Custom Polyurethane Solutions for Diverse Industries

From its initial development as a substitute for rubber during World War Two, polyurethane has grown in strength as a versatile, multi-purpose material suitable for use in a wide range of circumstances. 

With the growth of so many associated industries, the demand for polyurethane is not likely to slow down any time soon.

At Custom Moulded Polyurethane Ltd, we are at the forefront of delivering high-performance, sustainable polyurethane solutions to a diverse range of industries across the UK. 

Our expertise and dedication to innovation have made us a leader in the polyurethane sector, emphasising the critical role of this versatile polymer in driving technological advancements and ecological responsibility. 

Through our tailored products, from automotive components like custom-made poly bushes to durable industrial parts, we enable businesses to enhance operational efficiency and product longevity. 

This article will explore our commitment to excellence and sustainability, demonstrating how our custom polyurethane solutions are designed not only to meet but exceed the rigorous demands of modern industry. 

Stay with us as we discuss the benefits of polyurethane, our unique approach to product development, and our proactive strategies for sustainability in manufacturing.

The unique properties of polyurethane

Created by reacting a polyol with a polymer diisocyanate in the presence of appropriate catalysts and additives, this substance has as many different derivatives as it does potential applications, whether that’s through use as building insulation or in the creation of car frames.

The reason why polyurethane parts last (and last some more) is largely due to the chemical reaction used to bond its main ingredients. It’s actually a sophisticated process combining two reactive compounds, an organic polyol (containing multiple reactive hydroxyl groups) and a diisocyanate (chemical building block).

By varying ingredient quantities, catalysts and additives, you can manufacture polyurethane as everything from an adhesive, to a foam, right through to incredibly strong blocks.

It can be produced to spring back to shape even when subjected to intense weights and pressure, or to stay as rigid and unchanging as metal. It really is a scientific wonder.

The chemical reaction binds together the molecules in a way that ensures unparalleled dimensional and tensile durability.

Polyurethane wheels and bend restrictors

To demonstrate the breadth of this potential, consider two common but demonstrably different products created by Custom Moulded Polyurethane. On the one hand, there is the polyurethane wheel.

This is a product that was deliberately developed for use on a Supacat launch and recovery system. The L&RS was developed for use by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution to allow their rescue boats to more easily enter and exit the water. Custom Moulded Polyurethane developed these wheels according to their use, making them capable of withstanding difficult terrain and treacherous weather conditions. 

On the other side of this is products like the Polyurethane Bend Restrictor. This product, made especially for use by the communications sector, is designed in such a way as to prevent essential cables or umbilicals from over-bending, reducing the risk of breakages or other such damages. 

Related article: Where to buy custom-made poly bushes in the UK

Buying custom-made poly bushes in the UK

As interest in suspension bushes engineered from polyurethane grows, specifiers are increasingly keen to buy custom-made poly bushes in the UK. 

Where can they get a fast turnaround and a precise part? The reasons to purchase British custom-made poly bushes are many and varied. Both in terms of the advantages of polyurethane, and the value of having R&D support in the UK. 

It then goes on to explain how the team at Custom Moulded Polyurethane responds to individual specs for high-performance bushes.

Why suspension bushes are vital

Before we get on to why CMP is such a leading supplier of polyurethane suspension bushes in the UK, let’s have a quick reminder. 

What is a poly bush? 

Suspension bushes are largely used in automobile manufacturing and have previously been created from rubber. You’ll find different specifications of bushes within vehicle shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, stabiliser bars, tie rods, strut mounts, chassis connection points and within the engine and gearbox mounts, for example. 

The bush is the cushioning and connecting element of joints. Their overall effect in a vehicle’s suspension is to smooth out vibrations and bumps, to give drivers a more comfortable journey.

Related article: Rubber vs. Polyurethane Suspension Bushes

Why buy poly bushes?

Polyurethane suspension bushes have proved to be incredibly reliable and long-lasting. They also have a positive impact on what is known as a vehicle’s NVH rating (Noise, vibration, and harshness). 

While also offering automobile manufacturers a quality-assured, and safety-conscious way to engineer suspension bushes. Polyurethane is used to engineer the inner part of bushes, which does the work of responding to dynamic stress. 

This inner part would be surrounded by steel, aluminium or plastic for example. Polyurethane is ideal for this role, as its tensile properties and degree of elasticity can be varied substantially, without compromising its strength and durability. 

Polyurethane suspension bushes can also withstand extreme temperature, as well as constant wear and tear. They’re also highly resistant to contaminants, as polyurethane can’t be penetrated by oil, grease, dirt or mould.

Reliable supplier of custom-made poly bushes in the UK

Finding a British supplier of custom-made poly bushes can be important in developing a part that serves its purpose accurately and reliably for some time. Calibrating the correct structure of suspension bushings can be a balancing act! 

In some applications, you need a hard poly bush, to improve vehicle control and road handling. However, this then creates the potential for more vibration and less noise dampening. 

If you opt for a low shore hardness in poly bushes, you get a quieter, smooth ride, but compromise some of the vehicle’s handling factors. Being able to buy custom-made poly bushes in the UK provides you with important prototyping opportunities. As well as the guarantee of a swift turnaround. 

Custom Moulded Polyurethane works closely with each individual customer, to create made to order poly bushes that match their specifications flawlessly. This helps automotive manufactures meet their deadlines and their suspension bush performance goals. 

