Learning More About Polyurethane Sheets (12/11/2015)

Polyurethane, specifically molded urethane comes in variety of forms when manufactured. One of these forms is in urethane sheets. These sheets can be altered in a wide range of ways from levels of hardness to the characteristics of the plastic. Urethane sheets are so popular because of the wide range of levels of hardness that they are available in as it makes them ideal for a number of different applications. This solid plastic even rivals some metallic materials in terms of strength and memory foam.

Memory foam is on the softer side of the urethane sheet spectrum and is made from a polyurethane molding process in which chemicals are added to the material while it is in a molten state in order to increase the viscosity and density of the material. Once it is inserted into a sheet mold and is cooled, the material is shaped into whatever object is placing weight onto the material. Once the weight is removed the foam slowly returns back to its original shape. These urethane sheets are produced in thick layers that are able to be cut into mattress pads and seat cushions in addition to many other applications.

Hard plastics of urethane are often purchased and even products so that they can be cut down in order to fit a variety of applications. For example these urethane sheets can be used in craft soundproofing areas due to the fact that thermoset reduces noises greatly. No matter what your need may be, the experts at Precision Punch & Plastic are able to listen to your application and find a plastic solution that satisfies your needs and specifications.

Why You Should Choose Polyurethane Bumpers (11/13/2015)

Urethane bumpers are used in a number of different applications, mostly found in conveyor systems in order to assist products down the conveyor lines. These bumpers are in place to help make sure the product travels down the line without getting damaged or broken. In addition to this use, urethane bumpers are also used in crane stops, corner protectors, product directors, and product stoppers. Each of these bumpers is designed for a specific purpose to ensure that each product reaches their destination in the best condition possible.

Now, polyurethane bumpers are used in conveyor lines because of their distinct advantages. There are many advantages of these bumpers, but we will highlight the top four advantages that polyurethane bumpers bring to the table.

Long Lasting: Urethane is a highly durable material, one that can last many years even in constant use. Other materials may need to be replaced every couple of years, urethane bumpers can last for several years before a replacement is needed.

Abrasion Resistant: Abrasion is something that occurs often on a conveyor line, which is why polyurethane bumpers need to be abrasion resistant as they must withstand products with sharp, protruding edges. Because of this characteristic, these rollers are able to withstand normal wear and tear and last for years.

High Strength: Urethane is used because it is a strong material that is able to withstand heavy loads and has excellent strength. Urethane is often used when working with heavy products, like mechanical parts or parts that are filled with water.

Resistant to Ozone and Oxygen: Occasionally, other bumpers break down over time due to exposure to ozone and oxygen. Urethane on the other hand is naturally resistant to these factors, meaning that no matter how much they are exposed to or for how long they will not break down.

Polyurethane Molding for Customized Products (10/29/2015)

Customized products often seem like they are of a much higher quality because they are made with you, the consumer in mind. This is why purchasing from the manufacturer directly has risen in popularity as the increase in technology has allowed for manufacturers to become more efficient at designing and making custom products. This is no different with polyurethane molding, custom shapes are easy to design and achieve thanks to injection molding and other similar cast liquid techniques. Polyurethane is a popular type of polymer because it can cool into an almost foam state or it can cool into a hard, rigid plastic.

Because it is so flexible, polyurethane is in high demand as it can be developed into a number of final products from a single compound. Polyurethane also has a longer average life-span compared to other plastics, contributes heavily to noise reduction, has a natural chemical and heat resistance and even has a higher impact resistance to rubber. On top of all these advantages, polyurethane molding is also a low cost procedure, which provides savings to both polyurethane manufacturers and the customers wishing to purchase custom urethane products.

Both any chemical alterations can be made to get the polyurethane to the right consistency; the polyurethane must reach what is known as a molten state through a heating process. It is during this process that the additional chemicals are added in order to achieve the custom form. Once this process is complete and the proper mixing has taken place, the molten urethane is injected into a mold where it cools and forms into the final product in the shape of the mold. Because of this, custom molds are required in order to achieve a custom urethane product.

