Custom Urethane Molding

What is cast polyurethane?

Cast polyurethane is a polymeric material created by a combination of polyols and diisocyanates that, when extended by various curatives, produces materials with a dynamic array of properties tailored to a wide range of applications.

Polyurethane materials offer a dynamic array of properties which can be tailored to a very wide range of applications. They are a great alternative choice to plastics, traditional rubber and metals because they embody characteristics of each. Cast polyurethane can be produced to resist chemicals, water, impact, shearing, tearing and wide range of temperatures or other hazards which can cause failure in other materials.

Tensile & Tear Strength – In general, polyurethanes have a high tensile (tension) and tear strength compared to other elastomers which makes polyurethane more resilient in harsher elements and more abrasive work conditions.

Polyurethane Advantages

Consider Polyurethane over plastic, metal or rubber, to improve your design.
Polyurethane is a surprisingly versatile material that can bring a solution to your most challenging design applications.  It offers load bearing capabilities, abrasion resistance and impact absorption in a single material, which may be preferable compared to using plastic, metal or rubber (see below).  In many instances, it can produce significant cost savings by eliminating coating or painting, expensive tooling or machining operations.  Some tooling is required, but is often much easier to produce than the tooling required for the other materials.

Molding Processes

Urethane Compression Molding

Liquid polyurethane is poured into a mold and cured in a compression press with capacities up to 250 tons. This technique is most suitable for components that must maintain dimensional accuracy and repeatability.

Urethane Low Pressure Injection Molding:

Injection of liquid polyurethane into a closed mold under low pressure, in a process ideal for projects in which a component size, component shape or tooling configuration would make compression molding impractical.

Open Cast Urethane Molding:

The pouring of liquid polyurethane into an open mold, which is then cured in an oven or on a heated table. Usable on part sizes from less than an ounce to more than 500 lbs. Excellent for projects where conventional tooling would be expensive or impractical.

RIM (Reaction Injection Molding): 

Reaction Injection Molding is the injection of polyols and isocyanates into a closed mold, triggering a chemical reaction that causes the material to expand and form the finished product.