What material science challenge arises when migrating standard automation components to sub-zero cold?
Answer
Plastics and lubricants can become brittle, fail, or seize up when exposed consistently.
A primary engineering obstacle encountered when moving conventional warehouse automation into deep-freeze environments concerns material science. Standard machinery components, including certain plastics used in conveyor belts and the specialized lubricants required for moving parts, are formulated for ambient conditions. When subjected consistently to extreme cold, perhaps as low as -20°C or below, these materials undergo detrimental physical changes; plastics lose flexibility and become brittle, and lubricants can solidify or thicken, leading directly to component failure or seizing of the mechanical systems.
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