Urethane sheets are versatile products that can be used in a variety of industrial applications. They are made from polyurethane, which is a synthetic polymer known for its durability and strength. It is far from a traditional material. Open cast urethane sheets can be used in the manufacturing, construction, and automotive industries, plus others that have lower tooling costs.

A Brief History of Urethane

Back in 1937, a German chemist named Friedrich Bayer first created the original blueprint for polyurethane, also known as PU or Perlon U. The year 1940 was marked as the year that saw the successful development of the first polyurethane elastomers. Their physical properties are comparable to those of rubber.

This new kind of material immediately became a cheaper option than normal rubber during World War II, which was an expensive commodity due to its scarcity. One polyurethane use was as a protective coat on the outside of airplanes used in the battle. Later on, researchers came to the realization that polyurethane could be merged with nylon to create a material that was not only lightweight, but also had elastic memory.

This elastic memory was accomplished by synthesizing the material into fine threads. The first commercial manufacture of polyurethane foam was in the United States in 1953. The foam was stiff and its primary use was insulation. This lasted only until 1956, when more flexible and less expensive foams entered the market. When moldable polyurethane was invented in the late 1950s, it was already being utilized as a binder.

The malleability of the material allowed for the development of new uses, such as the production of versatile pillows. The development of polyurethane has now progressed to the point where it can manufacture several useful types of materials, such as coating materials made of polyurethane, stretchy strands, and injection molded parts. Polyurethane components can be found in any number of things.

The Other Uses of Urethane Besides Plastics

Adhesives, coatings, and sealants made from liquid urethane are the most popular applications for this material. Urethane adhesives are used in the automotive and construction industries because they offer high bond strength, flexibility, and weather resistance. Coatings and sealants made from urethane protect surfaces from abrasion, chemicals, and corrosion.

Urethane is also used as an elastomer in tires, rollers, and other impact-absorbing applications. This material is well-suited for these uses because it has high abrasion resistance and can withstand compression without deforming. The product is also used to make gaskets and o-rings because of its excellent resistance to chemicals and temperature extremes.

The Basics of Urethane Sheets

When it comes to understanding industrial polyurethane, it is important to first understand the basics of standard cast urethane sheets. Urethane is a polymer that can be either rigid or flexible and is known for its high resistance to wear and tear. This makes it an ideal material for a wide variety of applications, in industrial settings and beyond. By understanding the basics of urethane sheeting, you will be able to make better-informed decisions about their use in your own projects.

What Puts the Poly Into Polyurethane?

Urethane is flexible and malleable, making it perfect for item sizing and manufacturing. It is a polymer, which is a long chain of organic units that are connected to each other through chemical compounds and can be derived from both natural and synthetic sources. It is the material’s molecular structure, which consists of long chains of alternating organic units, that gives it physical properties like hardness and resilience.

The real strength of urethane, however, lies in its versatility. It can be molded, cast, or extruded into a variety of shapes and sizes. And, because of its tear resistance, it’s often used in material handling applications.

When it comes to plastics, polyurethane sheets are in a category of their own. That’s because this versatile material can be either rigid or soft, depending on how it’s made. Polyurethane is created by combining a polyol and isocyanate, and the ratio of these two ingredients combined with curing agents determines the hardness of the final product.

Polyurethane sheets are often used in applications where physical strength is a must. This kind of material is flexible and does not permanently deform, so it works well for things that need to bend or give, like chute liners or pads. For material handling, where durability is key and a high degree of longevity is required, polyurethane reigns supreme.

Durometer Ratings, Thickness, and Common Measurements

Urethane sheeting comes in a wide variety of standard durometer ratings, thickness, and common measurements. When choosing a urethane sheet for your application, it is important to consider the stocked inventory dimension tolerances. This can help to ensure you are getting the right product for the job that will also best suit your needs.

Durometer Rating

Polyurethane formulations cover a very broad hardness range, from very soft to very hard. The hardness range of a urethane sheet is measured from 40 Shore A to 75 Shore D. On the low end of the scale, Shore 00 urethanes have a gummy feel and are used in applications where flexibility and lower impact shock absorption are key. On the high end of the scale, shore D urethanes are much harder and are used in applications where abrasion resistance and durability are key.

Thickness

Cast urethane sheets are available in a wide variety of thicknesses, from 0.125″ to over 6″. These are measured in either English or metric units. When choosing the right durometer and thickness for your application, polyurethane flat sheet stock is available in thickness standard sizes. It is important to consider the weight of the object that will be resting on the urethane sheet as well as the desired level of thickness. This can help you determine whether you need a thin, flexible sheet, or a thick, rigid one.

Common Measurements of Urethane

Urethane sheets are conveniently available in standard stock size as well as custom sizes. Standard stock sizes are 48″ x 138″, 48″ x 120″, 48″ x 96″, and 48″ x 48″. These dimensions allow for easy handling and transportation of the sheets, which is ideal for many applications. Custom sizes are also available for those who need a specific size or shape for their project. This is to fit your specific application needs so you don’t have to worry about waste and can get the most out of your urethane sheet.

Urethane Sheets and Pigmentation

Standard cast urethane sheets can be made in a wide selection of custom colors to achieve the right look for your industrial application. In addition, urethane can be formulated to resist UV exposure, meaning that your custom colors will not fade over time. Urethane is also well-suited for applications requiring sharp edges. When it comes to industrial applications, urethane sheets offer a lot of advantages. With the ability to customize color and formulate for different purposes, urethane can be adapted to fit many needs.

Common Industrial Applications

As mentioned before, urethane sheets are often used in common industrial applications. These applications typically require a high degree of versatility, durability, and abrasion resistance. Whatever the application, urethane can be formulated to meet specific needs. It can withstand both high and low temperatures, making it ideal for a wide range of projects. Urethane also has excellent chemical resistance, which makes it a good choice for many industrial applications that involve harsh chemicals.

Liners & Covers

A good-quality urethane sheet will protect the surface to which it is applied. This is because urethane has high tear and impact resistance. It can resist abrasion, both from objects and from chemicals. Urethane sheets can be used to protect many different kinds of surfaces, including:

Metal

Urethane can be used to line and replace metal surfaces to protect them from wear and tear. It is much more durable than traditional plastics, and it will not tear or wear out as fast. When applied to metal, urethane can provide a long lasting buffer between media and the metal surface. This allows economical replacement and longevity for equipment.

