Equipment and parts used in subsea applications are subject to a uniquely harsh environment, one that demands they have specific properties to withstand breakdown or failure. As a submarine equipment supplier, Reading Plastic can produce durable, high-quality plastic parts that hold tight tolerances and can replace metal parts in many of these applications.
In both shallow and deep water, subsea environments place significant demands on equipment. The two most important factors to consider in subsea equipment are their weight and resistance to saltwater.
Reducing weight is one of the leading reasons for metal-to-plastic conversion. Some high-temperature grades, such as PEEK, are approximately 50% the weight of aluminum, while other plastics offer increased mechanical properties at 25% the weight of steel. In machining parts from these lighter materials, companies don’t have to sacrifice strength to make big gains in efficiency.
Saltwater and metal are a notoriously bad mix. The combination of moisture, oxygen, and salt (particularly sodium chloride) is more damaging to metal than rust. Saltwater corrodes metal five times faster than fresh water, and humid ocean air causes metal to corrode ten times faster than normal humidity. Metals used in saltwater require extensive upkeep to prevent corrosion, including thorough rinsing with fresh water after every use and being submerged in oil or kerosene for storage. Plastics, on the other hand, are naturally resistant to corrosion from saltwater, offering prolonged performance without damage or extensive upkeep.
Typical areas of use include:
If you are looking for long-lasting, low-maintenance subsea parts, contact Reading Plastic, an experienced submarine equipment supplier: 610-926-3245. We can help you choose the right material for your project, based on the performance and reliability needed as well as end-use factors (such as friction and wear, thermal cycling, and mechanical demands).
