Frequently asked questions
About machining processes, materials and Elastotecnica solutions
The Elastotecnica FAQ section collects answers to the most common questions about plastic machining, polyurethane processing and custom projects based on technical drawings, as well as protection systems for automated warehouses.
It is a useful starting point to navigate materials, processes, applications and the technical benefits of our custom solutions.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ on automated warehouses and AutoStore™ solutions
How does an AutoStore™ solution work?
AutoStore™ is an automated storage and picking system based on bins stacked inside a modular grid. Robots move on top of the structure and retrieve bins according to incoming orders. The system is highly scalable, adaptable to limited spaces and easily integrated with warehouse management software.
What are the benefits of an automated warehouse compared to a traditional one?
An automated warehouse (also known as an AutoStore™ system) allows companies to optimize space, time and resources. It reduces floor footprint thanks to vertical development, accelerates goods handling through automated storage and picking systems, and minimizes errors and downtime thanks to integrated software management. Compared to traditional warehouses, it also offers greater efficiency and traceability, improving overall company productivity.
In which industrial sectors is it convenient to adopt an automated warehouse?
Automated warehouse solutions are particularly effective in sectors with high handling volumes, such as logistics, manufacturing, e-commerce, technical components and the automotive industry. They are also ideal for companies that want to optimize space by reducing floor footprint and increasing storage capacity per square meter.
What is meant by a vertical automated warehouse?
A vertical automated warehouse is a high-density storage system that uses the height of the building to optimize available space. Material handling is performed through automated lifts and stacker cranes that retrieve and deliver containers quickly and precisely.
How much space is needed to install a system like AutoStore™?
One of the main characteristics of AutoStore™ automated systems is their high space efficiency. A vertical automated warehouse can be installed even in facilities with limited floor space by developing vertically. In addition, the layout of these solutions is fully customizable according to the warehouse structure and the type of products handled.
What benefits does the integration of PVC panels and industrial protections offer in automated warehouses?
The use of expanded or solid PVC panels in AutoStore™ systems allows the creation of lightweight, durable and easy-to-clean partitions inside automated warehouses. These solutions are ideal for creating physical protection between operators and machinery, improving product visibility within the system (when transparent PVC is used) and contributing to a more organized and efficient working environment.
Can Elastotecnica also support the design of protections for automated warehouses?
Yes. Elastotecnica does not only supply semi-finished materials but also supports companies in designing and developing custom solutions for logistics and industrial environments, including modular protections, technical panels, anti-impact systems and customized coverings for the most sensitive areas of automated warehouses.
How are items inserted and retrieved inside an AutoStore™ system?
In the AutoStore™ system, items are inserted and retrieved through a network of robots moving across a grid positioned above the storage bins. For storage operations, robots pick up an empty bin and place it in an available location within the compact warehouse structure. Items are stored in high-density vertical columns to optimize space. When an item must be retrieved, the robot moves above the correct bin, lifts it and transports it to a picking station where an operator or automated system retrieves the item. Once the operation is completed, the bin is returned to the grid. All operations are coordinated by software that manages movements in real time, optimizing flows and reducing waiting times. This automated approach enables efficient, fast and highly accurate warehouse management.
What types of products and containers are compatible with AutoStore™?
The AutoStore™ system is designed to manage small items: products with limited size and weight that can be easily stored in modular bins. It is an ideal solution for sectors such as e-commerce, retail and manufacturing, where speed and storage density are essential. Containers must be robust, uniform and compatible with the system grid to ensure perfect integration with AutoStore™ robots.
What requirements must a warehouse meet to install an AutoStore™ system?
To install an AutoStore™ automated warehouse, the facility must have a regular layout, sufficient height and a floor surface capable of supporting the modular grid structure. Adequate electrical supply, stable data connections and a layout optimized for accessibility and safety are required. It is also essential to collect data about product volumes, types and turnover in order to design the system efficiently.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ on plastic material machining
What are plastic semi-finished products?
Plastic semi-finished products are materials available in standard formats (sheets, bars, rods) ready to be mechanically machined according to the customer’s project. They can be made from POM, PE, PTFE, PVC, PMMA, polycarbonate, PEEK or other engineering polymers, each with specific characteristics. They are called “semi-finished” because they represent an intermediate stage between raw material and finished product.
In which sectors are plastic semi-finished products mainly used?
Plastic semi-finished products are used across many sectors thanks to their versatility, light weight and chemical resistance. They are widely used in manufacturing and mechanical industries for producing technical components and machine parts. In construction they are used for structural elements, insulation and coatings. They are also essential in the food industry due to their safety and chemical inertness when in contact with food.
In the medical sector they are used for devices and biocompatible components, while in electronics and electrical engineering their technical properties are ideal for insulation and precision component production. Other relevant sectors include automotive (for lightweight and durable components), technical packaging, textile and furniture industries, as well as DIY, paper and industrial processing sectors.
This wide adoption is due to the ease of machining plastic semi-finished products and the possibility of customizing their properties according to application requirements.
What are the main plastic machining processes?
The most common plastic machining processes include injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming, CNC milling, turning and custom cutting. The appropriate technique must be selected according to the material and the final application in order to guarantee precision, quality and mechanical resistance.
When is it advisable to choose machining based on technical drawings?
Machining based on technical drawings is particularly recommended when unique, complex or non-standard components are required, for example for replacing worn parts, prototyping or small production runs. In such cases, it is important to rely on suppliers capable of providing technical consulting as well, such as our company.
What is the difference between PEEK (Polyetheretherketone), PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride) and PET (Arnite)?