Noise Abatement

It is often that a lot of noise is generated in industrial settings. From large factories to the mining industry, there always seems to be some form of metal on metal contact. This creates a lot of noise that is often distracting to employees. Urethane sheets can be used to provide a shock absorption pad between these metal surfaces which significantly reduces noise and wear.

Abrasive Material Handling

Urethane pads can be used to line surfaces that come into contact with abrasive media such as rocks, sand, coal, ore, and salt. We often see applications for sheet in the mining industry where large volumes of abrasive substances are processed through expensive equipment that needs protection. Another common application is with chute and hopper liners in the agriculture industry. Here, pu sheets line metal grain chutes and hoppers to protect against degradation.

Cast Urethane Products

Cast polyurethane products are created using a mixture of a prepolymer and a curing agent. Different prepolymers and different curatives can be combined in custom ratios that allow endless versatility. Because of this, polyurethanes can be manufactured in a vast hardness range from 10 Shore A to 75 Shore D. Additionally, a multitude of physical properties can be created through resin and curative combinations. This can include tailoring tear strength, chemical resistance, rebound, and compression set to specific jobs.

Depending on the project, cast urethanes can be used to create a plethora of products such as rollers, bumpers, wheels, bushings, etc. Though, one the most common uses is in stock shapes.

Some common stock cast urethane products include:

Sheet

Polyurethane sheet is most often used as a liner to protect surfaces from wear. It is extensively used in the metal forming industry, mining industry, and automotive industry. It is very versatile and can be ordered in custom sizes and thicknesses. This allows cost savings and easy emplacement.

rod

Rod made from polyurethane is an excellent replacement for traditional hard plastics like UHMW, HDPE, Nylon, and Delrin. Unlike these hard plastics, urethane rod is non-marring and will not deform when impacted. This is due to its elastics memory. Urethane rod can be manufactured in any length, diameter, and hardness.

tube

Urethane tube can be made in standard or customized ODs and IDs. Lengths are generally 12″ to 48″. Common applications include springs, roller covers, protective sleeves, and liners. Cast urethane tubes differ from extruded tube as they use a thermoset urethane versus a thermoplastic urethane. Thermoset urethanes have much better physical properties.

bar

Cast urethane bar stock is used as a machinable plastic for milling or turning urethane parts from stock. The advantage to polyurethane bar stock is that it outperforms traditional materials like UHMW. Furthermore, bar stock can be used in other applications such as bumper pads, squeegees, and belt scrapers.

custom sheet, bar, & rod

All cast urethane stock such as sheet, rods, tubes, and bars can be custom manufactured. Because of urethanes liquid starting state, it allows for endless versatility. Any durometer, size, shape, and color can be manufactured. Custom tubes, elbows, rods, blocks, and sheet are very common in the manufacture of polyurethane products. Orders can be filled fast and efficiently with little or no tooling costs.

Common Products that Use Urethane Sheets

Urethane is such a versatile material so there are many items that industry uses on a daily basis that are made with this polymer. Whether in the form of elastomer, foam, or castable liquid, urethane can be found in many places.

While most people don’t think about it, urethane is actually a vital material in many different industries and products. By understanding a little more about this material, you can begin to see just how important it is for your company.

These are a few examples of products that you have probably come into contact with something that contains urethane:

bench covers

Urethane sheet is often used as a bench top cover to prevent surface damage. Not only does it protect the table surface from marring, but it also protects the components on the table. Generally, assembly operations will use urethane pads to protect the components they are assembling on work tables.

liners

One of the most common uses for polyurethane sheets is as liners. It is often seen in the agriculture industry as grain chute liners and hopper liners. You will also see urethane sheets in the mining industry being used as equipment liners and blast pads (among others).

metal forming pads

Metal forming pads require a great deal of tensile strength to withstand repeated, multi-ton impact. Polyurethane pads are excellent for this application and provide a long-lasting alternative to rubber.

mining industry Pads

Urethane sheeting is a staple in the mining industry. It is use to protect metal machinery from abrasive media such as gravel, sand, ore, and salts. In general its use is in aggregate handling where it provides a cost effective buffer for wear.

Conclusion

As you now know, urethane flat sheet stock offers a variety of benefits for industrial applications. By being abrasion resistant, plus by having oil resistance, wear resistance, chemical resistance, and insulation properties, it be used in so many applications that will improve the efficiency and productivity of your business.

Not only can you guarantee the quality of your finished product, but you can also save time and money in the long run. By considering all the urethane sheets applications, it’s easy to see why they’re becoming increasingly popular in the industrial sector. If you’re looking for a reliable and cost-effective provider of urethane sheets, then be sure to reach out to Uniflex.

We are experts in custom-molded urethane and cast precision rubber sheets. We can design, create, and manufacture all under one roof, which allows us to keep pricing low and lead times short. Since 1979, we have specialized in rubber combined custom molded urethane, and we have been a reliable supplier to the aviation, automobile, electronics, military, oil, gas, mining, and marine sectors. We strive for client satisfaction and supply high-quality, low-cost custom-molded components on which industries all over the world have come to depend. Request a quote today to see how we can help you with your urethane sheets or cast polyurethane sheets needs. Contact us now, and let’s create something together.

No matter what kind of project or use you need it for, you can’t go wrong with polyurethane sheeting. It works for all sorts of applications and comes in a wide array of colors and durometers, making it one of the most versatile materials available. Manufactured from thermoset urethane material, polyurethane flat sheet stock cannot be reheated or reformed, but can be machined.

Polyurethane sheets have a superior physical properties and quality so they can outperform products that are manufactured from rubber and many other traditional materials. Furthermore, polyurethane sheets can be used in a vast array of industries, which is why they are consistently in high demand. They are also the preferred choice because of their relatively low production cost and short manufacturing lead times.

In this blog post, we share everything there is to know about polyurethane sheets. We also provide in-depth knowledge about why this ultra tough material is the ultimate option for all your industrial needs.

Why Urethane Sheets?

Urethane flat sheet stock has the ability to provide reliable performance and endure all kinds factors in different applications. It is one of the most preferred materials in a variety of industries. This is especially true for standard-cast polyurethane sheets, which can be used as media blast material, as well as chute liners, protective covers, and forming pads.

