Polyurethane Manufacturers
Polyurethane manufacturers fabricate molded urethane to produce many different products. Urethane, technically referred to as polyurethane (or PU), is an elastic polymer, or elastomer, containing urethane carbamate links that may be fabricated or molded into low-density flexible foam, low-density rigid foam, soft solid elastomers (gel), and hard solid plastics. In addition, polyurethane manufacturers have an advantage over plastic, metal, and rubber manufacturers due to the many advantages urethane has over those materials.
Quick links to Polyurethane Manufacturers Information
Advantages of Polyurethane
Polyurethane has higher abrasion, cut, tear, oil, ozone, and radiation resistance, greater load bearing ability, broader hardness range, and better colorability than rubber, which enables polyurethane manufacturers to do more with their product than other raw material manufacturers. As compared to metal, polyurethane has better noise reduction and resilience, greater abrasion, corrosion, and impact resistance, more flexibility, and is less costly to fabricate. Different polyurethane products typically produced by polyurethane manufacturers include cellular suspension units, press tool blocks, grommets, bearings, shock absorber bushes, rope pulley linings, conveyor belt scraper blades, abrasion resistant strips, and hydraulic seals. With such a broad range of products, polyurethane suppliers are able to meet the demands for many industries, including civil engineering, mining, and industrial manufacturing.
Polyurethane Molding Process
Polyurethane manufacturers offer a wide variety of molded urethane services and processes. One process is open polyurethane casting, in which the pre-polymer and curative are heated and mixed together, poured into an open cavity, and cured without the application of pressure. Closed polyurethane casting, or injection molding, is another process in which the pre-polymer and curative are heated and mixed together, then injected into the closed cavity through small holes. Able to be molded through either process, the raw materials of polyurethane exist in a liquid state, which allows for easy mixing and measuring in preparation for molding. Raw materials react with one another to form a pre-polymer then during the urethane molding process. A curative is introduced to the pre-polymer in order to complete the polymeric transition. Accelerated by heat and/or pressure, the mixture is poured into a mold cavity and cured to form the final polymer. The molding process is only the beginning as the fabrication process is used to produce products. Many polyurethane casters offer custom fabrication processes for unique applications. In addition, the cost of polyurethane molding is on par with the cost of rubber and typical polymer molding, giving polyurethane manufacturers an economic advantage as well.
Polyurethane Foam Protects Foundations
Polyurethane manufacturers constantly look for new ways to improve their product offerings and create products that are beneficial to their customers. Recently, some polyurethane companies have created a new design for stabilizing building foundations utilizing polyurethane foam.
The foam is ideal for applications in both residential and commercial buildings. Contactors can take advantage of the foam in every construction issue. The original design for the foam was to prevent soil erosion around a concrete foundation. The foam fills in any voids around the foundation and expands and cures in place. In addition to stabilizing the entire foundation, the polyurethane foam also acts as a water and air barrier, which reduces the chance of water damage and improves insulation.
This form of polyurethane can be used in the initial construction of a building and repair existing foundations. In fact, some companies use foam to fill gaps as large as five feet across.
Other polyurethane foam products give other benefits, such as concrete lifting and trench-breaking. With foam, it is possible to completely restore an area that would otherwise have to be torn down. That is a benefit that cannot be ignored.
If you are facing foundation and construction issues, consider using polyurethane foam to fix them before it is too late.