Not all industrial knobs are the same. You can find them in a variety of styles, such as plastic lobed. Also known as star knobs, they feature a unique design that distinguishes them from other types of industrial knobs. Here’s everything you need to know about plastic lobed knobs.
Plastic lobed knobs are industrial control knobs that feature a plastic construction with a lobed shape. They featured a star-like “lobed” shape similar to that of many leaves. There are lobed leaves with short branch-like divisions. Plastic lobed knobs feature similar types of branch-like divisions.
The main difference between plastic lobed knobs and other types of industrial knobs lies in their shape. All plastic lobed knobs feature a lobed shape. Other types of industrial knobs feature a different shape, such as circular or disc.
Plastic lobed knobs are also made of plastic. They aren’t just made of generic plastic, though. Many of them are made of a special type of high-strength plastic, such as glass-reinforced technopolymer.
If you’re looking to buy industrial control knobs for your workplace, you can’t go wrong with plastic lobed knobs. They are ergonomic and comfortable to use. With their multiple branch-like divisions, they are easy to grip. You grip a plastic lobed knob with a single hand, after which you can turn it. Other types of industrial control knobs may lack this ergonomic shape.
You can also choose plastic lobed knobs in different lobed shapes. There are three-lobed, four-lobed and five-lobed plastic knobs, for example. Three-lobed plastic knobs feature three branch-like divisions, whereas four- and five-lobed plastic knobs feature four and five branch-like divisions, respectively.
In addition to different shapes, you can find plastic lobed knobs in different sizes. Some of them have a larger wheel diameter than others. A large wheel diameter results in a bigger gripping surface that many people prefer.
While they are made primarily of high-strength plastic, plastic lobed knobs typically feature other materials in their construction. The stud or insert, for instance, is usually made of metal. All plastic lobed knobs feature a stud or insert. Studs are threaded rods, and inserts are threaded holes. They are used to connect plastic lobed knobs to machines and equipment. To preserve the integrity of the threads, studs and inserts are typically made of metal, such as carbon steel, stainless steel or brass.
Shifter knobs can be found in vehicles, cranes, tractors, and other types of machinery where manipulating gears are required. Davies’ shifter knobs can be customized to meet specific requirements such as operating instructions or customer logos. Secondary operations include laser engraving, pad printing, or hot stamping, applying inlays or mylars, color matching, drilling, machining, and a new finishing trend- hydrographic printing.
Hydrographic printing is a popular trend for adding customizable designs, colors, and textures to shift knobs. As you might have guessed, it's a water-based printing process and a high gloss polyurethane hydrographics clearcoat makes the printing durable and long-lasting.
Spectrum Industries, does a good job of describing the process in 6 easy steps.
1) Parts are loaded onto custom tooling.
2) Parts are prepped by washing or painting.
3) Parts are dried.
4) Parts are dipped in the hydrographic printing bath.
5) Top coat is applied based on the application for the part. Exterior and Interior durability options.
6) Parts are inspected before shipping.
Check out this neat video of how hydrographic printing works.
Plastic knobs designed for heavy equipment and industrial use are available in a wide range of sizes, but the most popular are ball and lever knobs. Our ball and lever knobs come in a variety of styles and sizes and are available in phenolic, nylon, or polypropylene. Phenolic materials are typcially stonger that thermoplastics like nylon, and are a popular choice for durable, long-lastic shifter knobs. However, thermoplastic materials such as nylon have a high impact strength, and can be molded into just about any color you can dream up. And now with hydrographic printing, you can choose the material you want and add a customizable finish that makes it yours. Want more information? Check out our hydrographic printing info page or call us at 1-800-554-9208.
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