Precision Punch & Plastics Launches New Line of Polyurethane Rollers

Minnetonka, Minnesota (10/08/2015)

Precision Punch & Plastic has introduced their new Duroller line of polyurethane rollers. This new product is easy to customized, is impact resistant and can be run without any additional lubrication. They are naturally resistant to oil, water, and solvents and are non-marking.

Standard length of these rollers starts at 20” long and a standard OD roller of 90 A durometer polyurethane with a 75 D bearing grade self-lubricating polyurethane on the core. The bore size is drilled to fit standard shafts but is easily drillable to fit larger shafts. Because Durollers are a lighter weight, they operate much quieter than a traditional roller which means they add considerable noise reduction to any process. Because Durollers are made from a superior grade of urethane these rollers can withstand a great amount of shock and impact without the threat of deforming.

Durollers are made through bonding two high performance urethane compounds, with the inside of the roller consisting of a harder urethane that produces a self-lubricating bearing. This hard core is then bonded with a wear resistant, tough urethane tire which provides the outer layer of the roller with cut resistance along with shock and impact absorption. Durollers are ideal for car wash rollers, conveyors, wire guide rollers, conveyor system drive rollers, and many other applications.

 

Why is Urethane Casting One of the Best (11/13/2015)

There are a number of materials that are used for mass production, the big three materials are metals, rubber, and plastic. Each of these materials has their own sub categories of popular materials from aluminum and stainless steel for metal, or PVC for plastics. Polyurethane is the cream of the crop when it comes to rubber; the physical characteristics alone are reason for the materials popularity. Urethane can be used to create a wide range of products, which only adds to its popularity.

Urethane has some great characteristics that are unique its own, but also has a few characteristics that it shares with metals and plastics. The service life of urethane products is generally longer than that of plastic products and urethane products will maintain more flexibility and elastic memory than that of metals. Other rubber cannot really compare to the high impact resistance of polyurethane either. This is way so many manufactures feel this is the best material for so many different jobs.

Urethane casting is one of the other reasons this material is so preferred among many industry professionals. Urethane can be melted down into a molten state, and then poured into a cast, either an open or closed cast. There are a number of different steps to take in the process depending on what your desired properties of the final application may be. The urethane used in memory foam has a much different process than the urethane used to create urethane wheels, but both can be made through the urethane casting process. One the process is finished typically the urethane does not need any other fabrication steps taken; this is one of many advantages that make it one of the best.

 

Getting to Know Cast Polyurethane (9/28/2015)

There are a number of benefits of cast polyurethane as it is a versatile material that is also resistant to chemicals and abrasions. It is easy to process and inexpensive to produce as well as being stable in water. Polyurethane can be manipulated to be as hard as a golf ball or even softer than natural rubber.

Polyurethane is made through a reaction of a polymer and a curative, the properties of these two substances come together to create the solid elastomer plastic that can then be further manipulated into many other different types of materials with different properties.

Thermosets are used to make cast urethane, these thermosets are reacted one time and then are unable to mold again. This provides the cast properties that can be used to give different characteristics to the final product. By adding a variety of additives, the urethane can change to be resistant to tearing, cutting, and made to be bouncy, slippery, sticky, hard, stretchy, hard, soft, or rigid, all depending on the design of the final product.

Because it is such a versatile method, not to mention inexpensive, these casts are some of the most used materials in the world. They can be found in a number of different industries such as in factories, agriculture, consumer products, manufacturing, automotive, and many other industries and applications.

 

The Process of Urethane Manufacturers (9/14/2015)

There are more steps in the molding process of urethane that urethane manufacturers need to take outside of simply injecting the liquid into a thermoset and letting it cool. There are even completely separate processes that can be used to shape molten urethane into a desired shape. Once this material has been shaped it is important to note that the process is not done as the product will need to go through a number of other fabrication steps.

These secondary processes are necessary as urethane manufacturers are often providing products for a number of different industries and each product comes with their own set of specifications depending on the application. Urethane is a common material as it can be altered chemically while it is still in its molten state. This allows the plastic to become harder or softer depending on the chemicals used and what the customer requires. This allows for urethane manufacturers to provide a wide range of products such as pillows, plastic silverware, gears and everything in between all out of the same facility.

