Polyurethane Information Centre
As a Specialist Supplier of Polyurethane Castings since 2003, we aim to offer helpful and factual information about Polyurethane as a material used to create superior quality compounds, in comparison to competitor compounds; including metal, plastic, and rubber.
What is Urethane Casting?
Urethane Casting is also known as Polyurethane Casting. It involves the formation of a mould made using various materials, including aluminium, silicone, 3D printing, and steel.
Step 1
The liquid urethane is cast into a mould with a specialised machine at a high temperature.
Step 2
The moulds are placed in an oven set to a high temperature, where the urethane hardens to a solid and then forms part of the mould.
Step 3
The temperature and rate of flow, is carefully monitored to ensure the mould is cast at the best quality possible.
Urethane casting is fast and efficient, and it allows a high quantity of moulds to be produced in a variety of sizes. Furthermore, the casting process allows for one to bond urethane to metal components where necessary.
What is Polyurethane Moulding?
Cast polyurethane moulding is typically a two-component system of urethane and curative. The two components are heated, form a strong bond, and are cast into a heated mould. Once formed they can’t be melted back down, reground or used in any way in the production again.
Urethane is ideal for moulding as it can be easily adapted to any shape and form. It is also able to produce moulds that are sturdy and rigid, or ones that are pliable and soft. These characteristic variations make it an ideal material for the production of strong and durable moulds.
What is Polyurethane Moulding?
Cast polyurethane moulding is typically a two-component system of urethane and curative. The two components are heated, form a strong bond, and are cast into a heated mould. Once formed they can’t be melted back down, reground or used in any way in the production again.
Urethane is ideal for moulding as it can be easily adapted to any shape and form. It is also able to produce moulds that are sturdy and rigid, or ones that are pliable and soft. These characteristic variations make it an ideal material for the production of strong and durable moulds.
Physical Properties of Polyurethane Moulds:
Wide range of ‘hardness’s’
High load-bearing capabilities
High abrasion resistance
Optimal resistance to gas, oil, alkali, and acid
Enhanced tear resistance / tough
There are two main types of cast polyurethanes, namely: Polyester and Polyether.
They offer the following properties:
Ester has:
- Solvent, Oil and Fuel Resistance
- Optimal Abrasion Resistance
- Mechanical Properties
- Higher Dry Heat Resistance
- Vibration Dampening
- Higher Split Tear Strength
Ether has:
- Superior Rebound Properties
- Low Temperature Flexibility
- Optimal Hydrolytic Stability
- Mechanical Properties
- Resistance to Dynamic Heat
- Reduced Frictional Properties
Advantages of Cast Polyurethane
The most common competitors for polyurethane moulding components are metal, rubber, and plastic.
Consider the advantages polyurethane brings:
vs Metal:
- Lighter
- Less Noisy
- More Abrasive Resistant
- Corrosion Resistant
- Impact Resistant
- Non-Sparking
- Non-Conductive
- Cost-Effective Fabrication
vs Rubber:
- Abrasion Resistant
- Cut and Tear Resistant
- Increased Load Bearing
- Clarity, Translucence
- Non-Marking/Staining
- Pourable/Castable
- Ozone Resistant
- Microorganism Resistant
- High Dampening
vs Plastic:
- Not Brittle
- Abrasion Resistant
- High Elongation
- Elastomeric Memory
- Impact Resistant
- Cost-Effective Tooling Cost