Shore hardness and size aren’t the only factors when specifying sheets of material for construction, engineering or manufacturing. In this article, we discuss why quality polyurethane sheets are the ultimate problem solver.
Sheets of high-density, resilient materials are needed for a multitude of purposes. This can include use as structural barriers and insulators, or to be machined down to size to create blades, pads, sleeves, slats, flaps, scrappers and liners, for example.
For increasing numbers of applications, the material of choice is quality polyurethane. Why is that, and what do we mean by ‘quality’ polyurethane? This is our buyer’s guide.
Buying the best PU sheets
As polyurethane is now a popular, inexpensive and versatile option for creating parts, there are suppliers who offer cut-price sheet versions. The problem that raises is that moulding standards can vary considerably, and you can end up with a cheap polyurethane with intrinsic defects.
The sort of issues you face include contaminates or incorrect additives and catalysts in the mix, reducing PU’s effectiveness and durability. There could also have been a polyurethane moulding process that allowed air or moisture bubbles in the mix. This can also strip away some of the main benefits of using polyurethane, including its incredible durability.
It pays to find a quality version, from experts in this sector, flawlessly mixed, moulded and finished. The best sign of quality polyurethane is its stellar performance.
Related article: 8 Polyurethane products you use regularly
Quality polyurethane sheet for construction and retrofit projects
Each spec for polyurethane sheet stock is different. That’s even true if you are keeping them whole to use as structural features. You need to source the ideal thickness and density when ordering quality polyurethane sheets and ensure accuracy in the level of malleability.
One of the biggest considerations in construction, refurbishment and retrofit projects, is sheets that meet thermal and acoustic insulation requirements. However, polyurethane sheets may also need to carry out a number of other key tasks, such as forming a tough, durable protective layer around sensitive areas of the structure or its contents, or for shock and vibration management purposes within a building.
Related article: Polyurethane in building and construction
Cut-to-size items made from PU sheets
Quality polyurethane sheets are also increasingly used to create smaller parts that carry out demanding tasks. For instance, to engineer components that work brilliantly, while also managing moisture incursion, contamination spread or damage from acidic substances. This could be an engineered part such as a spacer, gasket or flexible liner for example.
You may even need to source polyurethane sheet according to colour, as well as dimensions and tensile properties, such as for chopping boards or other household projects.
One of the many advantages of quality polyurethane sheets is that they can be machined with confidence, and without leaving a ragged, flaky, scratched or warped cutting edge.
What about other detailing and special finishes required for quality polyurethane sheets?
In the hands of experts in polyurethane moulding, you get sheets that are 100% accurate and consistent across entire production runs. These sheets will then be incredibly resilient, which means you can’t reform or reheat them. However, they can be coated to your exact requirements, ready for problem-free machining.
Read more:What is MOCA in Polyurethane?
More reasons to use Polyurethane for sheet stocks
Another reason to opt for quality polyurethane sheet is that they can outperform alternative materials, including rubber and plastic.
For example, unlike rubber, polyurethane is resistant to contaminates and can withstand a great deal of wear, tear and time, without ripping or warping in the face of friction or extreme temperatures. The way
PU sheets are made and also ensure they produce a material with excellent pressure and load-bearing values. This is another way in which they can be more resilient than rubber and plastic sheets.
Polyurethane sheets can be produced to have equal strength to metal ones, but they will be lightweight, versatile and far less expensive. They will also be far more resistant to abrasion and corrosion, adding to their superiority over metal sheets used for various purposes.
The thermal and acoustic management capabilities of quality polyurethane also set it apart from sheets made from other materials. When noise reduction matters, there really is no contest between PU and metal.
Sourcing quality polyurethane sheets
Sourcing quality polyurethane sheets from a British manufacturer also means you get a fast turnaround, as well as a sheet stock material that can match even the most exacting of standards
To discuss a highly competitive price for quality polyurethane sheets, don’t hesitate to contact the responsive and versatile team at Custom Moulded Polyurethane.
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