxygen in the air and moisture may trigger a chemical reaction with the metal used in their construction. If left unchecked, this can lead to corrosion. But plastic handwheels are made entirely of plastic, so they can’t corrode.
Con: Lower Strength
While many plastic handwheels are durable and long-lasting, they are generally not as strong as metal handwheels. Therefore, you may want to choose a different type of handwheel for applications involving high mechanical loads. The lower strength of plastic handwheels makes them prone to damage when regularly exposed to high mechanical loads.
Con: Susceptible to Heat
If you’re planning to use it around heat, you may want to choose a different type of handwheel. Heat can cause plastics to soften or deform. This thermal sensitivity may limit the use of plastic handwheels in hot environments.