The cost-effective solution for demanding environments
Footplate made of high-quality polypropylene They offer excellent chemical resistance at an attractive price-performance ratio. Thanks to their outstanding resistance to acids, alkalis, and organic solvents, PP leveling feet are the first choice for the chemical industry, laboratory technology, and damp environments.
Your advantages with polypropylene base plates
✓ Excellent chemical resistance – Resistant to acids, alkalis and solvents
✓ 100% Moisture-resistant – No change in properties when wet
✓ Low weight – 8x lighter than steel, reduces shipping costs
✓ Economically – Lowest material costs with good performance
✓ Soil-friendly – Non-abrasive surface protects sensitive floors
Polypropylene plate with nickel-plated metal cap – steel screw – electro-galvanized with Phillips head – 14 mm hex head – black or white – plate diameter optionally 25, 30 and 35 mm
| Article | thread | Ø plate | length | VE |
| 725 | M 10×25 | 25/30/35 | 47 | 300 |
| 725 | M 10×35 | 25/30/35 | 57 | 300 |
| 725 | M 10×50* | 25/30/35 | 72 | 300 |
| 725 | M 10×70 | 25/30/35 | 92 | 300 |
Why polypropylene? The technical advantages
Superior chemical resistance
Polypropylene is characterized by outstanding resistance against a wide range of aggressive media:
Resistant to:
- Inorganic acids (sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid up to 60°C)
- Inorganic alkalis (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonia)
- Organic solvents (alcohols, ketones to a limited extent)
- Salt solutions of all concentrations
- Aqueous cleaning agents
- Oils and fats
Not resistant to:
- Strong oxidizing agents (concentrated nitric acid, chromic sulfuric acid)
- Aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene)
- Chlorinated hydrocarbons (at elevated temperature)
Practical advantage: In the chemical industry and laboratory technology, PP clearly surpasses both steel (risk of corrosion) and polyamide (limited chemical resistance).
100% Moisture-resistant – The crucial difference
CRITICAL ADVANTAGE OVER POLYAMIDE:
While polyamide (PA) is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture, polypropylene shows NO water absorption. This has dramatic implications for practice:
Practical consequences:
- PP retains its dimensions in damp rooms, car washes, outdoor areas
- No loss of properties due to changing humidity
- Reliable performance in wet environments
- Ideal for the food industry with wet cleaning
Lowest weight saves costs
With a density of only 0.90 g/cm³ is polypropylene:
- 8x lighter as steel (7.85 g/cm³)
- 15% lighter as polyamide (1.45 g/cm³)
Economic advantages:
- Reduced shipping and handling costs
- Lower overall costs for large production runs
- Energy savings during processing (lower melting temperature)
Soil protection
Soil-friendly properties:
- Non-abrasive surface won't scratch
- Ideal for tiles, epoxy floors, cleanrooms
- Low noise (no metal-to-floor contact)
- Vibration damping
Application areas: Where PP is the best choice
Chemical Industry & Process Engineering
Typical applications:
- Agitators and mixing units
- Dosing pumps and filling systems
- Laboratory fume hoods and workbenches
- Chemical storage and container stations
- Electroplating and coating plants
Why PP is superior here:
- Resists splashes and fumes of aggressive chemicals
- No corrosion like with steel
- Better chemical resistance than PA
- More economical than stainless steel
Laboratory equipment & analysis rooms
Typical applications:
- Laboratory scales and measuring instruments
- Analytical instruments (HPLC, GC, spectrometer)
- Laboratory workbenches and cabinets
- Centrifuges and shakers
- Sample storage and cooling facilities
Advantages:
- Easy to clean with aggressive laboratory chemicals
- Lightweight – simplifies renovation and reorganization
- Floor-friendly for laboratory tiles
Food & pharmaceutical industry
Typical applications:
- Processing machines in wet areas
- Filling and packaging systems
- Cleaning systems (CIP/SIP)
- Refrigeration and freezer rooms
- Hygiene zones with high-pressure cleaning
Meets hygiene requirements:
- 100% moisture-resistant – no bacterial build-up
- Withstands hot cleaning solutions (up to 82°C)
- Smooth, easy-to-clean surface
- No corrosion from salt-based cleaners
Damp rooms & wet areas
Typical applications:
- Washing facilities and cleaning stations
- Swimming pool technology and wellness facilities
- Outdoor installations (UV-stabilized)
- Basement and underground parking areas
- Marine applications (boatbuilding)
Unbeatable advantages:
- NO change in properties at 100% humidity
- No sources or thresholds (vs. PA)
- No corrosion (vs. steel)
- Saltwater resistant
Cost-sensitive applications
Typical applications:
- Office furniture and server cabinets
- Storage technology and racking systems
- Lightweight production equipment
- Provisional/temporary installations
- Mass production with budget restrictions
Economic arguments:
- Lowest material costs of all adjustable foot materials
- Reduced shipping costs due to low weight
- Quick installation without special tools
- Good value for money
Assembly instructions & best practices
Installation step by step
1. Preparation
- Check the threaded hole in the shelving system (suitable size for M10)
- Optional: Insert pipe insert or threaded bushing
- Clean the threads and remove any chips.
