Polyurethane Casting and Moulding at DLR
A Guide to What Goes Into DLR’s Polyurethane Casting Service
You may not have realised it, but you come into contact with polyurethanes (PUs) multiple times each and every day. They are everywhere in your life, from your favourite chair to your bed, your house, your car and an innumerable number of industrial components. Polyurethanes are so ubiquitous because of their favourable characteristics, which take the best parts of rubbers and plastics to deliver a wide range of functional and versatile materials.
In this article, DLR Elastomer Engineering introduces you to the features, benefits and typical applications of PUs. Read on to find out more about these remarkable polymers.
An introduction to polyurethanes (PUs)
Polyurethanes (PUs) are a truly unique class of polymers. Combining the rigidity of plastics with the elasticity of rubbers, PUs bridge the gap between these two essential industrial materials. Depending on the choice of co-monomers used in the production process, either polyether or polyester polyurethanes can be developed. Polyethers and polyesters can be manufactured in a wide range of shore hardnesses and colours. They can also be combined with any number of specialised additives to meet specific application requirements.
Features and benefits of polyurethanes
PU rubbers boast a high degree of abrasion, oxidation, ozone and sunlight resistance, from a hardness of 65 Shore A through to 75 Shore D. PUs also offer high cut and tear resistance, and perform optimally in temperatures up to 90°C (but sometimes as high as 120°C). They are also considered chemical resistant polymers, delivering good resistance to petroleum-based fuels and oils. However, strong acids, alkalis and some solvents should be avoided.
Typical applications for polyurethanes
Here at DLR Elastomer Engineering, we use Sorbothane®. This viscoelastic, polyether-based, polyurethane material has a very high damping coefficient. Combining shock absorption, good memory, vibration isolation, and vibration damping characteristics, Sorbothane® makes for a highly effective acoustic damper. It can also be bonded to other materials, such as PTFE and metals, to produce high-level abrasion-resistant parts.
The favourable characteristics of PUs make them the ideal polymers for a wide range of applications within the automotive, aeronautical, and oil and gas sectors. The damping properties of PUs have made them popular across countless industrial applications, from drive belts to conveyor belt systems, and assembly lines. PUs are also useful in the production of industrial seals and gaskets, as well as for insulation in everything from buildings to white goods.
Polyurethane casting and moulding service
DLR Elastomer Engineering offers a comprehensive polyurethane casting and moulding service. Unlike regular millable rubbers, the PU rubber we use in our polyurethane casting processes can be easily coloured, whilst still retaining its abrasion-resistant properties. We can also add special materials as part of the polyurethane moulding process to obtain specific properties, including electrical conductivity or water resistance. Speak with our experts today to discuss your polyurethane casting and moulding requirements.
If you have a technical question about our polyurethane casting service or would like further product information including a detailed quote, contact DLR Elastomer Engineering today at technical@elastomer.co.uk. Our team will be happy to help in any way we can.
Looking for more detailed information on the different types of rubbers and polymers we work with? Then check out our material guides where you can find FAQ’s and more guides like this one detailing all you need to know. If you are looking for rubber or polymer products get in touch with DLR Elastomer today via our contact page or via LinkedIn and we can chat over your requirements.
Any questions? Get in touch
Since 1895 DLR has been combining expansive knowledge of materials, their properties, and processing techniques to develop bespoke mouldings and fabrications for many industry sectors. Our core services include moulding rubber, rubber sheeting, Petroseals, and cast polyurethane products. If you have any questions about our products, our process or the materials we use get in touch today!