The Importance of Urethane Sheets in Manufacturing

Urethane characteristics are extremely versatile so this elastomer is used throughout the world in all kinds of industries for a variety of applications. There are many advantages polyurethane has over other materials; it is tougher, stronger, more adaptable, and more durable. It can provide better value compared to parts made from other materials which will often break, crack, swell, tear, and deteriorate.

Urethane as a Material

Urethane boasts a higher load-bearing capacity and can withstand a tremendous temperature range without becoming brittle or cracking. As a result, this impressive elastomer has resistance to many environmental hazards, including:

  • Abrasion
  • Compression
  • Impact
  • Oxygen and ozone attacks
  • Chemicals

Polyurethane sheets have many chemical compounds and can boast up to ten times higher abrasion resistance compared to other elastomers. It can even provide long-term water stability. As an abrasion-resistant material, it has excellent tear and tensile strength, plus a higher load-bearing capacity. Polyurethane sheeting is the ideal choice for a wide array of tough applications.

Depending on the usage, polyurethane flat sheet stock can be a better choice than metals because it’s a very resistant to wear. Its higher load-bearing capacity can be measured in tension, compression, and shear, where it can be made into polyurethane components that are thinner, lighter, and more durable. Because of these unique properties, the machinability of hard urethane is similar to both metals and plastics.

A Brief History of Urethane

Polyurethanes were first created in 1937 when Friedrich Bayer, a German chemist, developed Perlon U. It is known as the earliest prototype of the polyurethane polymer. It wasn’t until three years later in 1940 that the first successfully developed polyurethane elastomers appeared. Polyurethane elastomers had similar physical properties to rubber so they were often used as a replacement in many applications during World War II.

Later on, scientists discovered that synthesizing polyurethane and combining it with nylon resulted in a stretchable and lightweight material. In 1953, polyurethane foam was first commercially produced in the U.S. It was rigid and could be ideally used as insulation – although this changed when a cheaper and more flexible variant was introduced in 1956.

During the late 1950s, polyurethanes began to be used as adhesives and moldable urethanes were developed. This moldable material with elastic memory allowed for even more applications, which included flexible cushions. Today, development in polyurethane has been further refined to create more materials, including:

  • Polyurethane coating
  • Thermoplastics
  • Spandex fibers

Urethane Specifications

There are many reasons why polyurethane sheets are the go-to option in various industries. Urethane characteristics are almost boundless; below are the specifications for this highly versatile material.

Durometer Specifications

When considering the hardness and range of production behind urethane, it is one of the most versatile materials available. This material has a durometer measurement that can range from as hard as a bowling ball to as soft as a marshmallow. Many polyurethane flat sheet stocks can be graded across three different durometer standard stock sizes and can offer a full range of hardness, which can be seen below:

  • Shore OO: This scale is used to measure very soft materials.
  • Shore A: This scale is used to measure rubber as well as many other elastomers; it is the most common scale.
  • Shore D: This scale is used to measure harder materials such as rigid plastics.

With this scale in mind, you should also remember that a durometer standard stock size is only a general indicator of a material’s physical properties, but it won’t be able to accurately assess just how versatile urethane is. If you’re not looking for a certain hardness, you can look into other tools for measuring other properties, such as:

  • Shock-absorption
  • Rebound
  • Temperature resistance
  • Flex strength
  • Water / chemical resistance
  • Stretchability
  • Superior impact resistance

The durometer standard stock size is one of the most readily available metrics, but not the only one to consider when looking into polyurethane products.

Formulations and Their Effects

Polyurethanes are the result of a chemical reaction between an isocyanate and a polyol, creating a pre-polymer. This is then cross-linked to a curative, forming the polyurethane – this may seem like a simple and straightforward chemical formula, but there is a lot of room for variability and more complex results.

For example, thermoset polyurethanes are typically made up of Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) and Methylendiphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI). These are chemicals used to make many household products and offer good properties at both low and high temperatures.

Each of these unique combinations will create different chemical bonds and can result in different physical properties in the material. Moreover, there are many chemicals that can be added as curatives for polyurethanes, which opens up the possibility of creating something completely new.

With this many factors involved, it’s not hard to come up with an endless variety of combinations and formulations just by making small adjustments to the base formula. This is why product teams and engineers need to evaluate all of their urethane products and avoid choosing results according to just one or two criteria. Throughout the product development process, it’s imperative for creators to take the urethane formulation into account.

Chemical Resistance and Interaction with Oils, Hydrocarbons, and Solvents

Urethane is inherently oil resistant and solvent resistant, meaning anything made from polyurethane components will do well when used in applications that expose it to oil and fuel. One thing that can considerably influence urethane chemical resistance is the chemicals used to make it. As such, it is highly critical to understand these essential pieces of information about the environment and stresses that the product will be put under.

Knowing this ahead of time will ensure that users will have the right kind of formulation in the urethane they’re interested in and that it can answer their needs. Apart from chemicals, urethane’s resistance to various solvents can be affected by the duration of contact with the substance, different temperatures, and even the concentration of the substance.

When it comes to water, oil, and grease, urethane’s material properties can stay stable, with only a small amount of swelling in some cases. Furthermore, urethane can hold up its form against a wide range of chemicals, and is also solvent resistant, provided that the chemicals’ pH levels aren’t too basic or too acidic. Urethane components are most resistant to neutral pH levels.

Urethane in Manufacturing

You may already know how often urethane is used in manufacturing, but knowing further details can help you determine why it is the preferred choice. Below are just a few of the most common industries where you will see polyurethane flat sheet stocks in action.

Common Applications

Polyurethane sheets are an elastomeric material that come in varying colors and hardness ranges, with a standard size of up to around 6 inches thick. Variations in both the physical and mechanical properties can range from a rigid, high-density sheet – this will have a durometer measure of Shore D – to something that’s much softer. Because of their hardness and abrasion-resistant properties, polyurethane sheets will generally perform better against metal, plastic, and rubber components.

Moreover, polyurethane is known to handle fatigue well and has an excellent load-bearing capacity, is cut resistance, and has resistance to other environmental factors. The elastomeric composition of polyurethane flat sheet stock can be both flexible and rigid so it is commonly used in construction, where its resistance to the environment is heavily advantageous for wear resistance. Polyurethane sheets can be also combined with cast-in reinforcement materials, such as glass, graphite, and fiberglass for more applications.

Common Elastomer Applications

#1. Material Handling

Provides longevity in applications such as chute liners, hopper liners, and concrete forms.

