What is the difference between polyurethane and other thermoplastic materials?
I would like to share with you the strengths and weaknesses of these “plastics”.
Polyurethane is a plastic material that I would call noble and elegant with high technical characteristics very interesting, is versatile and extraordinary for its qualities of adaptability and strength. Changing the formulation can be soft and comfortable, rigid and load-bearing, elastic and very resistant to breakage and can be fireproof, (most polyurethanes also exist in the self-extinguishing version in class V0).
The cost of polyurethane as a raw material is typically higher than the most common thermoplastic materials, Even the cost of the part is much higher than a plastic part because the polyurethane moulding process always needs the use of a dedicated operator even if the plant is automated. A very large plant and a number of moulds are needed to reduce production times considerably.
Until now, it seems that polyurethane is full of defects, but it is not so, on the contrary.
How many pieces can be a production batch?
In injection moulding, high-volume batches are required to absorb the costs of moulding, while in the case of polyurethane it is also possible to print small production batches, for example 30, 50 or 100 pieces at a time, difference that allows you to better organize your warehouse.
Is it possible to insert elements of various materials directly into the mould?
Of course, in addition to the threaded inserts that you can also insert in an injection mould, polyurethane is a very used practice to add other elements of various materials, useful to solve problems of coupling between the parts, improve the overall stiffness of the moulded piece and/or to costampare the aesthetic part in faux leather to obtain an aesthetically finished piece.
Is polyurethane a suitable material for outdoor use?
Yes, polyurethane is absolutely unassailable by ultraviolet rays and atmospheric agents in general, it is an excellent material for outdoor exposure.
The fundamental difference is in the equipment necessary for moulding: in thermoplastic materials the moulds are usually made of steel or of a material however suitable to withstand high moulding pressures with very high costs. In the case of polyurethane moulds are cheaper and we can make them in different materials, such as aluminum or, with considerable cost savings, epoxy resin, especially in the case of large parts where without supporting too expensive investments the polyurethane technology is convenient and competitive compared to other stamping techniques.
Unlike other mold manufacturers, SD has decided to deal only with polyurethane to improve more and more and have the maximum know-how in the industry.
We are one of the few companies that can produce molds for all types of polyurethanes with all the technologies that allow it, resin, aluminum, iron, etc. … and to satisfy the various opportunities and requests in the sector, placing us as a leader in the production of resin molds that can be a real alternative to the aluminum mold. SD Stampi wants to be able to satisfy your requests at 360 degrees, creating a relationship of trust, professionalism and collaboration.
Are you interested in this article? Print it or download it in PDF format.