Applications
Support
Technical definition
Support using industrial brushes is a technical solution used to hold, stabilize, or accompany parts and materials during their displacement in machinery or production lines. This function is based on the capacity of the filaments to distribute the load uniformly, providing a flexible support that reduces friction, prevents damage to surfaces, and absorbs small irregularities during movement.
Support brushes are frequently used in industrial processes where materials must move over contact surfaces without suffering scratches, deformations, or concentrated pressure points. Thanks to the elasticity of the filaments, the brushes allow supporting the weight of delicate parts or sheets while maintaining a smooth and uniform contact.
Also, they are used worldwide as protection tables to have large surfaces on which to rest delicate surfaces and parts in high-performance industries such as automotive, aeronautics, military, or furniture manufacturing, that is, applications in which it is a matter of supporting delicate parts in which it is expressly very important not to leave marks, scratches, small dents, or slight damage.
This solution is especially useful in sectors where sensitive materials such as glass, stainless steel metal sheet, decorative panels, painted parts, composite materials, or parts with surface finishes that must be protected during handling or transport within machinery, or in final handling, assembly at destination, or in the packaging area are handled.
Types of brushes to support materials in industrial processes
The brushes used to support materials can adopt different configurations depending on the type of product, the weight they must support, and the geometry of the machinery where they are integrated.
| Brush type | Main application | Recommended Filament | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strip brush | Support of parts on guides and work tables | Nylon, polypropylene, PBT | Slender plastic profile |
| Flat support brush | Support of panels or large surfaces | Nylon, PBT | Flat rectangular base |
| Support roller brush | Support and smooth transport of materials | Nylon, PBT | Custom core |
| Brush bed brush (protection table) | Continuous support of delicate materials | Nylon, polypropylene | Modules or panels |
| Technical brush of special shapes | Support in specialized machinery | Technical nylon, PBT | Custom manufacturing |
Support strip brushes
Strip brushes are widely used to create flexible support surfaces in industrial machinery. Thanks to their slender profile design with dense curtain-type filaments, these brushes allow supporting parts while reducing direct contact with rigid surfaces.
They are especially used on handling tables, transport guides, or part positioning systems. The contact of the filament distributes the weight uniformly, avoiding pressure points that could damage the material.
This type of brush also allows parts to move with less friction, which facilitates their handling within automated processes.
Flat brushes for supporting large surfaces
Flat brushes allow creating complete support surfaces for materials that require delicate handling. They are usually installed on work tables, transport equipment, or transfer systems between machines.
This type of solution is common in industries where large panels or sensitive materials are handled, since contact with the filaments protects the surface against scratches or damage.
Nylon or polypropylene filaments provide a good combination between flexibility and wear resistance.
Roller brushes for dynamic support
Cylindrical roller-type brushes allow supporting materials while they move along a production line. In this case, the brush acts as a contact element that reduces friction and facilitates the movement of the material.
The most common is to place on shafts that rotate freely, without additional motorization.
This type of solution is common in material handling machinery where continuous support is required during the transport of parts.
Brushes in the shape of cylindrical rollers are usually custom-made to adapt to the shaft diameter, working length, and specific conditions of the process.
Brush beds for continuous support (protection and work tables)
Brush beds are formed by multiple brush modules that create a complete flexible support surface. This solution is used when it is necessary to support delicate materials in large areas of machinery or handling tables.
This type of system is common in glass manufacturing lines, handling of decorative panels, or processing of composite materials and specifically they are widely used in those industries that work for the aeronautical, military, or automotive sectors.
Brush beds allow materials to rest gently while remaining protected against surface damage.
Depending on the density, filament section, and its free length, the resistance of that protection table in Kg / m2 can be calculated.
Custom technical brushes
In specialized machinery, technical brushes can be used as support elements at specific points in the process. These brushes are specifically designed to adapt to the machine’s geometry and the requirements of the material they must support.
Their fully customized manufacturing required by the client allows adjusting parameters such as filament density, its length, and the stiffness necessary to guarantee adequate support.
Applications by sector
Support using industrial brushes is used in numerous sectors where it is necessary to handle sensitive materials or protect surfaces during their transport within machinery.
Glass industry
In the handling of flat glass, the use of support brushes is fundamental to avoid scratches or stresses that may cause breakages. Brush beds allow glass plates to slide smoothly during their transport in production lines.
Wood industry
In the manufacture of wood panels, boards, or laminated materials, support brushes allow parts to be transported without damaging their surface finishes.
The use of brushes on handling tables or transport equipment reduces the risk of marks or scratches during the productive process.
Metal industry
During the handling of metal sheets or machined parts, support brushes allow surfaces to be protected against damage before subsequent processes such as painting, coating, or assembly.
Tables in metal sheet transformation machines, such as folding machines and punching machines, are very typical.
Aeronautical, military, or automotive industry
In the manufacture of parts intended for the aeronautical, military, or automotive industry, support brushes help keep the material stable while it moves through the machinery, preventing deformations or surface damage, as well as protecting them in their handling against small scratches, deformations, or blows with the support surface.
Solar glass and panel industry
In manufacturing processes of solar panels or technical glass, support brushes allow materials to be handled safely without compromising the integrity of the surfaces.
Technical selection of the support brush
The selection of an industrial brush for support applications must be carried out taking into account different technical factors related to the material being handled and the productive process.
One of the most important aspects is the weight of the material to be supported. The brush must have sufficient filament density, with a correct selection of the section and free length, to distribute the load without deforming excessively.
It is also necessary to consider the type of surface of the material. Delicate surfaces or those with special finishes require softer filaments that avoid damage during contact.
The working temperature and environmental conditions of the process also influence the choice of the filament material. In demanding industrial environments, materials with greater chemical or thermal resistance may be required.
In automated processes where the material moves at high speed, it is important to guarantee that the brush maintains stable contact without interfering with the movement of the product.
Finally, the geometry of the machinery will determine the most suitable type of brush, and strip brushes, flat brushes, rollers, or modular brush bed systems can be used.
Related products
FAQ
What are industrial support brushes used for?
Support brushes are used to hold materials or parts during their handling in industrial machinery. They allow distributing the load and protecting surfaces against damage or scratches.
Can brushes support heavy materials?
Yes. Depending on the density and programming of the number of tufts, the section and quantity of the filament, free length, and the brush design, they can support different loads and adapt to demanding industrial applications.
What filaments are used for support brushes?
The most common filaments are nylon (polyamide 6) since they offer a good combination of strength, flexibility, duration, and protection of surfaces, with a certain shape recovery factor after bending.
Can custom support brushes be manufactured?
Yes. The vast majority of industrial brushes used to support materials are custom-made to adapt to the machinery dimensions and the specific requirements of the industrial process.