We also frequently receive customer recommendations for poly bush engineering, due to the way we carefully control the cost of tooling and prototypes.

Contact us for a quote for producing poly bushes in the UK, at our British part manufacturing centre. Where we don’t ‘beat around the bush’ when it comes to pinpoint accuracy, excellent customer service and quality control.

Where to buy polyurethane products in the UK?

Growth in the market has been spearheaded by increasing demand for lightweight and durable materials for use in a variety of industries, not only limited to construction and automotive. 

Electronics, furniture, footwear, packaging; a diverse, expanding global economy necessitates a product that provides equally diverse uses. In particular, the reduced environmental impact of bio-based polyurethane is particularly attractive to many industries eager to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practice. 

These are all factors which are contributing to growing demand for polyurethane, the market value of which is expected to reach $81.7 billion by 2022.

Working with Custom Moulded Polyurethane

In the UK market, Custom Moulded Polyurethane is a name that stands out in the supply of customised polyurethane products of high quality. We are well-reviewed online, and benefit from access to a team with years of experience in the polyurethane manufacturing industry. 

Part of the reason for the strength of our name has been our ability to provide such a large number of different products, used by a multitude of industries for a range of uses. Our client list includes mining companies, oil and gas providers, renewable energy developers and the communication sector, though this list is not exhaustive, as they are able to adapt and customise their offering to suit the requirements of their customers. 

The types of products we create vary wildly. Due to the adaptability of polyurethane, its potential uses often seem limitless.

Contact Custom Moulded Polyurethane today

The overall message we at Custom Moulded Polyurethane are trying to convey is our willingness to distinguish ourselves from other competitors in the market by offering unparalleled customer service, with free quotes and sample packs part-and-parcel. 

Our team is always on-hand to answer calls or email, so get in touch now and learn for yourself.

How often do polyurethane parts need to be replaced?

Not often, but much depends on where and how the units are used. The best way to put a ‘best before’ date on items made from PU is to consult an expert within the team at Custom Moulded Polyurethane. We can estimate the level of wear against PU’s unique ability to withstand everything time and use throws at it!

There are not many suppliers of parts for industry who can boast that customers will not necessarily need to repeat their order. Not for some time, anyway.

Of course, we want customers to find new ways to use polyurethane. However, one of the main reasons it is increasingly common in the industry is that parts made from polyurethane perform brilliantly, for much longer.

Polyurethane outlives rubber

When considering ‘How long do PU parts last?’, it is important to measure durability against rival materials. Especially when traditionally rubber has been the go-to for manufacturing bespoke items.

Polyurethane parts outperform and outlast rubber alternatives in multiple situations. Especially in any applications prone to constant ‘abuse’. For instance, when used in vehicles or outdoor machinery, the way polyurethane resists environmental factors and constant friction is literally second to none. 

Don’t forget too, that PU offers superior vibrational absorption when compared to rubber.

Benefits of durable parts

Being able to rely on parts to hold their tensile strength for many years can be a highly attractive proposition. Let’s look at the advantages of specifying durable parts in more detail.

When you order bespoke PU parts and components they provide you with many years of solid service. This reduces the costs involved in constantly replacing units, and of course, the hassle and time involved in repairing machinery and taking it offline to put in fresh parts when they wear down.

Polyurethane, unlike alternative materials for part manufacture, can stand up to an impressive amount of friction too. It holds its integrity even when constantly moving and coming into contact with other materials. This ensures that polyurethane parts resist many everyday reasons to bend, dent, swell, crack, split, flake or shed.

Remember too, that PU parts also resist moisture, oil and other contaminates, coping superbly with extreme temperatures when in situ. You can rely on a polyurethane product to remain fully intact and operational for upwards of ten years. This even applies for constantly in-use wheels and rollers made for PU.

So does that make polyurethane a premium product, at a high unit cost? Unbelievably, despite their unparalleled survival timeframe, the cost of polyurethane parts is relatively low. Making it incredible value for money when you take into account the potential longevity of even moving parts!

Related article: Heavy Duty Mud Flaps – Which material is the most durable

When durability equals safety

Of course, there are industries with complex challenges when scheduling machinery repair and part replacement. For example, the mining, oil and gas sectors. As well as specifiers who need 100% confidence in the integrity of parts and components, such as aerospace and airports. 

For them, the durability of polyurethane is not just about being lean, but also avoiding the many risks their workers and customers face.

When to re-order PU parts

Replacing parts made of polyurethane is something you rarely need to do. When durability matters, specifying this material can save you money but also time. 

Why is polyurethane so long-lasting and when will it wear out?

As suppliers of polyurethane moulded parts, we hope customers continue to find new ways to use this versatile material. As well as opting to replace units made from alternative substances with ones engineered in PU. These new sources of business are vital, as we actively work to create parts that don’t need to be replaced for over a decade!

Also read: Recycle your used Wheels and Rollers

Final Words

At Custom Moulded Polyurethane Ltd, our journey is driven by a commitment to innovation and sustainability. As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the polyurethane industry, our focus remains steadfast on providing bespoke, high-performance solutions that meet the evolving needs of our diverse clientele. 

Our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. As we look to the future, we are enthusiastic about the possibilities that lie ahead—not just in advancing the applications of polyurethane but in fostering a sustainable and efficient industrial environment.