#2. Metal Forming

Provides elastic strength and protection against compressive forces that are incurred during metal stamping and metal processing.

#3. Grain Handling

Used extensively in the agriculture industry as liners for grain bins, hoppers, elevator buckets, valves, and chutes.

#4. Aggregate

Provides excellent wear resistance against abrasive media such as sand, rocks, concrete, and ore. Generally used as a liner to protect metal components.

Other Non-Elastomer Applications

Industrial Settings

Rigid, low-density polyurethane has a wide range of uses, with the biggest one being in applications for thermal insulation. When a building is constructed, it is imperative to insulate the walls with low-density rigid polyurethane flat sheet stock to significantly reduce cooling and heating bills. This is possible because polyurethane sheets can keep the heat in during winter and out during the summer.

As a result, you will be able to cut carbon emissions from your home or commercial property while helping to limit the negative impact that expending energy will have on the planet. Furthermore, polyurethane flat sheet stock has a life span of more than five decades and won’t need any maintenance. As such, it is the ideal choice of material for those looking to build a new construction.

Residential Settings

Polyurethane sheets and products can be molded into foam that can be used in a wide variety of furniture. This kind of foam comes in different qualities, durability levels, firmnesses, and densities. Those with higher quality and density will often result in a higher price (usually sold per sheet by the quarter-inch).

Softer and more temporary foams are used more often for short-term pieces like those in baby mattresses. On the other hand, luxurious, top-of-the-line polyurethane sheets will usually be reserved for things like bay window cushions. Finally, the fabric found in standard car seats will often be made from polyurethane, because it is both durable and comfortable.

Advantages Over Other Materials

There are plenty of reasons why many people prefer polyurethane flat sheet stock over other materials. Here are just a few:

Very broad hardness range

Polyurethane products have a very broad hardness range based on the pre-polymers’ chemical and molecular structure. As a result, their hardnesses can range from anywhere between 20 Shore A to 85 Shore D.

Flexibility

Polyurethane sheeting can be very flexible and is the preferred choice for various applications. It has good recovery and elongation properties.

High load-bearing capacity

Because polyurethane can carry heavy loads in terms of both compression and tension, it can be used in all kinds of applications. While it may change in shape under huge loads, its elastic memory means it will always go back to its original shape once the load is removed.

Superior impact resistance

Polyurethane is an ideal solution in challenging projects because of its high tensile properties and high tear resistance.

Oil, grease, and water resistance

Polyurethane sheet can potentially last for many years when applied in subsea environments. Its properties also allow it to remain stable in oil, grease, and water with minimal swelling.

Wide resiliency range

Because it can be created to become hard, urethane products have high resiliency and may be a good electric insulation choice. If you’re looking for shock absorption, look for low rebound compounds with a resilience range between 10% to 40%. If you need quick recovery with your polyurethane flat sheet stock, look for high-frequency vibrations in compounds with a resilience range between 40% to 65%.

Mold, fungus, and mildew resilience

Many polymer-based polyurethanes don’t allow for growth of any kind, whether it’s fungal, mold, or mildew. This material is highly suitable for tropical environments. Furthermore, special additives can be added to improve resilience in polyurethane flat sheet stock and other related materials.

Strong bonding properties

These sheets can bond to many kinds of materials during the manufacturing process, including metals, wood, and other plastics. Polyurethane is the ideal partner for rollers, wheels, and inserts.

Great performance in harsh environments

Urethane products are highly resistant to extreme temperatures, including all kinds of tough environmental conditions. This is due to the chemicals used in their creation, which rarely cause degradation in the material.

Short production times

When compared to traditional thermoplastic materials, the urethane flat sheet stock option has a shorter lead time. It also has lower production costs compared to traditional materials when custom sheet sizes, colors, and durometers are required.

Cost Differences

When compared to other parts made from plastic, urethane parts will have a somewhat similar cost. However, making the casts for urethane products will cost less, since most casts will be made out of affordable metal. Other sheet extrusion methods may provide cost savings in mass but they require larger scale production volumes and do not provide the same physical properties as hot cast urethanes. In the long run, cast urethane sheet is more cost-effective than extruded urethane sheet because it will provide better physical properties and custom, low waste production.

Metal, another polyurethane competitor, is more expensive to manufacture. Casting metal cannot be done without the use of heavy-duty machines and welding processes. These extra steps aren’t needed for casting urethanes, which is much more straightforward.

When compared to rubber, polyurethane has higher material costs, but is less expensive to manufacture. At the point of purchase, polyurethane will cost slightly more than both synthetic and natural rubber. Be that as it may, polyurethane usually lasts longer than rubber materials.

Conclusion

Polyurethane flat sheet stock is among some of the most powerful, flexible, and versatile material available on the market today. It has useful chemical properties, it can be as soft or as hard as needed, it is abrasion resistant, oil resistant, and solvent resistant, and it can be used in many different projects, both industrial and residential. Additionally, the base formulation for the urethane flat sheet stock can be easily changed to serve any purpose the manufacturer needs and as a result, it has a near-infinite variety of combinations.

No matter what kind of application you wish to use your polyurethane sheeting for, you can be sure that you’re in good hands with Uniflex. Please give us a call at 248-486-6000 or contact us online directly through our website. We have experienced staff eager to help you plan out your next project and get the materials and parts you need!

Over the last 50 years, nearly everything about food has undergone a significant change – how we cook it, buy it, eat it, raise it, grow it, and package it. The modern food and beverage industry is much more focused on sanitation, hygiene and safety in their production, packaging, and distribution practices to eliminate the risk of contamination.

In this post, we will take a look at some of the vital facts you need to know about food-grade urethane pertaining to the food processing industry today.

Transition From Cheap Plastic To Food Grade Urethane

As seals and gaskets are two of the most significant components in almost all food processing systems and equipment, they also have undergone major modifications. Instead of using the seals and gaskets made from standard plastic materials – which was the norm up until a couple of decades ago – the food processing manufacturers are now making use of food-grade urethane.

