If you’re thinking of replacing your current parts and components with an alternative material, there are five key benefits of Polyurethane you’ll want to know about.
When it comes to parts like bushes, wheels and tubing, there is debate over the best material for the job.
While elastomers like silicone and rubber may be used to create similar products, the specific application and environment will ultimately determine the better choice for you.
Setting aside the price differential over alternative materials, what are the key benefits of polyurethane?
1. It has the elasticity of rubber and toughness of metal
The magic is in the mix!
The compounds used to create polyurethane are complex, and you can blend into it a wide range of additives, catalysts and colourings for instance. Then, the chemical reaction in the base ingredients produces a strong bond and an incredible range of results.
This means you can produce polyurethane as a foam, comfortably soft and returning to shape easily, but incredibly hardwearing and resilient. Or, with a different blend, you could produce polyurethane as a liquid, that hardens to a solid and provides superb adhesive abilities.
Alternatively, you can produce polyurethane that’s incredibly pliable, mimicking rubber but with far more advantages. Remarkably, it’s also possible to produce polyurethane stronger and harder than metal!
Related article: How much does it cost to cast polyurethane parts?
2. It is long-lasting and as durable as metal
Not only can you make PU parts to replace metal ones, but you can also choose this alternative if you want something to withstand a great deal of pressure, friction and abrasion.
Polyurethane doesn’t create heat when rubbed against itself or some other surface, nor does it scratch or fragment, even under high-speed conditions.
Plus, polyurethane is also resistant to extreme temperatures and expels pollutants instantly.
It really is incredibly durable, and commissioning bespoke polyurethane products gives you important lifecycle advantages.
3. A high load-bearing capacity compared to conventional rubber
You don’t always want an alternative to metal for prototype parts though. Often polyurethane is considered the best choice to replace rubber in industrial applications.
As already mentioned, you can produce PU parts in an infinite range of tensile perimeters, including high malleable versions that feel and perform like rubber. Polyurethane is incredibly resistant to moisture, oil, moulds and mildew and doesn’t crack, flake or corrode like rubber.
This means if you want a pliable part engineered, that lasts even under intense pressure and environmental conditions, ‘bounce’ rubber in the bin and opt for polyurethane.
Related article: What can Polyurethane rods be used for?
4. It can be moulded into virtually any form with the right moulds and tools
Though the way polyurethane is mixed is crucial to its versatility, you still need an expert supplier to create accurately moulded parts and components.
In skilled hands, it’s possible to craft the perfect prototype from an existing part or drawing. With the right equipment, expertise and experience, you will get a polyurethane part that’s 100% accurate in dimensions and details.
It’s even possible to produce intricate and complex designs in polyurethane, without compromising strength and reliable performance.
Related article: What are polyurethane mouldings?
5. It can be used in a range of industries
This is possibly the most exciting of all the key benefits of polyurethane. It can be used to create countless types and sizes of products.
For instance, its thermal properties and soundproofing abilities make it an ideal construction material. It’s also popular in furniture production, and in the automotive trade.
This list could go on a while, as you will find polyurethane applications in everything from agriculture to engineering, and from renewable energy to safety product manufacturing.
Are there any commercial sectors that have not discovered the advantages of polyurethane yet?
That’s doubtful.
So, don’t miss out and get in touch for a more drilled down analysis of how polyurethane could be the ideal solution for your part or component.
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