Have you ever wondered, “What is polyurethane foam used for?” If the answer is yes, you’ve come to the right page. Below is a brief overview of what polyurethane is, why it’s so versatile, and details about common polyurethane foam applications.
What Is Polyurethane?
In order to appreciate the versatile applications of polyurethane, it helps to have a basic understanding of what polyurethane is. Polyurethane is a polymer, which is a substance comprised of large molecules that consist of multiple repeating subunits. There are multiple urethane groups linking the molecular units in polyurethane, hence the name polyurethane.
One of the primary reasons polyurethane is so widely used is because it won’t melt when heated, which means it is a thermosetting substance. Depending on the polyols and isocyanates used in making a particular type of polyurethane, it will turn out more elastic and softer, or rigid and tough. RIMNETICS primarily manufactures rigid polyurethane parts, often for medical devices and industrial equipment. These characteristics of polyurethane allow it to provide functionality that is custom-tailored to the part’s purpose.
Common Polyurethane Foam Applications
Polyurethane is such a versatile substance that it is used in countless industries for dozens of applications. It can easily be molded into a wide range of shapes and structures, as well as overmolded to naturally complement an existing piece of hardware. Polyurethane foam is used to create all of the following:
- Appliance covers
- Medical machinery
- Hard plastic parts
- Marine equipment
- Structural frames
What Are the Advantages of Polyurethane?
Given that other substances offer equal or sometimes greater strength compared to polyurethane foam, it’s natural to wonder what the substance’s innate advantages are. One, polyurethane foam is a lightweight alternative to metals, which are common structural materials. When you need a substance to perform precise actions or remain nimble in tight environments, the sheer weight of iron or steel doesn’t work.
Two, polyurethane foam is cheaper to produce, doesn’t require welding, and can be manipulated into virtually any object or shape. This allows it to adapt much more effectively to any application it can be used in, from medical tools and safety equipment to plastic overmoldings and machine enclosures.
Whether you’ve only recently asked, “What is polyurethane foam used for?” or you’ve been learning about it for some time, we hope this page was useful for you. Polyurethane foam remains one of the most versatile substances for manufacturing and functional needs of all kinds. If you’re ready to learn more about how our polyurethane molding services can match your application’s needs, contact us today.