This change occurred after the industry leaders realized that most of the sanitary issues and food contamination are caused by gasket/sealing units made from subpar quality materials. While there are many options when it comes to gasket materials, such as Viton, silicone, and EPDM, food-grade urethane or polyurethane is the only FDA-approved material due to several reasons:

  • It has high abrasion and impact resistance and will not crack, tear, or break easily.
  • It has an extremely high load-bearing capacity.
  • It has exceptional tear-resistance and high-tensile properties.
  • It is capable of demonstrating high mechanical strength even at exceedingly low temperatures.
  • It is resistant to harsh environmental factors involving acids, oils, solvents, and heat.
  • It possesses a wide molecular structural variability.
  • It lasts much longer than other gasket/sealing materials such as plastic, silicone, rubber, fiberglass, felt, and neoprene.
  • It prevents the growth of mold, mildew, and fungi even when it is in constant contact with edible or liquid items.
  • It is resistant to aromatic hydrocarbons, and vegetable and mineral oils.
  • It offers superior performance at temperatures ranging from -30°F to 220°F

Choose FDA-Compliant, Food-Grade Urethane For Your Food Processing Applications

Under section #177.21000, subpart F, food grade urethane is acceptable for repeated contact with edible items. If you’re looking for non-allergenic, non-marking, and non-toxic material for your food-related operations, FDA-approved polyurethane is the perfect choice.

In addition to gaskets and seals, applications include:

  • Transfer systems and hoppers
  • Feet and bumpers
  • Wheels and bumpers
  • Inspection tables
  • Chutes and chute liners
  • Conveyor systems
  • Sprockets
  • Belt scrapers
  • Custom molded parts

Contact Us For Quality, FDA-Approved, Food Grade Urethane & Polymers

The Food & Drug Administration has set a limited list of approved polymers that are considered safe to be used in the food processing industry and are allowed to be used for parts that come in contact with food items.

Our food-grade urethane components are certified by the FDA for both dry and wet applications. This means that regardless of what type of environment you are processing food in, Uniflex Inc. polyurethane products are the solution you need.

If you have any questions, you can call us at 248-956-6765 or request a quote online.

Rubber seals prevent the unwanted leakage of liquids and gases in various components. For example, they are used on pumps to keep them from leaking out too much oil or developing air bubbles that could cause problems with their operation. Rubber seals may also be utilized on valves, vacuum seals, pipe joinery, and much more.

However, not all seals are built equal. The design of a rubber seal has numerous components to ensure that it performs well in any environment. An O-ring, for instance, is a common industrial rubber seal that relies on mechanical compressive deformation to function as a barrier between mating surfaces, restricting liquid or gas flow in specific regions.

As a result, several elements must be considered in the way an O-ring shape is designed to ensure that the compressive force is sustained and that a good seal is achieved. Here are a few more facts about these rubber components you should be aware of:

They Are Your Best Bet Against Damages

Rubber seals have many different characteristics that make them useful in a variety of situations. Flexibility, elasticity, strength, and friction are just a few of the properties that come to mind when thinking about rubber. They also help to prevent vibration and are airtight.

Good quality rubber seals are the key to avoiding water damage. The long-lasting benefits and ability to prevent leaks make rubber seals popular in an extensive range of industries. This includes the construction industry, where they can be used for protecting against moisture exposure that may cause corrosion in metal parts below ground level. These rubber products are also utilized in preventing weathering damages.

They Are Useful Across Many Industries

The durability of rubber makes it a favorable and stable material for many applications across different industries. This versatility means that even with changes occurring in the environment such as frequent temperature fluctuations or exposure to chemicals, you can be sure your product or machine parts will last longer than expected!

Rubber seals are an excellent option for any company in sectors that utilize a lot of machinery to manufacture products. They are ideal for firms involved in mining, manufacturing, oil and gas extraction, and so on.

They Are Different From Rubber Gaskets

Gaskets are helpful in any application where you need to seal off spaces. You can find them in home appliances, construction tools – even your car! These rubber parts come as rings or sheets made from a soft rubber that contracts when heated so it fits snuggly.

On the other hand, rubber seals include a variety of different types. O-rings, valve stem, rotary, and mechanical seals are examples of these broader categories. They are utilized in more active applications such as motors, engines, pumps, and rotary shafts in contrast to a gasket, which is used simply for static applications.

Seals are generally flat and round, with a slanted inner rubber ring surrounded by a metal or plastic outer ring. The tilted angle of the seal’s inner layer aids in dynamic applications’ resistance to liquid leakage. They are frequently utilized to prevent leaks between two moving components, as well as to prevent particle and contaminant intrusion into the system.

Contact Us

Rubber seals are a popular choice for sealing applications in a variety of sectors since they provide a high-quality and comprehensive solution to many problems. Uniflex Inc. is a leading supplier of rubber seals and other rubber products. Why not contact us to discover the ideal solution for your needs?

We’re also available to give you advice on which sort of seal would work best for your specific circumstances. Call us at 248-486-6000 or email us at sales@uniflexinc.com and our experienced and dedicated staff will assist you.

Polyurethane rubber products are made up of complex molecular chains that, when formed, tend to maintain their resilience, flexibility, and shape under compression, tension, or stress. Due to urethane products’ ability to be manipulated into practically any size, shape, and hardness, it is a highly versatile material.

Here’s some key information about polyurethane rubber and how Uniflex Inc. makes sure you get the finest quality components.

Durometer (Hardness)

The “durometer” scale is used to measure the hardness of polyurethane (PU) in terms of its elasticity. A diamond-tipped hammer inside a graduated glass tube is made to fall from a certain height on the product being tested. The harder the polyurethane, the higher the rebound – the hardness number is calculated based on the height to which the hammer rebounds.

“Hardness” essentially measures the resistance of PU to indentation by three-spring-loaded indenter. The higher the durometer number, the greater the resistance.

The Rockwell hardness test or Shore durometer test are the most common ways to test the hardness of polyurethane rubber. Both tests measure its resistance toward indentation, and both provide a verifiable hardness value that doesn’t correspond to fundamental characteristics or other properties.

Durometer hardness, using either the Shore D or Shore A scale, is the widely accepted method for elastomers. The Shore D scale is used for harder polyurethanes while Shore A is used for softer ones.

The relative hardness of elastic materials like PU tends to be the Shore A hardness. If the indenter doesn’t penetrate the sample at all, a reading of 100 is obtained, and if it is able to penetrate the sample completely, the durometer reads 0.

Durometer Scales

Shore A (most common scale): Used for the majority of rubbers and elastomers

Shore OO: Used for exceptionally soft materials.

Shore D: Used for rigid plastics and other harder materials.

While a durometer is a commonly used, industry-wide indicator of other physical properties, it by no means displays the remarkable versatility of polyurethane. Depending on your unique needs, physical properties such as stretchability, flex strength, water/chemical resistance, temperature resistance, shock absorption, and rebound may be more important than hardness.

