The performance and lifespan of your custom molded polyurethane parts depend on factors like quality. But it also includes others such as design, tolerance, and formulation. If any of these factors are lacking, your product performance will be shoddy as well.
To get the top-quality custom urethane products, it is important to choose a reputable polyurethane producer who takes pride in their work. But with so many manufacturers in the market, it can be difficult to pick the one who checks all the right boxes. That’s why we created this guide to help you find the best polyurethane manufacturer.
5 Things to Look for When Choosing A Polyurethane Manufacturer
They Use Custom Formulations with Premium Materials
Not all urethane is created equal. In other words, if you want your custom urethane parts to have the longest lifespan possible, work with a polyurethane manufacturer who can create custom formulations that meet your unique needs.
Do they use premium grade raw materials? Remember, it may be tempting to use lower-grade materials to drive the costs down. But, it will cost you a lot more in the end. Urethane made from cheap materials will have a shorter life, and less resistance to abrasion and corrosion.
They Offer Complimentary Product Design Assistance
You may have a design that looks good to you, but it may not be feasible to produce. Alternatively, there might be a more cost-effective way to design your desired polyurethane parts.
Go with a polyurethane manufacturer who is willing to give you the strategic expertise and guidance to ensure your custom parts will be very durable and made in the most cost-effective way possible. They should be open to examining your product drawings and understanding how your product will work.
They Have Strict Standard Tolerances
When creating custom molded polyurethane products, precision is the key. Tight tolerances may not be important with some products, but some require little to no tolerance flexibility.
What does small standard tolerance mean? It simply means that the actual polyurethane part’s dimensions must be held very close to drawing’s dimensions. This is something that takes decades of experience to perfect, especially when accurately estimating urethane shrink upon cooling.
Some custom urethane products, on the other hand, will require tighter tolerances than the more standard parts like bumpers and pads. Choose a polyurethane manufacturer who has the machining capability required to meet these tight tolerances if needed.
They Have Dedicated Customer Service Representatives
It may seem irrelevant, but you should never overlook how a manufacturer treats you and interacts with you. If their customer service reps are unable to answer your questions or concerns or they seem unresponsive, uninterested, or unfriendly, it’s a red flag. Choose a polyurethane manufacturer that responds to your inquiries within 24 hours. And, the one who is committed to addressing your concerns with accurate answers to your questions.
They Offer In-House Mold Making
There are several benefits of working with a manufacturer that provides in-house mold making. This eliminates the need to use a third-party company, reducing the cost and the turnaround time for custom molded urethane products.
#1 Polyurethane Manufacturer & Supplier in Midwest
Uniflex Inc. has been a leading manufacturer of custom molded polyurethane products since 1979. If you’re looking for a reliable supplier who can meet all your needs and help you take your business to new heights, let’s talk. You can call us at 248-486-6000 or simply use this online form and our representatives will respond to your requirements right away.