GLOSSARY
Definitions of terms we commonly use throughout our site and helpful context about their meaning.
Backing
Fiberglass and resin mixture that’s wrapped over PTFE fabric to make up the outside of the composite product.
Braided
Braiding is one of the technologies used to combine customized material mix (fiberglass and resin) into the right shape with the performance properties required. Fibers are interlocked into a circular shape that provides excellent strength in especially thin-walled shafts and bearings.
Circumferentially Wound
Circumferential winding is another technology used to combine your materials into the shape and properties you need. In this case, fibers are wound from both helical and axial orientations. The result is high strength with excellent elasticity.
Composite
There are many ways to define a composite, but at Polygon, composite products are made up of a mixture of continuous fiberglass and resin. Polygon products do not contain metal, and they are not considered plastic. See the key benefits of composites on our home page.
Continuous Fiber
Continuous fiber refers to the orientation of the fiberglass in the final bearing or tube product. Continuous fibers have a higher length-to-diameter ratio than discontinuous fibers, which makes the final product stronger and more rigid.
Dielectric
Dielectric simply means transmitting electric force while being insulated from conducting said force. Polygon Tube dielectric tubing is used as a sleeve within the armatures of electric motors in equipment and tools that protects the operator from shock and eliminates the need for grounding the tool or equipment.
Electromagnetic Transparency
Epoxy
Polygon composites are a blend of multiple materials, and epoxy is responsible for binding the materials together. Polygon uses thermoset epoxy resins with glass transition temperature (Tg) of approximately 120° C (248° F), which means Polygon products can hold their shape and properties even in extreme temperatures.
EWS Bearing
EWS stands for Extended Wear Surface. Polygon EWS bearings are made for high cycle, dithering, high contamination and low frictional values.
Fiber Architecture
Fiber architecture refers to the way the fiberglass is arranged in the final product. Polygon products are made using braiding, filament winding, circumferential winding, and pultrusion depending on the strength, flexibility, size, and weight properties a custom application requires.
Greaseless
Typically with metal bearings and bushings, grease is required to reduce friction inside the equipment. Polygon bearings are completely greaseless, meaning they never require grease or maintenance for their lifetime.
Glass Tape
The Glass Tape wear surface you get in PolyLube Glass Tape Bearings reduces stick slip and provides smooth motion, especially in lower pressure applications. Glass Tape is manufactured using the filament winding process, which results in a continuous filament backing composition that ensures excellent mechanical properties, especially fatigue resistance. See all Polygon bearing types and read more here.
Impingement
Impingement is any sort of interference with or damage to the overall structure and performance of the product. Polygon bearings and tubing are built to resist dents and impingements throughout their lifetime use, even in harsh conditions.
ISO-14001
ISO-14001 is a set of standards used to evaluate an organization’s efforts to reduce their environmental footprint. Polygon is ISO-14001 certified with specific processes in place to manage our environmental impact.
ISO-9001
ISO-9001 is a set of standards used to measure an organization’s ability to meet customer and regulatory requirements for products and services. Polygon is ISO-9001 certified.
Lumens
Lumens are individual tubular chambers inside a larger shaft. Inside each lumen can be a cord, cable, or liquid as needed.
Multi-lumen
One of the major benefits of Polygon medical shafts is the capability to house multiple lumens, all self-contained. For applications like robotic surgery, this can mean multiple functions within one robotic arm, as well as fewer incisions for the patient.
MRP Bearing
The MRP bearing was our first product and remains a mainstay for its high load capacity, low frictional values, and minimal wear. Polygon MRP bearings excel in highly loaded bearing joints where a long lifespan and low maintenance are important. See all Polygon bearing types and read more here.
Non-conductive
All Polygon products are naturally non-conductive of electricity, meaning they do not transfer electrical charge and do not require extra insulation like metal tubing often does. This makes Polygon products safer for operators.
PolyLube
Polygon PolyLube self-lubricating composite bearings require zero grease or maintenance – ever. The bearings themselves are designed to reduce friction, wear and tear, so you can keep productivity high and maintenance lower than ever. Read more about PolyLube bearings and what they can do for your application here.
Polygon Medical Tubing
TCO
Total Cost of Operation. Polygon bearings can reduce equipment downtime and prevent additional maintenance.
Thermoset
Thermosetting is the curing process through which Polygon composite bearings and tubing is heated into its final form. This process results in excellent strength against weight load and general wear and tear.
Unidirectional Fibers
When rigidity is most important, Polygon offers unidirectional continuous fiber orientation, as opposed to braided or circumferentially wound fibers.
Wall Thickness
Wall thickness in our composite shafts is directly correlated to strength (how rigid the shaft is) and elasticity (how well is springs back into its original shape when bent). Unlike metal, these properties are customizable in Polygon’s medical products. Polygon medical shafts are available in wall thicknesses of 1 mm to 20 mm.
Wear Surface
The wear surface of a Polygon bearing is the inner side of the bearing which makes contact with equipment. Because Polygon PolyLube bearings are made from a combination of fiberglass and resin instead of metal, they never need grease on the wear surface (or anywhere, for that matter). PolyLube bearings are also corrosion and impact resistant so they can be trusted with the toughest, dirtiest jobs.