Uniflex Inc. will be happy to custom formulate your product so it has the ideal physical characteristics you want.

Typical Properties of Polyurethane Rubber Formulas: Shore A

(ASTM D2240) Durometer 40A 50A 60A 70A 80A 90A
(ASTM D412) Tensile Modulus, PSI
300% 259 381 430 470 1120 2640
200% 202 297
100% 142 216 285 370 375 1436
(ASTM D412) Elongation at Break % 692 573 760 700 585 440
(ASTM D412) Tensile Strength, PSI 4691 6206 4320 5450 4500 6382
(ASTM D624) Die C 140 159 195 260 345 514
Tear Resistance (lb/in.)
(ASTM D395B) Compression Set % 16 17 51 36 35 29
Split Tear (ASTM D470) 22 28 42 70 100 222
(ASTM D2632) Resilience (Rebound %) 22 4 32 21 56

Typical Properties of Polyurethane Rubber Formulas: Shore OO

(ASTM D2240) Durometer 25-OO 40-OO 50-OO
(ASTM D412) Tensile Modulus, PSI
300% 14.2 22.7 35.5
200% 7.33 15.8 24.2
100% 3.05 9.06 14.6
(ASTM D412) Elongation at Break % 865 763 706
(ASTM D412) Tensile Strength, PSI 86.5 167 273
Die C (ASTM D624) 8.87 17.3 21.4
Tear Resistance (lb/in.)
(ASTM D2632) Resilience (Rebound %) 25 30 39
(ASTM D395B) Compression Set % 0.00 0.00 0.00

Typical Properties of Polyurethane Rubber Formulas: Shore D

(ASTM D2240) Durometer 50D 60D 70D
(ASTM D412) Tensile Modulus, PSI
300% 4400
200% 3977 5677
100% 2100 3340 4342
(ASTM D412) Elongation at Break % 329 262
(ASTM D412) Tensile Strength, PSI 6800 6346 7391
(ASTM D624) Die C 785 754 983
Tear Resistance (lb/in.)
(ASTM D395B) Compression Set % 28 41 45
(ASTM D470) Split Tear 120
(ASTM D2632) Resilience (Rebound %) 42 45 42
(ASTM D1938) Trouser 314 295

Other Properties of Polyurethane (PU) Elastomers

#1. Compression

In addition to high load-bearing properties in both compression and tension, PU materials have a high load-bearing capacity in shear.

#2. Abrasion

Polyurethanes are known to outperform metals, plastics, and rubber in applications where severe wear is a problem. This often means that a component made from PU can be made with lower cost, reduced maintenance, and less material.

#3. Mechanical Properties

Almost all elastomeric materials tend to bend under impact at lower hardness levels. They are compounded up to a higher degree of hardness so they end up losing their elasticity, which leads to cracks. But even at their highest hardness levels, polyurethanes have substantially better impact resistance than most plastics.

#4. Resilience

PU can be formulated in a wide range of resiliencies. If your application requires quick recovery, it can be made with rebound values from 40–70%, or it can be manufactured with rebound values of 10–25% for extreme shock-absorbing uses.

#5. Flexibility

Polyurethane rubber elastomers do not crack under continual flexing. By decreasing the thickness of the component, any cracking under heavy flexing may be reduced, which allows PU to be used even in incredibly thin sections.

#6. Temperature

Most polyurethane elastomers maintain their flexibility at very low temperatures and display excellent resistance to thermal shock. This is why PU is widely used in many applications in arctic conditions.

Polyurethanes are able to endure dramatic and sudden changes in temperature without cracking. They can also easily withstand consistent rise up to 194 F (90 C).

#7. Friction Coefficients

PU can be made with coefficients of friction ranging from really low (for parts like wear strips, bearings, and bushings) to really high (for parts like rollers and tires).

#8. Water

Polyurethanes that are polyether-based maintain their stability in water as warm as 122 F (50 C) for prolonged periods. Water absorption is extremely low at 0.3% to 1% by weight and any swell in volume is negligible. In water-lubricated applications, this allows operation at tight tolerance.

Contact Uniflex Inc. For Superior Polyurethane Rubber Products

Since 1979, through our own independent research in the polyurethane industry, Uniflex Inc. has stayed on the leading edge of molded rubber and elastomers technology. In fact, we were one of the very first manufacturers in the Midwest to set standard thickness tolerance of precision sheets at +/-.005″.

If you are looking for a partner that can meet your strict specifications in terms of versatility, durability, toughness, and strength of polyurethane parts, get in touch with us today. You can call us at 248-486-6000 or write to us online.

Rollers are employed in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, engineering, and construction. It’s difficult to imagine one trade sector that doesn’t use rollers in some capacity. They come in a variety of sizes and are often moving up and down or side to side at breakneck speeds.

Traditionally, rollers have been made of metal, although resin is a common alternative. More recently, polyurethane and rubber rollers have become popular materials for rollers in the industrial sector because they are inexpensive, durable, and easy to mold in production casting.

Polyurethane and Rubber Rollers

A lighter, more adaptable solution is often preferred for many industrial roller applications. In most sectors, polyurethane and rubber are increasingly being used because of their significantly lower expenses, how smooth on surfaces they are, and their greater structural versatility. These rollers also have a higher capacity to resist friction and abrasion than their metal predecessors.

Polyurethane rollers and rubber rollers have a lot in common, but they are not quite the same. It’s critical to understand the differences between these two types of rollers when selecting which of them is best for your industrial application.

What Is Polyurethane?

What Is Polyurethane

Polyurethane is a plastic material that can be used for a wide range of applications. It is an extremely versatile material that can be manipulated to be hard or soft, rigid or elastic. It may be poured into polyurethane molds, or brushed or sprayed on top of prepared surfaces. Polyurethane can reproduce exceptional detail in models.

Flexible urethanes are available in many different hardness levels. They can be soft like jelly or hard enough to replace metal components. Polyurethanes have low viscosity and self-degas, requiring no vacuum degassing.

However, on the downside, polyurethanes are susceptible to moisture buildup. Using a urethane mold in excess humidity on a hot summer day is not always a good idea. When compared to silicone rubber, urethane rubber is the worst because it sticks to almost everything.

Are Polyurethane and Rubber the Same Thing?

