OEM
American Lincoln-Alto
Factory Cat
Nilfisk-Advance
PowerBoss
Tennant
Cardinal Brush Material
Proex
This material is highly efficient as an all-purpose filament for indoor and outdoor sweeping applications, including damp or humid environments. Not recommended for high-temperature sweeping applications. Proex is polypropylene and derives its name from the X-shape of the bristle. A mixture of Proex and Crimped Wire is the most versatile and widely used filament combination.
Nylon
This highly productive filament has an excellent brush life in dry sweeping conditions. Nylon performs well on rough surfaces and in high-temperature environments because of its durability and high melting point. As a more flexible material, Nylon is longer lasting in scrubbing applications. Performance is less when conditions are wet or humid.
Poly
The most popular filament in scrubbing applications, Poly is efficient for use with most soils and surfaces. Although Poly is more economical than Nylon, it is not recommended for sweeping high temperature debris.
Union Fiber
Comprised of a mixture of Tampico and Palmyra fibers, this material is highly efficient for dust control and sweeping fine debris. As a natural fiber, Union has a relatively shorter wear life versus other synthetic materials. Union is normally mixed with wire to provide more stiffness.
Grit
This Nylon filament is impregnated with silicon carbide grit particles. Grit filaments are offered in .070”/46, .050”/80, .035”/180, .022”/120, and .018”/500. The first number is the filament diameter and the larger the diameter, the stiffer the bristle. The second number is the particle size and, like sandpaper, the smaller the grit size, the more aggressive the scrubbing.
Crimped Wire
Used in applications needing extra cutting action for heavy-duty sweeping of compacted dirt or debris. Normally mixed with Proex or Union filaments. Recommended for low dust sweeping on unsealed surfaces when used alone.
Cardinal Squeegee Compounds
Gum Rubber Squeegee Blades
A man-made synthetic that is typically beige or tan, Gum Rubber squeegees offer maximum water collection on indoor floors that are smooth and even. Gum Rubber is not recommended for use in oily environments as it absorbs oil, which changes its structural integrity and dramatically reduces its effectiveness. Gum Rubber squeegees will wear faster than any of the other types of squeegee blades but are usually the least expensive.
Ideal environment: General purpose. Smooth, even floors with light traffic. Indoors.
Genuine PrematekTM Rubber Squeegee Blades
Engineered from Natural Rubber using advanced technology to perform as good as or better than Linatex®. Excellent tear resistance.
Ideal environment: Excellent results in many conditions, especially un-even & abrasive surfaces.
Red Gum Rubber Squeegee Blades
A man-made synthetic engineered to perform like Linard®. Excellent tear resistance. This is a harder material than Premium Red that helps reduce squeegee noise. Primarily specified for front squeegees.
Ideal environment: Excellent results in many conditions.
Urethane (Polyurethane) Squeegee Blades
Urethane squeegees are amber or opaque in color. They are extremely chemical-resistant and perform well in environments where oil or chemicals are present. Urethane squeegees are the best for use on rough surfaces and on old or uneven floors. They are typically the most expensive blades, but due to their excellent wear life, offer a great value.
Ideal environment: Applications that require oil and chemical resistance. Rough surfaces.
Neoprene Squeegee Blades
Neoprene was the first material introduced specifically for use in oily environments but has been replaced in many cases by Urethane. It is still a very cost effective material for oil resistant applications.
Ideal environment: Applications that require oil and chemical resistance but where price is a factor.