TriStar Plastics, LLC

06/18/2026

Stay informed on the latest topics in plastics engineering and material performance with TriStar’s Plastics Video Learning Center.

Explore educational videos covering bearing design, bonding plastics, surface modification, material selection, and other key engineering considerations across industrial applications. Whether you are evaluating performance materials or looking to expand technical knowledge, the Video Learning Center provides valuable insights from industry experts.

Visit the Video Learning Center to explore current topics and engineering resources: https://www.tstar.com/plastics-video-learning-center

06/16/2026

Sheave bearing failures often start with the system, not the bearing itself.

In this short video, learn how TriStar approaches sheave bearing design by evaluating the entire system, including load conditions, alignment, thrust forces, contamination, corrosion, and material selection, to improve reliability and reduce maintenance.

For a deeper look at engineering sheave systems for long-term performance, download our free white paper: https://www.tstar.com/sheave-bearings-white-paper

06/11/2026

Sheave performance depends on far more than the wheel itself. Bearing design, thrust management, material selection, alignment, and environmental conditions all play a critical role in long-term reliability and wear performance.

This guide examines the engineering considerations that influence sheave system performance across demanding applications including cranes, marine equipment, and heavy material handling systems. It also explores how polymer and composite bearing materials can help reduce lubrication requirements, improve corrosion resistance, and extend operational life.

Download to learn how systems-level engineering decisions impact sheave reliability, maintenance, and overall equipment performance: https://www.tstar.com/sheave-bearings-white-paper

06/09/2026

Avoid bearing failure before it starts.

In this short video, TriStar shares six essential checks to consider when selecting self-lubricating bearings for long-lasting, reliable performance.

A few simple evaluation steps can help improve bearing life, reduce maintenance, and prevent costly downtime.

Watch the video for a quick bearing selection refresher: https://youtube.com/shorts/cTR6dnn2rUE

06/04/2026

Marine sheave systems operate in some of the harshest environments possible, where saltwater, humidity, corrosion, and dynamic loading constantly challenge bearing performance and reliability.

This blog explores the engineering considerations behind marine sheave bearing design, including corrosion exposure, lubrication challenges, side loading, and material selection for long-term performance in demanding marine applications.

Learn how performance polymer and composite bearing materials can help reduce wear, resist corrosion, and improve reliability in shipboard cranes, offshore equipment, winches, and other marine systems: https://www.tstar.com/blog/marine-sheave-bearings

06/03/2026

A grease-dependent bronze bushing was galling and wearing out in fertilizer spreader service.

TriStar recommended a self-lubricating Rulon LR sleeve bearing to help eliminate relube, reduce washout-related wear, and turn a seasonal replacement part into a longer-life solution.

Self-lubricating Rulon LR bearings helped solve galling, grit, and washdown challenges in agricultural fertilizer spreader equipment.

06/02/2026

Sheave systems operate in some of the most demanding industrial environments, where corrosion, contamination, dynamic loading, and alignment issues can significantly impact bearing life and equipment reliability.

TriStar Plastics Corp.’s white paper, Sheave Bearings: Engineering for Systems-Level Performance, examines the engineering considerations that influence long-term sheave performance across cranes, marine equipment, and heavy material handling applications.

Download the white paper to gain practical insights into improving sheave system performance and reliability: https://www.tstar.com/sheave-bearings-white-paper

05/28/2026

Sheaves operating in dirty environments face constant exposure to dust, grit, moisture, and debris that can accelerate wear and reduce reliability. In these demanding applications, bearing design plays a critical role in overall sheave performance and service life.

This blog explores the engineering challenges behind contamination-driven wear, lubrication breakdown, corrosion, and misalignment, along with how self-lubricating composite bearing materials can help improve durability in harsh conditions.

Read the blog to learn how proper bearing material selection can support longer-lasting sheave systems in mining, material handling, construction, forestry, and other demanding industries: https://www.tstar.com/blog/sheaves-for-dirty-environments-why-bearing-design-drives-reliability

05/27/2026

Sheave performance depends on far more than the wheel itself.

In demanding applications such as cranes, marine systems, and heavy material handling equipment, long-term reliability is influenced by bearing design, alignment, thrust management, environmental exposure, and material selection.

TriStar Plastics Corp.’s latest white paper, Sheave Bearings: Engineering for Systems-Level Performance, explores the factors that impact wear life, maintenance requirements, and overall system efficiency.

Download the white paper to learn how a systems-level approach to sheave bearing design can improve reliability and performance in demanding industrial environments: https://www.tstar.com/sheave-bearings-white-paper

05/21/2026

Thermal expansion is more than a material property. In plane bearing design, it is a critical factor in material selection that directly impacts fit, clearance, performance, and service life.

In this latest blog, we explore how different bearing materials respond to temperature changes and why engineers must evaluate thermal behavior across the full operating environment, not just at room temperature.

• How thermal expansion affects press fit and running clearance
• Why mismatched material expansion can lead to seizure or premature wear
• The importance of CLTE in bearing material selection
• Why some polymers and composites outperform others in high-temperature applications

Selecting the right bearing material means designing for real-world operating conditions from the start.

Read the full blog to learn how thermal expansion impacts bearing reliability and long-term performance: https://www.tstar.com/blog/thermal-expansion-a-key-consideration-in-plane-bearing-design