An assembly fails after a few weeks and the line stops again: a familiar situation for any chief mechanic when a rubber bushing or roller wears out far ahead of schedule. A polyurethane part solves this problem with abrasion resistance several times higher than rubber, but how do you go from problem to a quality part in hand? This guide provides a step-by-step algorithm for an engineer: how to select, compare, and order a polyurethane part for your specific assembly.
Where to Begin: Analysing the Assembly and Defining Requirements
To select or order a polyurethane part, start with a thorough analysis of the assembly and formulate clear technical requirements. Identify exactly which part is wearing out and why: it could be a bucket elevator cup, a roller, a bushing, a scraper, or lining. Record not just the part name but the specific operating conditions: temperature in the work zone, presence of abrasives, contact with lubricants or chemical reagents, rigidity requirements, and overall dimensions.
Assess the load type: static or dynamic, and whether impacts and vibrations are present. For example, in mining, buckets and screens face intense abrasive action, while in machine building, rollers operate dynamically and must dampen vibrations. TIMOL polyurethane operates across the temperature range -60 to +100 °C, and the hardness range from 50 Shore A to 70 Shore D covers almost all standard tasks.
Also consider mounting specifics: whether a cast polyurethane layer on a metal base is needed, whether bolt holes are required, or whether the part operates in continuous contact with liquid. The more precisely you gather this data, the faster the factory can offer the optimal option.
Choosing the Right Material: Polyurethane vs Alternatives
The optimal material for a part is determined by four key parameters: abrasion resistance, thermal stability, elasticity, and compatibility with the working medium. TIMOL polyurethane has DIN 53516 abrasion of only 38-39 mm³, which is 2-5 times lower than polyamide/kapron (30-90 mm³) and 2-5 times lower than SBR rubber (100-200 mm³). This is decisive for assemblies where replacing rubber parts has become a routine maintenance cost.
Structural steel provides strength, but does not dampen vibrations, is heavy (7.7-7.9 g/cm³), noisy, and corrodes. Kapron/PA6 shows better abrasion resistance than rubber but is brittle under impact and non-elastic. For assemblies with aggressive lubricants, NBR rubber gives moderate resistance, but its abrasion (80-150 mm³) is much worse than polyurethane.
| Material | Abrasion (DIN 53516), mm³ | Working temp, °C | Hardness | Density, g/cm³ | Tensile, MPa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane (TIMOL) | 38-39 | -60…+100 | 85A-95A | 1.05-1.25 | 39-87 |
| Rubber SBR | 100-200 | -40…+80 | 40A-80A | 0.94-1.1 | 8-20 |
| Rubber NBR | 80-150 | -30…+100 | 40A-90A | 1.0-1.3 | 10-25 |
| Polyamide PA6 | 30-90 | -40…+100 | 75D-85D | 1.13-1.15 | 60-85 |
| Carbon steel | — | -40…+500 | 120-250 HB | 7.7-7.9 | 370-700 |
Polyurethane wins in most tasks thanks to its balance of abrasion resistance, elasticity, adaptability to various assemblies, and thermal stability.
Engineering tip: For parts operating under dynamic load, choose hardness in the 60-80 Shore A range. Scrapers or screens working with hard abrasives require the upper part of the Shore A range, 80-95 Shore A: it is resilience that holds abrasive, not maximum rigidity. For strong adhesion, cast the polyurethane layer only onto a thoroughly cleaned and sandblasted metal surface.
Where to Find the Right Part: Catalogue or Custom Manufacturing
Search for a polyurethane replacement part in the product catalogue, which lists standard items: bucket elevator cups, wheels, rollers, tyres, screens, hydrocyclones, bushings, cuffs, scrapers, sheets, and plates. In addition to the standard range, TIMOL manufactures parts to custom dimensions or drawings, particularly relevant for upgrading assemblies or replacing worn elements no longer in serial production.
If the part is not in the catalogue, simply provide a drawing, sketch, or physical sample. The free-pouring casting technology allows even complex geometries to be realised without expensive press tooling, so the minimum order can be a single piece. This is optimal for repairing unique assemblies.
Ordering Algorithm: From Idea to Finished Part
Follow this sequence to order a polyurethane part without unnecessary steps:
- Identify the part type and its location in the assembly (bushing, roller, scraper, lining).
- Gather requirements: dimensions, temperature, load, abrasive or chemical environment, mounting type.
- Prepare a drawing, sketch, or worn sample — this speeds up calculation and production.
- Submit a request with the drawing or description via the factory contacts.
- Agree on the execution with the factory technologist: polyurethane type, hardness, mounting method.
- Receive a cost and lead-time estimate, approve the specification, and confirm production.
Operational Advantages of TIMOL Polyurethane in an Industrial Assembly
TIMOL polyurethane parts significantly extend the maintenance interval for assemblies where wear is the primary cause of failure. The temperature range from -60 to +100 °C allows use in both refrigeration and high-temperature areas. The effect is especially pronounced in assemblies with cyclic abrasive loading: buckets, screens, bushings, and rollers where polyurethane DIN 53516 abrasion is 38-39 mm³ against 100-200 mm³ for rubber.
In addition, polyurethane dampens vibrations and noise, does not corrode, and is lighter than steel, simplifying assembly and maintenance. Thanks to the ability to cast onto metal bases or inserts, parts integrate into existing assemblies without structural changes.
Cost, Lead Times, and Order Support
Part cost is determined by geometry, volume, weight, and mounting complexity. Standard items are calculated quickly; unique parts require drawing or sample review. The free-pouring casting technology allows manufacturing both single repair pieces and series runs.
Lead times vary: standard items in a few days, custom parts in 1-3 weeks depending on complexity. The factory provides full order support: hardness selection recommendations, optimal lining thickness calculation, and surface preparation guidance. Learn more about materials and technology in the information section.
Conclusion: How to Order a Polyurethane Part with a Guaranteed Result
Ordering a polyurethane part is a clear technological process when you follow a logical algorithm: analyse the assembly, gather requirements, prepare a drawing or sample, and communicate clearly with the factory. TIMOL polyurethane will deliver 2-5 times greater assembly life compared to rubber or kapron, and free-pouring casting technology handles virtually any geometry. Visit the product catalogue or reach out via the factory contacts — specialists will assist with calculation, material selection, and fast manufacture to your drawing.