Over the years, urethane and polyurethane has become the material of choice for manufacturers across different industries. Today, it’s usage occurs in creation of a variety of things in the industrial sector such as rollers, bumpers, pads, bushings, protective covers, and a host of others. As one of the most competitive and capital-intensive industries, the marine industry has also adopted urethane parts for a diverse range of applications.
Marine Industry: Urethane Parts Used in Underwater Applications
Urethane ticks all the right boxes when it comes to a highly versatile and resilient polymer material in the modern world. It can be cast and molded into countless shapes, and it doesn’t rot or wear out like other materials (think rubber).
In addition, urethane is resistant to wet environments, making it perfect for various applications for the maritime/marine industry. The fact that urethane has remarkable impact strength and flexibility, makes an even more compelling case to use this material.
Urethane epoxy resins are frequently utilized in sealing boat hulls from water since the material is completely resistant to corrosion and weather elements. But urethane’s usefulness goes beyond this because precise customization of marine industry urethane parts and equipment to your needs is possible.
It has high load-bearing capabilities, allowing it to carry heavy equipment on the ocean. And as if that wasn’t enough, urethane doesn’t absorb water and prevents fungal and algal growth.
The most common marine industry urethane parts used today include:
- Polyurethane rollers (for boat trailers)
- Polyurethane drawers
- Urethane:
– flexible grab handles
– blocks and bearings
– cleats
– ice chests
– wheels - Polyurethane shocks
- Polyurethane impellers
- And many more
What Are the Benefits of Using Marine Industry Urethane Parts?
Some of the advantages of using urethane for your marine operations include:
- It doesn’t absorb water
- Moreover, it is resistant to salt water
- It has great shock- and vibration-absorbing properties
- Also, it is UV stabilized (when the color red or black is used)
- Furthermore, it doesn’t allow the growth of fungus, mildew, mold, or algae
- It doesn’t oxidize even after prolonged exposure to water and extreme environments
- It is highly resistant to abrasion
- Placement in tropical or humid locations is possible
- It has high load-bearing properties
- You can glue or drill it into fiberglass
- And, you can formulate it for seals, door stops, bumpers, etc.
Simply put, marine product designers and engineers prefer urethane because it provides longer service compared to rubber and plastics. On top of this, it has lower noise-abatement properties when compared to metals.
Where You Can Get Quality Marine Industry Urethane Parts
In fact, Uniflex Inc. is a leading manufacturer of one-of-a-kind custom marine industry urethane parts. In offshore applications, urethane is the chosen material due to its myriad of application advantages including resistance to microbial attacks and hydrolysis reactions. Moreover, its reliable performance at high pressure in deep water and low ocean temperatures has made it an industry-favorite.
When you want only the absolute best and highest of quality urethane parts, you can best believe that Uniflex Inc. is the premier choice.
Want to Know More About Marine Industry Urethane Parts? Contact Uniflex Inc.
Whether you need custom molded machine components, vessels, or products, we can design your urethane parts to specific standards based on your required maritime application. To know more, give us a call at 248-486-6000 or fill out this online contact form to get started.