Polyurethane
Polyurethane (PUR and PU) is a polymer composed of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links.
Urethane has many benefits that plastic does not. With plastics, the higher the durometer, the more likely a part is to crack and break under impact and shock loading. Not so with urethane.
Urethane is not brittle like plastic. It’s a true elastomer capable of tremendous impact resistance even at very high durometers. More importantly, polyurethane retains it elasticity and strength over the complete range of hardness.
Even at high durometers, urethane can be stretched to substantial elongations and will still return to its original dimensions.
Standard Durometer & Colors
Urethane O-rings typically have a standard durometer range of 70 to 95 Shore A.
Most cast urethanes are available in grades that range from clear, to opaque, to amber. That means they can be mixed with a variety of dyes and pigments making it easy to color-code parts. In fact, urethane rollers and belts used in print machinery are often color-coded to simplify maintenance and ensure proper replacement.
Temperature Range for Neoprene O-Rings
Urethane O-rings can operate effectively in a temperature range from -40°C to +82°C (-40°F to +180°F), making them suitable for a variety of moderate temperature applications.
Recommended Use for Urethane O-Rings
Urethane O-rings are recommended for use in environments requiring excellent abrasion resistance and high tensile strength. They are ideal for various industries and applications, including:
- Hydraulic systems
- Pneumatic systems
- Automotive
- Industrial machinery
- Oil and gas
- Mining equipment
Urethane Applications
Urethane boasts higher load-bearing capacity, better compression set, and superior tolerance to greases, oils, oxygen, and ozone. Man-made urethane can be easily formulated to outlast rubber and withstand sunlight and outdoor environments.
Benefits of Using Urethane
Urethane O-rings offer excellent abrasion and tear resistance, making them highly durable in dynamic applications. They have high tensile strength, which enhances their ability to withstand heavy loads and high pressures.
Urethane also provides good resistance to oils, fuels, and other non-polar solvents, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. Additionally, urethane O-rings exhibit excellent resilience, allowing them to maintain their shape and sealing properties over extended use. These qualities make urethane O-rings a reliable and cost-effective choice for demanding sealing applications.
With even the hardest urethanes, you can achieve a significantly better impact resistance than plastics and composites.
Additional Information for Urethane O-Rings
You can find additional technical information related to this and other materials regarding chemical compatibility, resistance to abrasion, suitability for dynamic or static applications, temperature operating ranges, longevity, and other factors on our Technical Information pages.
Rocket Seals is a leading seal and O-ring specialist, supplying O-rings and seals for all industrial applications.
We offer same-day shipping for many parts and perform quality checks of every order, so you know that your critical parts will meet your application specifications.
Contact us today to see how we can solve your sealing challenges.