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.