The Many Purposes of Plastic Knobs and Handles among Machinery

The chance of finding an industry that doesn't rely on the use of knobs and handles for their operations is unlikely. When it comes to machinery, handles and knobs serve their purpose in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

While traditionally made with metals such as copper and brass, plastic knobs and handles are becoming increasingly popular for use on equipment due to their light weight, durability, and relative inexpensiveness. Other advantages of using knobs and handles made with plastic include a wider selection of color and finishes, improved efficiency, reduced shipping costs and quick production turnaround times on orders.

Agricultural and Construction Equipment

In the construction and farming industries, machinery is judged by its durability. This is something quality handles and knobs manufacturers keep in mind when designing products for use in these fields.

Knobs and handles are found in every piece of farming and construction equipment imaginable, including loaders, graders and combines. Some of the most common knobs and handles used in farm machinery include ball knobs, tapered handles, torque knobs, fluted knobs and clamping knobs. Functions served include hydraulic levers, shifting knobs, seat adjustments and cranking handles.

Because construction and farming equipment operate in physically arduous working environments, manufacturers often make design modifications to enhance the resistance of their products from corrosion and ultraviolent damage.

Additionally, plastic construction and agricultural equipment knobs and handles are made with reinforced polymers that increase the durability of the product without compromising performance. Tactile feedback and enhanced grip ability are other features common in quality-made knobs for construction and farming machinery.

Outdoor Power Equipment

A wide range of machinery and vehicles fall under the category of outdoor power equipment, including: mowers, utility vehicles, snow blowers and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) just to name a few. As with farming and construction machinery, outdoor power equipment rely on knobs and handles that can withstand the harsh elements of outdoor weather both in the summer and winter.

Knobs and handles are used in outdoor power equipment to control a variety of operations, such as adjusting, shifting and speed control. Common knobs used for such purposes include t handle knobs, clamping knobs, ball knobs and tapered handles.

Food Equipment

Due to the massive size and multiple dimensions of the food sector, handles and knobs have a strong presence in this industry. Handles and knobs are used to control fluid flow, texture, thickness, heat and slicing among other purposes. Serving a wide variety of functions, knob and handles used in the food industry are usually designed with additional consideration given to durability, contamination reduction and heat and chemical resistance. Types frequently used include tapered knobs, oval knobs, ball knobs and tapered handles.

The use of equipment knobs and handles are essential for all types of machinery. And when made by a reputable plastic knob manufacturer, controlling the functions of a given piece of equipment is more likely to be a worry-free experience.

Linda Raisch of the DimcoGray Corporation is the author of this article about t handle knobs. DimcoGray is a Centerville, Ohio company specializing in the supply of commercial handles and knobs and t-handle knobs.