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Urethane sheets are versatile and durable, with different types distinguished by size, color, and hardness. They can be manufactured through extrusion or thermoset processes and used for various industrial and residential applications, including sound insulation and material handling equipment. Some sheets have metal or fabric backing, while others are wax-free or dual-layered. The manufacturing process affects the final quality of the product.
Urethane can be used for many industrial purposes as well as in residential settings. An alternative to plastic, rubber or metal, it can often withstand high impact, hold its shape after being handled, and resist many different chemicals. Heat tolerance is typically another beneficial quality. Different types of urethane sheets can be distinguished by size, thickness, color and hardness, also called durometers. Sheets can be manufactured by extrusion or thermoset, and product variants sometimes include metal-backed, wax-free, or dual-layer urethane products.
The process used to produce a urethane sheet generally affects its final quality. The final products usually begin as a liquid polyurethane polymer, which can be mixed with other compounds according to product guidelines. Once solidified, it is typically heated, extruded through machinery, and rolled into a flat sheet. Extrusion is a process often used to manufacture this durable product.
Heat and energy are typically used to produce a urethane sheet by thermosetting. The sheet molecules are chemically altered into a three-dimensional structure that has a higher melting point than the starting material. Surface durability in extreme environments is typically a feature of thermosetting urethane sheets, as is the ability to block sound when installed in a home.
While one type of urethane sheet may be used as sound insulation in the walls of a home, another has sufficient abrasion resistance to be used in industrial manufacturing. Some sheets can be used for conveyor belts or material handling equipment. Various pads and other coatings used in vehicle, aviation, mining, and steel-service applications are made from urethane. Sheet urethane products are sometimes made into films and adhesives that can be custom sized for each application.
A sheet of urethane may be supported by a metal backing. This setup typically allows you to shape the sheet as needed. There are also fabric-backed varieties that may allow installers to glue the sheet to another surface. Sometimes manufacturing processes are simplified by eliminating the steps where waxes or release compounds are added. Some manufacturers may supply a urethane sheet with one side wax-free or both sides wax-free.
In some cases, a urethane sheet may consist of two layers bonded together. This product generally tolerates harsher conditions than a single ply sheet. Regardless of the type of urethane sheet you choose, there are often various colors, sizes and thicknesses available depending on the process or environment in which it is being used.
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