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Cast urethane is a popular choice for industrial and manufacturing applications due to its quick mold process and strength-to-weight ratio. However, the quality of the finished product is limited by the prototype and the vulcanized rubber mold has a limited lifespan. Larger parts may require longer curing times and excessive temperatures can cause degradation.
Cast urethane is used for a variety of everyday products. With the various benefits this polyurethane polymer has to offer, it has become a popular choice for many industrial and manufacturing applications covering a wide range of molded parts. But the same properties that make this material suitable for some projects also make it a bad choice for others.
Cast urethane is a quick mold process. With quick setup, easy pouring, and simple mold making, urethane is the easy choice for projects that require a strong product in minimal time. The mold used for this process is made by pressing the vulcanized rubber prototype to create an impression which will then be used to mold the cast urethane parts. Urethane products created this way require very little factory tooling or finishing, as the mold is an exact replica of the prototype.
However, this quick mold process has some downsides. The finished cast product is only as good as the impression made by the prototype. Also, the vulcanized rubber mold is only usable for a limited number of castings before the quality of the casting begins to deteriorate. Also, if there is no prototype, there is no way to make the mold to form the cast urethane.
The second property of cast urethane is its strength relative to its weight. Cast urethane can adhere to many metals or be used to replace metal in a variety of applications to dampen noise and extend the useful life of certain products. Bearings, pulleys, rollers and wheels made from this material were used to replace metal parts with very little difficulty. Urethane products offer long lasting strength and durability with minimal need for lubrication. With the resistance of cast urethane to abrasion, chemicals and impact, it can withstand the rigors of mechanical processes better than most plastics and many metals.
While the light weight and brute strength of urethane products offer definite advantages, in some cases there are also disadvantages to using cast urethane. Larger parts may require more thorough mold making processes and longer curing times before the parts are ready to use. Additionally, urethane bearings and bushings should not be used in machinery that experiences a normal operating temperature in excess of 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius), as these excessive temperatures can cause the part to degrade.
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