Some of these secondary processes include the piecing together and cutting of urethane pieces to create a whole product, painting or staining, carving or etching and other custom fabrication work. All of the work after the initial process is dependent on what the customer requires and what the final application of the product will be. Sometimes the initial process is all that is needed for certain products.

 

Homopolymer Acetal (Delrin 150) & Copolymer Acetal (7/21/2015)

Precision Punch & Plastics distributes both homopolymer acetal (Delrin 150) and copolymer acetal. We would like to share with you, our valued customer some of the differences associated with both of these acetals.

Mechanical Properties: The strength and stiffness of unfilled homopolymer acetal (Delrin) is approximately 15% greater than the copolymer acetals.

Hot Water/Steam Resistance: Copolymer acetals exhibit greater resistance to hydrolysis as well as higher dimensional stability, especially after prolonged exposure.

Chemical Resistance: In general, the chemical resistance is similar, but may be different depending on the chemical as well as the temperature and concentration encountered. Copolymer acetal does offer better resistance to chlorine-containing solutions, including bleach and strong alkalies, both common-sanitizing chemicals.

Continuous Service Temperature: Generally, the continuous service temperature for both grades are considered the same, 180F. However, the recommended intermittent Maximum Service Temperature for acetal copolymer is 285F, long term 195F. The Maximum Service Temperature for acetal homopolymer (Delrin) is 300F, long term 185F. However, the higher heat deflection temperature of acetal homopolymer indicates that it will exhibit greater mechanical properties during short term exposure.

Wear Resistance: The general wear resistance are considered equivalent for both unfilled acetals.

Machinability: The machinability of acetal products is excellent. The greater stiffness of acetal homopolymer (Delrin) makes it slightly superior for screw machined parts.

Appearance: The cross section of acetal stock shapes tend to contain micro-porosity along the centerline of rod and plate products. Characteristically, acetal copolymer yields less centerline porosity.

For additional information please feel free to call sales at Precision Punch & Plastics at (952) 933-0993 – Outstate (800) 227-0690.

 

How to Produce Polyurethane Parts – 6/26/2015

Polyurethane or urethane is a type of plastic material that is composed of several different types of components. The makeup of polyurethane and its many uses is what makes this type of plastic so popular, especially in plastic production. Urethane is considered a type of elastomer, meaning that is chemical makeup is changed to product flexibility from foam like material to a hard plastic. Since polyurethane has such diversity compared to metal and rubber products, it is widely used throughout many industries.

In addition to what was mentioned above, urethane also provides ozone and radiation resistance, a wide range of densities, many color options, resistance to corrosion, abrasion, and impact, as well as durability. One of the most popular advantages to urethane is the low cost of production compared to its counterparts. Mining, industrial manufacturing, civil engineering, construction, and many others choose polyurethane for plastic extruders to supply their plastic products.

There are a few different processes that product molded urethane, of which inserting a molten pre-polymer with a curative into a mold is the most common. The following are techniques that provide this type of molding:

Open Urethane Casting: is where urethane is poured into a cavity that resembles the shape it will form. It then will be allowed to cool off and then removed as a piece of the molded urethane part.

Injection Molding / Closed Urethane Casting: is where the urethane is inserted into a closed mold. It then cools and is then removed as a complete urethane part.

All steps, including the mixing process, involved in both techniques are just as important as the next. Urethane part manufacturers develop this type of plastic by mixing a pre-polymer with a curative, which causes a chemical reaction to produce the desired urethane texture.

 

The 4 Foundations of Industrial Urethane – 6/3/2015

Urethane has a variety of uses due to the very nature of the plastic. Based on the different proportions of plastic and additives in a mixture, urethane can possess different hardness levels. This fact, in addition to other properties of the plastic make it a “go-to” for a variety of applications in both the industrial and commercial worlds. There are four major ways industrial companies use urethane in, parts, rods, sheets, and pads.

Urethane Rods: These rods are made completely of urethane. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but maintain the ability to be cut into smaller parts depending on the use. Urethane rods are most common among manufacturers that produce bumpers, bushings, and similar urethane products.

