Performance Polymers
Elastocast®: Polyurethanes Made for Durable Performance
Elastocast® cast elastomers are a class of polyurethane-based materials that are known for their flexibility, durability, and resilience that makes them ideal across a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.
Available in both hot-cast and cold-cast formulations, Elastocast® polyurethane systems offer tailored performance characteristics. From ultra-tough industrial parts to flexible, low-temperature-cured components, Elastocast® empowers manufacturers with versatile solutions for demanding environments.
Key Advantages of Elastocast®
- Higher impact resistance than most plastics and many metals
- Versatility and design freedom to create complex shapes
- Processing characteristics can be adjusted to meet your specific requirements
What are hot-cast elastomer systems?
Hot cast elastomers are polyurethane systems where the components are processed at high temperatures (around 170°F), poured into a mold, then cured to form solid elastomers. These polyurethanes display high-strength properties while retaining elasticity.
Key benefits of Elastocast® Hot-Cast
- Exceptional impact resistance - outperforms many plastics and metals
- High load-bearing capacity and durability
- Performs under extreme conditions
- Excellent abrasion and cut resistance
What are cold-cast elastomer systems ?
Cold-cast elastomers are polyurethane systems processed at ambient or low temperatures and cured without the need for high heat and can range in hardness from the shore "OO" scale to theshore "D" scale for a variety of applications.
Key Benefits of Elastocast® Cold-Cast:
- Ease of processing
- Low tooling costs eliminates need for expensive molds (like injection molding)
- No need to post cure for potential energy savings
- Lower processing temperatures help extend life of molds
- Suitable for complex shapes and custom formulations
- Ideal for low volume manufacturing, prototyping and on-site applications
Elastocast® Application Range
Urethanes have the stiffness of plastics, the low coefficient friction of nylon, the low compression set of synthetic and natural rubber, and a higher impact resistance than most plastics - and even many metals.
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FAQ
Q: What are cast polyurethane elastomers?
Cast polyurethane elastomers are liquid polyurethane materials poured into a mold then cured to create solid parts. They can be formulated to produce parts ranging from very soft and flexible to extremely hard and rigid.
Q: What is the main benefit of choosing cast polyurethane elastomers?
Cast polyurethane elastomers are widely used in industrial applications because they combine outstanding abrasion resistance, impact strength, load-bearing performance, and design flexibility.
Q: What applications commonly use cast polyurethane elastomers?
Cast polyurethane elastomers can be formulated to meet specific physical properties and performance attributes for many applications including:
- Forklift tires and industrial wheels
- Dead-blow hammers
- Conveyor scraper blades
- Rollers and printing rolls
- Pipeline pigs
- Couplings and vibration isolators
- Mining and aggregate equipment
- Wear liners and bumpers
- Material handling components
Q: How are cast polyurethane elastomers different from rubber?
Cast polyurethane elastomers can be formulated to provide rubber-like elasticity, with significantly higher abrasion resistance, greater load-bearing capability, improved tear resistance, and longer service life than traditional rubber materials.
Q: How are cast polyurethane elastomers different from plastic?
Cast polyurethane elastomers can offer the flexibility and superior impact absorption of rubber with the strength and toughness delivered by many rigid plastics.
Q: Where can cast polyurethane elastomers replace metal?
Cast polyurethane elastomers can replace metal in applications where abrasion resistance, impact resistance, noise reduction, weight reduction, or corrosion resistance while being significantly lighter than metal.
Q: Are cast polyurethane elastomers abrasion resistant?
Cast polyurethane elastomers often outperform many rubbers, plastics, and other engineering materials in high-wear environments, making them a preferred choice for applications subjected to continuous abrasion, friction, and impact.