Are Polyurethane and Rubber the Same Thing

While polyurethane and rubber have some similarities, they differ in several ways, therefore they are not the same. Polyurethane is the material of choice for any project that requires superior abrasion, cut, and tear resistance. It can be made in higher hardness ratings to better bear weight while being chemical resistant. However, this material is more prone to negligible shrinkage.

Rubber’s flexibility, however, allows it to absorb vibrations and noise, making polyurethane appear inferior for vibration dampening to durable rubber. On the other hand, polyurethane is also a good energy absorber and can be produced with a very low durometer.

Is Polyurethane Better Than Rubber?

Is Polyurethane Better Than Rubber

Polyurethane outperforms rubber in applications that are either submerged or exposed to wet environments for a long period. This is owing to polyurethane’s higher resistance to moisture. Rubber would rot over time. Another added benefit is that polyurethane is also UV resistant.

Also, most industrial applications, especially those that include dynamic loads and high friction, expose rollers to a lot of abrasions. In both cases, polyurethane outperforms natural rubber. Consequently, if your roller will be exposed to dampness regularly, must carry a significant amount of weight, and must endure continuous friction, polyurethane is a superior choice.

Contact Uniflex, Inc. to Learn More

Contact Uniflex

You may wish to learn more about polyurethane and rubber rollers’ industrial applications. Please see our technical data page for additional information on polyurethane and rubber. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call us at 248-486-6000 or send us an email at sales@uniflexinc.com. We have a knowledgeable staff that is eager to assist you.

Micro molding is a type of fabrication process that creates detailed structures in polymers on a micro scale using molds. The micro molds are made in a micro-tooling department where a cavity is carved into each mold that matches the shape of the part to be manufactured. The component or item can then be swiftly created by the micro-injection molding process. Here, thermoplastic or resin is injected into the cavity at a high speed.

When making micro parts, one factor to consider is “micro tolerance.” This refers to the minimal distance between the required measurements and design size that must be met in order for the micro component to be utilized. The concept assesses whether the margin of error is narrow enough to still work.

The stack-up tolerances must be within 1/100th of an inch in a micro molding process, though in certain situations the molded component must be within 1/1000th of an inch. Traditional injection molding can frequently produce small fragments that do not require such tight tolerances.

With traditional or conventional molding, it’s difficult to manufacture microscopic parts that measure less than a millimeter across. However, with micro-mold-enabling technology and specialized micro machining, we can create highly intricate and detailed plastic components at any size needed!

The Difference Between Micro Molding and Traditional Injection Molding

The procedure for micro-injection molding appears to be similar to conventional injection molding. A mold design and prototype are made, followed by the creation of a double-sided mold. However, there is a difference between the two injection molding processes.

Conventional injection molding is the process of forcing thermoplastics into a mold. Thermoplastic materials are melted in a furnace and then injected with a highly pressurized injection tool. When the molded parts have cooled and hardened, the item is removed.

Micro molding can be completed in the same way as conventional molding, but with a different micro-injection unit (built in the machine) necessary to accommodate the micro components.

Micro Molding Materials

Micro molding is often carried out with thermoplastics, thermosets, polymers, resins, and elastomers. Fortunately, there is a plethora of molding materials to select from when making micro molded parts. It is feasible to make a mold that is smaller than a dime by picking the appropriate material for the item you have in mind.

Packaging

In many situations, handling and packaging seem to be an afterthought, but in reality, they’re often as essential as producing the part. Handling and packaging micro-sized devices is significantly more difficult than handling and packing macro-sized components, and the solutions are different. Molding and packing micro items so that they are useful to the end user is an important aspect of production.

Custom automation and packaging services may be provided in a variety of ways. They might range from reel-to-reel packaging to light subassemblies, high-speed automated packaging, lead frame die-forming and singulation, in-line automation, and a wide range of other packaging processes. These services go a long way to determine the success of a project.

How Extensively Is Micro Molding Used Across Industries?

Micro molding is used across several industries. It has become an important part of the manufacturing of numerous essential devices that make the modern world work.

In a lot of procedures in today’s medicine, such as minimally invasive surgery, precision is required. As a result, many medical equipment items must be tiny and highly sophisticated. Medical device manufacturing, therefore, relies heavily on micro molding processes.

There’s also a higher demand for high-precision, sophisticated work in the engineering industry. This is because modern electronic devices are getting much smaller and need tiny parts with extremely tight tolerances. Micro molding advantages may be applied to a variety of electronic component manufacturing such as micro-optics, hair-sized core pins, and so on.

These are just a few examples of industries where micro molding processes have became a critical factors.

For all your micro molding or other custom molded urethane and rubber products, reach out to Uniflex. Our company has specialized in custom molded urethane and rubber since 1979, and is a trusted supplier for the aerospace, automotive, robotics, military, oil, gas, mining, and marine industries. We have the ability to design, machine, and manufacture all under one roof, which helps keep prices low and lead times short. Request a quote online or call us at 248-486-6000 to speak with one of our dedicated team members about your order.

With the rapid economic expansion in recent years, the demand for construction materials has also been increasing each day, paving the way for new and superior quality materials in the market. Many of these innovative options like fiberglass are slowly replacing conventional materials like aluminum and steel. Gone are the days when steel grating used to be the preferred material in the construction industry; fiberglass grating is not only far more durable but it is more affordable as well.

Here are a few reasons why choosing fiberglass grating is a prudent choice for your business needs.

Fiberglass Grating Is More Impact-Resistant

When comparing fiberglass with steel or aluminum, at the first glance you may think that steel is surely stronger. But think again. Fiberglass graters are just as strong as steel ones because this material is specifically designed to possess exceptional resistance and strength. Plus, unlike other steel and other metals, fiberglass never corrodes. It is impact-resistant and immensely flexible.

Where dents and damages caused by shocks are easily visible on steel structures, fiberglass doesn’t have that problem because it’s coated with a specially formulated protective gel.

Fiberglass Grating Is More Durable

Fiberglass requires less maintenance and is way more resistant to the effects of the external environment – it can last for decades. Steel and aluminum graters are susceptible to corrosion and thus, need a coating with expensive galvanizing or anti-rust coatings. Fiberglass grating, on the other hand, is resistant to moisture, climate, and other external influences.

Cost-Effective Of Fiberglass Is Higher In The Long Run

A lot of construction industry manufacturers think that steel and aluminum gratings are cheaper in comparison to fiberglass grating. While that may be true at the outset and you may not need to pay at the beginning – you’ll have to pay for it later.

