Polyurethane as a material is unique
because of its divergent properties. Polyurethane packs in itself the
perfect elasticity of rubber and durability and toughness of metal. As
urethane is available in a broad hardness range, it is effectively replacing
rubber, plastic and metal. Before we discuss extruded Urethane Profiles it
would be worthwhile here to know about some of the features of Polyurethane
that makes it unique. Following are the major features:
- Ultimate in abrasion resistance
- Excellent physical properties
- Polyurethane reduces plant maintenance and OEM product cost.
- Applications using ultra-tough Urethane material have been able to
cut down-time, maintenance cost etc to a considerable extent.
Types of Urethane Profiles
Extruded Urethane profiles are used in a number of applications that is
proving a huge commercial success in a number of applications. A few of such
applications are discussed herein.
Urethane Tubing
Urethane tubing is a top quality and precision-made polyurethane that is
these days used in wide ranging applications which by nature are demanding
and critical. Extruded polyurethane and urethane tubing offers some of the
most tough and flexible tubing materials currently available. Polyurethane
tubing incorporates some of the toughest features and incredible advantages.
Some of those are highlighted here:
- Polyurethane tubing shows good resistance to oil, fuel, or any other
petroleum-based chemicals.
- Unmatched flexibility
- Resistance to kink
- Weather Resistant
- A broad range of temperatures -100°F to 175°F
- Urethane tubing is free of plasticizer, offering properties which
are inherent in the polymer molecule itself, and it is impossible to
loose them through migration.
- Unparalleled toughness, tubing with tensile strengths reaching up
to 8000 psi, is not uncommon.
- Outstanding tear strength.
Applications of Extruded Polyurethane Tubes
Polyurethane tubing is a popular material for use in pneumatic functions.
It is used in air tools, control instrumentation, robotics, vacuum
equipment, pressure measuring apparatus etc. In the medical industry
extruded polyurethane tubings find useful applications. It conveys gases
like oxygen, along with transportation of fluids. Additionally it is also
used as fuel lines in off road motor vehicles, chain saws, string weed
trimmers along with other engine-driven equipment.
Urethane Cord
Another popular application of Urethane profiles lies in its uses as
Extruded cords. Extruded PU cords are available with different toppings and
some are reinforced for adding strength. It comes in a wide range of
diameters. One of the best possible uses of extruded polyurethane cord lies
in the conveying systems. The extruded belts made of polyurethane offers
perfect solution for light or medium duty conveying. Typical industries
served includes food processing, construction etc.
Another popular application of extruded urethane cord is fabricated O-ring
drive belts. Extruded polyurethane Belts in shapes of round, tubular and v
profile are extremely suitable for light to medium duty drives and conveyor
applications. They find wide use in textile, printing, ceramic tiles, food
processing, live roller conveyors etc. The following image shows extruded
polyurethane belts being used in food processing applications.
Advantages of extruded PU Cords
- Relatively inexpensive
- Easy operations
- Non requirement of Tensioning devices, as they are elastic and
already fitted in tension.
Extruded Polyurethane Films
Extruded polyurethane sheets and films today are used for a wide ranging
applications. Applications where there can be no toleration of failure,
extruded polyurethane or PU is a logical choice. Let's see some of the
applications.
- Weatherable Films
Automotive
OEM paint protection, protection of graphics, abrasion-films etc.
- Other applications include
- Laminating Films for use in Security Glazing
- Textile Laminating Films
- Inflatable Membranes
- Medical products that included mattresses, covers, pressure
infuser bags etc.
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