The next time you pick up a plastic sprinkler, you might consider the science and technology it represents. Years of research have changed the way we use plastics. Different resins and blends offer different characteristics — strength and durability; flexibility or hardness; dimensional stability; resistance against UV, chemicals, and friction. These characteristics determine a product’s performance. When it comes to components for irrigation, water quality and chemical content are also considerations.

Many plastic irrigation components are injection molded. Pellets (or granules of plastic resins) are heated to the appropriate temperature to create a molten-like substance that is injected into a split-cavity mold. After a specific amount of time, the plastic cools and solidifies into the desired shape. Once the plastic is solid again, the mold opens and ejects the finished part.

In addition to the material selection, there is a true science to the actual injection molding process. The overall design of the mold, surface inside the mold cavities, placement of gates, thickness of the areas to be filled, cycle time, and temperature are all factors in a successfully molded part.

Founded in 1963, when most sprinklers were made of brass, Senninger pioneered the use of engineering-grade thermoplastics in the manufacturing of sprinkler components to help improve key performance criteria. They soon began injection molding in-house to closely monitor each molded part. Over the years, they have become experts in plastic injection molding. They warrant their products for two years on materials, workmanship, and performance. They warrant their nozzles for five years on orifice wear.

For more information about plastic sprinklers, contact Senninger Irrigation at info@senninger.com or visit www.senninger.com