About Urethane
Polyurethane Properties
A polyurethane is a polymer comprised of a chain of organic units joined by urethane links. EHC polyurethanes belong to a group of polymers called elastomers. An elastomer is a material that will recover its original shape after deformation. Polyurethane's superior wear resistance, rebound and load bearing properties separate it from other elastomers. Polyurethane raw materials are liquid and can be cast into limitless shapes and sizes in low pressure moulds while other elastomers are mixed, milled and moulded using traditional industry techniques.
Polyurethane’s unique properties offer many advantages over other materials in dynamic applications.
Polyurethane vs. Metal
Lightweight, flexible and resilient urethane offers greater impact, corrosion and abrasion resistance than metal. Polyurethane is ideally suited where low noise and smooth operation are required. A cost effective alternative requiring less expensive fabrication, infinitely mouldable polyurethane is also suited to applications requiring non-sparking and non-conductive material.
Polyurethane vs. Plastic
Unlike plastics, polyurethane is suited for dynamic applications. Its elastic behaviour will allow recovery after the application of high loads rather than the deformation of a plastic. Versatile and resilient polyurethane rollers provide longer service life than metal, rubber or plastic counterparts.
Polyurethane vs. Rubber
Considering its colourable and castable nature, its extended hardness range, low wear and superior load bearing capacity, polyurethane is a smart substitute for rubber. The relative benefits of high abrasion, cut and tear, oil and ozone resistance are delivered in an extensive range of molded products for many industrial applications.
Bonding Advantage
One crucial advantage of cast polyurethane is that it can be bonded effectively with metals, composites or plastics during or after the moulding process. Core construction components (or inserts) may include wheel hubs, bearings, fasteners, injection-molded parts or castings. Because the adhesion between polyurethane and other materials is often stronger than the elastomer itself, cast urethane rollers provide high tear strength for rugged performance over extended service life.
Moulding Benefits
Liquid castable polyurethane materials can be machine processed and dispensed with precise control over ingredient proportions and temperature levels. Hot liquids are introduced to moulds at low pressure and cured at high temperatures. This exceptional characteristic of polyurethane permits custom moulds of virtually any shape or size.
Strength/Durability
Compared with conventional elastomers and plastics, polyurethane products offer superior strength, durability and versatility. Because polyurethane is more resistant than other materials to cracking, tearing, breaking, swelling or deterioration, polyurethane components result in fewer replacement parts and operational interruptions. The unique flex and compression properties of polyurethane provide industrial solutions for high-impact operations, intense load-bearing applications and harsh operating environments.