Urethane Parts: These parts are produced by melting down urethane and then forming the desired shape for a part. To speed this process up molds are often made to ensure uniform parts are made. Just about every industry uses urethane parts, from the automotive industry to toy manufacturers. The reason urethane parts are so prevalent is due to the fact that they are durable and relatively low cost.

Urethane Sheets: These thin sheets of plastic are typically used for insulation, as moisture barriers, or as noise dampeners. The reason plastic sheets are used in certain applications is due to urethanes resistance to moisture, sound, vibrations, and even sunlight.

Urethane Pads: Urethane pads are basically a thicker version of urethane sheets; these pads are used in a variety of applications such as insulation, floor cushioning, vibration absorption, and so much more.

 

The Varieties of Plastic in Plastic Molding – 3/15/2015

Plastic molding has been around since the late 1800’s, although it wasn’t until recently that the process began to gain in popularity. Today, plastic products can be found everywhere. They’re are practically part of our cultural identity thanks to injection molding effect on making the process cheaper and more readily available than earlier techniques. Around the same time injection molding grew in popularity more types of plastic where developed, entering the plastic market around the 1950s. Each type of plastic had its own set of benefits and negatives that made them more or less suitable for different applications.

Thermoplastic is one of the more well know plastic types that is able to melt and harden numerous times. This means that thermoplastic products are easy to recycle, but unfortunately may become brittle in cold environments. Thermosets, on the other hand, are more reliable at retaining its strength in cold weather, but can only be melted down and formed once. Elastomers retain a certain measure of elasticity and bounce once they have been molded and cooled, which means they are only used for certain types of products such as bouncy balls and tool handles.

Even though each plastic categories have some drastic differences in characteristics, they all go through relatively the same processes all plastic are pliable when they heat up. Once heated, the plastics are then able to be shaped as they cool into new and sometimes unique shapes, which they hold once they are solid again. Injection molded plastics reach particular standards of quality because the process eradicates air bubbles form the plastic as it cools and is also a very precise and clean process.

 

Shaping Plastics – 2/13/2015

Millions and millions of the same pieces of plastic can be produced from just one plastic molding. Long pieces of plastic are made from a process called extruding. Plastic extruding is performed by heating a type of plastic material and having it pushed through a die in order to create a plastic shape. There are many plastic parts that are created by plastic extruding, such as plastic tubing, plastic rods, plastic trim, plastic hoses, and other continuous products. Plastic is a great material to make extrusions from because it is relatively strong, durable and not easily damaged if dropped.

After an initial mold is designed, custom plastic shapes can be created by plastic extruders in specifications to a variety of customer specifications. For example, some companies have hired plastic extrusion companies to create colorful packaging designs in order to make their product stand out and look unique in the way it is packaged. Of course, the extrusion process may seem simple, but that is not always the case. Extrusion design must take into account many details, including what the shape will be used for so that one can select the proper type of plastic and thickness that should be used. There are also many other custom and standard details that extruders must be 100% accurate onósuch as the need to be cut on the spot to the correct length as ordered.

 

Your Next Plastic Profile – 2/6/2015

Just think of your day so far. Can you think of any part of your day where you have not seen some sort of plastic item? I am typing on plastic keys on my plastic laptop right now, so I doubt if you are reading this, you can say you are not touching a piece of plastic right now. Because plastic is such a versatile material, it is used to fabricate a multitude of different shapes and forms.

There is no argument that the plastics industry is doing very well, which is another reason more and more things are being made out of the material. There are a variety of benefits to making plastic your next material of choice for your part, such as plastic is water resistant, inexpensive, recyclable, easy to mold, relatively light weight and so on. One of the more common and demanded plastic extrusion item made by plastic companies is called a plastic profile.

A plastic profile is a stock shape made from the plastic extrusion process that usually includes the shapes of tubes, rods, channels and trim. Plastic profiles can made out of plastics such as vinyl, acrylic, polyurethane, acetal, Derlin®, Lexan®, polypropylene, and more. Plastic profiles are more commonly ordered in large quantities, especially if the profile is a stock item. For custom made plastic profiles, some more time will be needed. Like standard shapes, custom shapes include tubing, pipes, display stands and protective covers among many more. The process of plastic extrusion ensures that each profile is made exactly the same so no one piece looks different from another when using that same profile.