Steel is cheaper but due to its weight, its installation process is very expensive. You’ll also need to take into account additional costs like welders, supervisors and operators, special equipment, etc. The cost of maintenance later on also adds up. And let’s not forget that steel requires expensive anti-corrosion agents and coatings. None of these issues exist when you choose fiberglass grating.

Fiberglass Grating Is Safer

Unlike steel and aluminum, fiberglass grating is not an electrical conductor, making it far safer than the other two. This is an important feature, especially for the safety of workers who need to walk on the graters.

Additionally, fiberglass is a thermal insulator, i.e., it does not heat up like aluminum and steel. It’s not prone to slipping either.  If you work in the construction industry, we highly recommend fiberglass grating because it’s also non-flammable and is not subject to thermal factors.

Contact Us To Know More

As you can see, there are many reasons why fiberglass grating makes a better choice than steel or aluminum ones. At first glance, your costs may seem higher but the variety of advantages and reduction in maintenance costs will soon change your mind.

If you’re looking for graters materials that are long-lasting, durable, and affordable in the long run, contact Uniflex Inc. to find out more about our winning fiberglass grating. You can call us at 248-486-6000 or write to us online.

If you are talking about urethane finishes or varnishes, all finishes are food-safe once they have cured.  This is a well-known fact of Urethane parts safety amongst manufacturers of the food processing industry.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established the urethane parts safety requirements to ensure no case of poisoning from urethane parts is present. Therefore, urethane or polyurethane is a chemical compound, and like all the other chemicals, we must be careful when handling them.

Urethane Parts: Safety Instructions

Urethane is used to make several household and commercial items that we use in our everyday lives, such as:

  • Car padding
  • Furniture upholstery
  • Tires
  • Racquet grips
  • And more.

If it wasn’t a safe material, it would have been banned a long time ago considering it was created in the 1930s. However, when urethane is in the original liquid form, it is like any other chemical. And, you should handle it with the same care you use when handling, say, cleaning products.

Liquid urethane is safe to use – if you read and followed the directions carefully. Its usage shouldn’t occur in proximity to children or animals. Workers who handle liquid urethane wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety goggles, disposable gloves, and masks to minimize skin contact. If liquid urethane comes in direct contact with eyes or skin, the individual must seek medical attention immediately.

You must also avoid breathing in the urethane fumes. For the process of mold making and casting, it is critical to use “room-sized” ventilators (founnd in all our facilities at Uniflex Inc.) All of our workers don NIOSH-approved respirators to minimize the risk of inhalation during the custom molding process.

Liquid Urethane or Aliphatic Isocyanates

There are several different groups of urethanes; one class is known as “aliphatic diisocyanates” requires additional urethane parts safety precautions. These are specifically for industrial use and hobbyists or students should not use them.

If you are using urethanes or polyurethanes and are experiencing an allergic reaction, stop using them and go to the ER right away. The ingestion, skin absorption, or inhalation of polyurethane or its fumes is toxic. But once it is cured or turned into an end-user product, it is 100% safe.

If this seems confusing, consider this: do you think apples are poisonous? Of course not, you probably eat them every day. But did you know that the seeds inside an apple contain trace amounts of cyanide? If ingested in a large amount, apple seeds can be fatal. But the odds of you ingesting spoons-full of apple seeds is unlikely.

Similarly, if you are using products or parts made from urethane, your risk of getting sick from exposure to urethane is low. In fact, urethane is naturally found in fermented foods like yogurt, soy sauce, bread, beer, and wine!

Contact Uniflex Inc. to Know More about Urethane Parts Safety

If you still have questions or concerns about using urethane parts, Uniflex Inc. experts will be happy to talk to you. Just give us a call at 248-486-6000 or write to us online and our representatives will get back to you shortly.

Whether you live in a busy urban community or a low-key rural area, you have probably encountered hundreds of custom molded urethane products in your daily life. This is because urethane or polyurethane is one of the most popular and versatile synthetic resins on the market today.

Manufacturers all across the globe use it to create a diverse range of household, industrial, and commercial products. But the million-dollar question is, is custom molded urethane safe for you, your family, and the environment? Let’s talk about it.

What Is Custom Molded Urethane?

Before we talk about how safe or unsafe it is, you need to understand what it consists of.

First things first, if you are wondering about the technical-sounding term “polyurethane”, it simply means that the material consists of multiple urethane groups. Most industry participants use the terms “urethane” and “polyurethane” interchangeably because there is no difference between them.

Polyurethane contains two chemical components: urethane and polymers. Polymers in a chemical process link together urethane groups and the end result is polyurethane. This material is highly versatile and molding it into tens of hundreds of shapes is possible.

This is why millions of manufacturers across the world use polyurethane or custom molded urethane. It is a safe and durable material that is useful in the creation of many products, such as home furnishing items, including:

  • Furniture
  • Tires
  • Wheels
  • vending machines
  • Hot water heaters
  • And many more

Is Custom Molded Urethane Safe?

Urethane or polyurethane is completely safe only if you strictly follow all the manufacturer’s recommendations. Urethane material comes with several safety recommendations regarding storage and handling, and you should comply with them.

Unlike other synthetic materials, urethane is resistant to heat and will not melt when in contact with high temperatures. This makes them perfect for utilization in making, say, a refrigerator or car where large amounts of emission of energy happen.

Please note that while most polyurethane products are heat-resistant, a rare few (like thermoplastic polyurethane) can melt under applied heat.

If you’re worried about the environment and your carbon footprint, you will be happy to know that custom molded urethane products reduce noise and heat with vehicles and also lower the overall energy consumption in electronics.

And there is a reason why furniture manufacturers prefer custom molded urethane or polyurethane over several other materials – it’s not only flexible but perfectly safe to use within the home. Just make sure that if you use urethane in a liquid or foam state, you don’t ingest it or touch it without wearing gloves.

So to put it simply, yes urethane is safe for use.

Have Any Questions? Contact Uniflex Inc.

Are you looking for a versatile material that can fit a variety of your industrial needs? At Uniflex Inc., we create a wide range of custom molded urethane parts for dozens of different industries and businesses.  If you want to reduce your manufacturing costs or upgrade your materials to a more durable option, we’ll be happy to talk! Call us at 248-486-6000 or reach us online with any inquiries you may have.