The main difference between PEEK, PVDF and PET concerns thermal performance, mechanical resistance and chemical stability. PEEK is a high-performance polymer capable of withstanding temperatures up to 260 °C while maintaining high rigidity and dimensional stability even under cyclic loads. For this reason, it is often chosen for precision mechanical components in demanding environments. PVDF is a fluoropolymer appreciated for its excellent chemical resistance and UV stability, with a lower operating temperature (around 170 °C), making it ideal for applications exposed to weathering or aggressive chemical environments. PET, finally, is a semicrystalline polymer with good rigidity and mechanical resistance and operating temperatures typically between 120 and 150 °C, offering a cost-effective solution for structural components requiring reliability.
What are the main differences between POM (Delrin®), PE (Polizene®) and PTFE (Teflon®)?
POM (Delrin®) stands out for its high rigidity, mechanical strength and excellent dimensional stability, making it ideal for precision mechanical components that require durability and tight tolerances. PE (Polizene®) is known for its chemical inertness and ability to resist many chemical agents, and is appreciated for its anti-adhesive properties and safety in food applications. It has good wear resistance but is less rigid than POM. PTFE (Teflon®), finally, excels in extreme chemical resistance, inertness, dielectric properties and high service temperature (up to about 260 °C). It also has the lowest coefficient of friction among the three materials, although it is mechanically softer than POM.
When is it better to use plastic semi-finished products instead of metals?
Plastic semi-finished products are preferable when light weight, corrosion resistance, insulating properties or faster machining compared to metals are required. They are also ideal for aggressive environments, food-contact applications or customized components. Plastic semi-finished products can reduce production costs and lead times compared to metals, which generally offer higher mechanical strength but are heavier and require more complex and expensive machining. The choice therefore depends on the final application and the balance between mechanical, chemical and economic requirements.
How do you choose the most suitable plastic material for an industrial machining process?
Selecting the most suitable plastic material depends on several factors: the function of the component, environmental conditions, operating temperatures, exposure to chemicals and mechanical stress. A highly specialized partner such as Elastotecnica can help you identify the ideal material in order to achieve the best performance while optimizing production time and costs.
What formats are available for plastic machining?
Elastotecnica works with sheets, round bars, hollow bars and sleeves made from a wide range of materials including POM, PE, PVC, PTFE, PA, PEEK, PMMA, PC and PVDF. All semi-finished products are selected according to function and project specifications.
Is machining based on technical drawings possible for small quantities?
Of course! Elastotecnica is equipped to handle small production runs or even single parts based on the customer’s technical drawings, thanks to a flexible organization, Industry 4.0 machinery and a highly experienced team specialized in custom semi-finished products.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ on polyurethane for industrial applications
What are the benefits of polyurethane in industrial components?
Polyurethane is an extremely versatile and durable material, ideal for components and semi-finished products exposed to mechanical stress, impacts and abrasion. It offers superior elasticity, excellent durability and the ability to adapt to complex geometries, ensuring high performance even in aggressive environments or applications requiring high chemical and thermal resistance.
In which sectors are custom polyurethane components used?
Custom polyurethane components are used in many sectors including industrial automation, logistics, food processing, packaging, construction and automotive. Semi-finished products made from this material are particularly appreciated in applications where mechanical and physical properties must be precisely tailored, such as wear resistance and adaptability to specific operating conditions.
What is the difference between solid and expanded polyurethane?
Solid polyurethane is characterized by high density and mechanical resistance, making it suitable for technical parts and components requiring durability and structural strength. Expanded polyurethane is lighter and offers good thermal and acoustic insulation properties, making it suitable for a wide range of semi-finished products, especially for cushioning, insulation and applications where reduced weight is advantageous.
How is polyurethane coating applied to rollers or wheels?
Polyurethane coating is applied through casting or molding processes onto a metal core, providing rollers and wheels with greater wear resistance, improved grip and reduced noise during operation. This increases operational efficiency and extends the overall lifespan of the component.
What machining processes can be performed on polyurethane?
Polyurethane is highly machinable. It can be cut, milled, turned and drilled with high precision. These characteristics make it ideal for producing customized technical components such as wheels, rollers, sleeves and coatings. Thanks to its versatility, polyurethane is widely used for many industrial applications.
What are polyurethane elastomers?
Polyurethane elastomers are high-performance materials that combine the flexibility and elasticity of rubber with the strength of thermoplastics. They offer excellent mechanical strength, chemical resistance and abrasion resistance, making them ideal for demanding industrial applications.
When should Vulkollan® be chosen over other polyurethanes?
Vulkollan® is a high-performance polyurethane elastomer ideal for applications involving heavy loads, high speeds or intense mechanical stress. It is particularly suitable for automated handling systems thanks to its exceptional wear resistance, elasticity and shock absorption capacity.
What semi-finished polyurethane formats are available?
Polyurethane semi-finished products are available as sheets, bars, rods and sleeves in different hardness levels and colors. These materials can be machined according to precise technical specifications to suit many industrial applications.
Is it possible to produce small batches of custom polyurethane components?
Yes. Companies such as Elastotecnica offer machining services based on technical drawings even for small production runs, which are ideal for prototypes or special applications in highly customized sectors. This service is particularly valued where flexibility, fast delivery and high machining precision are required.
How can I send a technical drawing for polyurethane machining?
Technical drawings can be sent in digital formats such as .dxf, .step or .pdf. Shortly after receiving the documentation, our experts will provide personalized technical consulting and a quotation based on the project specifications.