- Optional: Apply thread sealant (medium strength)
2. Assembly
- Screw the base plate into the thread by hand.
- Tighten with a PH2 Phillips screwdriver.
- Torque: 8-12 Nm for M10
- For rotating versions: Check the joint for smooth movement.
3. Alignment
- Roughly position the shelf
- Place spirit level on shelving system
- Adjust height by turning the base plates (1 turn = 1.5 mm for M10)
- Check in both axes (longitudinal/transverse).
4. Fixation
- Tighten the lock nut (if present) to prevent it from twisting.
- Optional: Use threadlocker
- Long slot versions: Bottom screw mounting with M10 screws
Maintenance & Care
Regular inspection:
- Every 6 months: Check alignment
- Annually: Check for cracks or deformations
- After shelf remodeling: Realign
Cleaning:
- Use mild detergents or soapy water.
- Rinse with water and dry.
- Do not point pressure washers directly at the joint.
- In case of chemical splashes: Wipe immediately
Extend lifespan:
- Avoid overloading (maintain a safety factor of 1.5-2.0)
- Avoid prolonged temperatures above 70°C
- For outdoor use: choose the UV-stabilized version.
- Do not allow prolonged contact with aromatic solvents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about PP Footplates
Can PP also be used outdoors?
Yes, with limitations. Standard PP degrades slowly under UV radiation. For outdoor applications, we recommend... UV-stabilized variants with sunscreens. These last 5-10 years in direct sunlight without significant loss of properties.
Alternatively: Protected outdoor areas (roofs, shaded areas) also allow the use of standard PP.
How does PP behave at low temperatures?
PP becomes more brittle at low temperatures. Impact resistance decreases The impact resistance is noticeably reduced below 0°C. At -20°C (lower operating limit), the impact strength is reduced to approximately 30% of the room temperature value.
Recommendation: For cold rooms below -20°C, it is better to use polyamide (down to -40°C).
Can PP withstand hot cleaning?
Yes, until 82°C continuous temperature No problems. Short-term temperature spikes up to 100°C (e.g., hot steam cleaning < 1 hour) are tolerable. This makes PP ideal for CIP (Cleaning in Place) processes in the food industry.
Is PP food-safe?
Standard PP is generally suitable for food use (physiologically harmless).
How durable are PP base plates?
When used correctly (correct load, temperature, chemicals), the Lifespan 5-10 years. Factors:
- Positive: Chemically inert environment, moderate temperatures, static loads
- Negative: UV exposure, overloading, temperature cycles, mechanical abrasion
In comparison: steel 20+ years, PA 10+ years, PP 5-10 years – but lowest acquisition costs.
Can PP base plates be recycled?
Yes! Polypropylene carries the Recycling symbol No. 5 (PP). PP is fully recyclable and can be processed into new products. Our PP contains a percentage of recycled material (up to 100% recycled content for non-load-bearing applications upon request).
Why is PP cheaper than PA?
Several reasons:
- Raw material costs: PP granules 15-20% are cheaper than PA granules
- Processing: Lower melting temperature (163°C vs. 220°C) = energy saving
- Density: 15% lighter = less material per part
- Drying: PP does not need to be dried (PA is hygroscopic and requires drying)
How can I visually distinguish PP from PA?
Polypropylene (PP):
- Natural: White-translucent, slightly waxy
- Lighter (floats in water!)
- When bending: "creaking" noise
- Burning test: Continues to burn, smells of candle/paraffin
Polyamide (PA):
- Natural: Beige to ivory, matte
- Heavier (sinks in water)
- When bending: Rather quiet
- Burn test: Extinguishes, smells of burnt horn
A notice: Color additives can alter the appearance. If in doubt, check the manufacturer's instructions.
Technical Support & Consulting
Unsure if PP is suitable for your application?
Our technical team will assist you with material selection:
We need the following from you:
- scope
- Operating temperature (min/max)
- Environment (chemicals? humidity? outdoor?)
- Any special requirements (e.g., UV radiation?)
Free consultation