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Urethane & Polyurethane Rollers

Cast Urethane / Polyurethane Rollers

Urethane in the roller and molding industry is most often a liquid that is cast in molds to produce parts or roller covers. We do not use millable urethanes because their physical properties are not near what cast urethane can accomplish or what properties engineers are specifying when “urethane” is requested. In general, millable urethanes are used by covering companies that do not have the capability to supply true liquid cast urethane.

Properties

Cast urethanes are compounded using one of two base urethane materials, ester urethane or ether urethane. Esters and ethers can be further broken down into two subcategories, TDI (toluene di-isocyanate) and MDI (methylene diphenyl di-isocyanate). TDI’s are typically cured with MOCA (MBOCA) while MDI’s are typically cured with TMP’s. Depending on what physical properties are required, other curatives can be used to offer peak performance of the final urethane component. The formulation can be manipulated to achieve the true physical properties required by the engineer for the desired part or roller.

For example, other additives can be combined with the cast urethane formulations to enhance desirable characteristics such as improved or reduced coefficient of friction. A wide range of durometer can be accomplished from 20 Shore A to 70 Shore D as well as different tensile strengths, oil resistance, or compression sets depending upon the urethane formulation. 

Characteristics

 

  • Durability: Urethane is known for its high resistance to wear and tear, which makes urethane rollers ideal for high-load and high-frequency applications.
  • Load Bearing: They can handle significant loads without deforming, which is useful in many industrial and material handling systems.

  • Resilience: Urethane rollers have good shock absorption qualities, which helps in reducing impact and vibration.

  • Flexibility: They come in different hardness levels, which allows for customization based on the specific requirements of the application.

  • Chemical Resistance: Urethane rollers generally offer good resistance to various chemicals, oils, and solvents, making them suitable for environments where such substances are present.

  • Traction: Urethane provides good grip and traction, which helps in controlling the movement of materials on conveyor systems.

  • Temperature Tolerance: They can withstand a range of temperatures, although extreme conditions might require special formulations.

  • Customization: Urethane rollers can be manufactured in various sizes, shapes, and hardness levels, making them versatile for different applications.

 

Benefits of Polyurethane Rollers Include:

  • Improved Abrasion Resistance
  • Cut Resistance
  • Higher bond strength
  • Non-Marking Materials among many others 

Limitations of polyurethane include early failure in high-temperature service, moist hot environments, and when exposed to certain chemicals.

Polyurethane Molded Part Applications:

For polyurethane molded part applications, formulations can be made that will provide several advantages versus metal machined parts. These advantages include low-cost repeatability, lighter weight, and often longer wear than metal.

Types of Rollers

  • Driver Rollers
  • Feed Rollers
  • Nip Rollers
  • V-Rollers
  • Guide Rollers
  • Many More

Urethane Common Names:

  • Polyurethane
  • PU
  • CU

Ask us if we have a cast urethane formulation to improve your roller cover or molded part. 

Cast Urethane vs. Millable Urethane Properties:

We use Nitrile as a baseline rubber guide in this chart.  

(5) = EXCELLENT (4) = ABOVE AVERAGE (3) = AVERAGE (2) = FAIR (1) = POOR

Rubber Compound

Nitrile TDI Ester
Urethane
MDI Ester
Urethane
TDI Ether
Urethane
MDI Ether
Urethane
Millable
Urethane
  BN ESUT ESUM ETUT ETUM MU
Physical Properties            
Hardness Range Shore A 20-95 20-110 85-95 20-110 40-95 40-95
Hardness Range P&J 370-0 370-0 30-13 370-0 200-13 200-13
Abrasion Resistance 3 5 5 3 4 2
Tear Resistance 3 5 5 4 4 3
Load Bearing 4 4 3 5 5 2
Hysteresis 2 2 2 3 3 4
Resistance to Denting 3 5 3 5 3 3
Maximum Service Temperature (C/F) 121/250 105/220 105/220 105/220 105/220 100/175
Ozone Resistance 1 5 5 5 5 2
Resiliency 3 5 5 4 4 2
Solvent Resistance            
Acids 2 1 1 4 4 1
Caustics 3 5 5 1 1 1
Paraffinic Hydrocarbons 5 5 5 2 2 2
Aromatic Hydrocarbons 3 3 3 3 3 1
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons 1 3 3 3 3 1
Water 4 1 1 4 4 2
Ketones 2 3 3 3 3 1
Alcohols 5 3 3 3 3 2
Esters 1 1 1 4 4 1
Recommended Applications            
Coating/Varnishing          
Embossing            
Flexography          
Laminating      
Laser Engraving            
Metal Decorating        
Offset Printing            
Paper Making Industry  
Plastics            
Plate Processors          
Steel Mill Rollers
Textile Rollers          
Wood Industry        
Contact Us at Rol-Tec

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