---
title: "Rolls, Polyurethane Lining for Mining Industry Shafts"
description: "Comparison of polyurethane and steel for shaft lining in the mining industry. Increase component lifespan by 10 times, contact TIMOL!"
lang: "en"
date: "2026-09-24"
canonical_url: "https://timol.com.ua/en/statti/futerovka-valov-dlya-gornodobyvayuschaya-promyshlennost"
---
# Rolls, Polyurethane Lining for Mining Industry Shafts

Few components in the mining industry experience as much wear as shafts and the lining of working surfaces on conveyors, screens, and crushers. Metal or rubber linings quickly wear out under abrasive conditions, often failing within weeks. Switching to polyurethane can extend the working cycle of a component significantly and avoid prolonged downtimes. This article explores why polyurethane lining is becoming the standard for mining shafts, how to implement it correctly, and the benefits for operators.

## Why Polyurethane for Shaft Lining in the Mining Industry is Beneficial

Polyurethane is chosen for shaft lining in the mining industry due to its unique wear resistance, elasticity, and resistance to chemical influences. Unlike steel or rubber, polyurethane does not corrode, does not crack at low temperatures, and absorbs impact loads. The material's working temperature range from -60 to +100 °C allows for operation in diverse conditions, from freezing quarries to hot conveyor workshops.

When used on transport and crushing nodes, polyurethane lining not only resists abrasive wear but also maintains geometric stability under dynamic loads. The material effectively dampens vibrations, which is particularly important on drive and tension shafts, where impact wear can lead to brittle metal fractures or rubber delamination. Thanks to high rebound elasticity (35-65%), polyurethane not only extends the life of the component but also reduces the load on bearings and supports.

Another advantage of polyurethane is its ease of installation and repairability. Polyurethane linings are easier to install on-site: they can be glued, bolted, clamped, or mounted with tension depending on the design. The material does not require complex preparation or special tools, and in case of local damage, a specific area can be restored without removing the entire component.

## Comparison of Polyurethane, Rubber, and Steel for Shaft Lining

Polyurethane demonstrates the highest wear resistance among elastomers and significantly outperforms standard rubber and traditional steel in this regard. For example, abrasion according to DIN 53516 for polyurethane is 20-45 mm³, while for SBR rubber, it is 100-200 mm³, and for NBR, 80-150 mm³. Even high-hardness steel is subject to abrasive erosion, transmits vibrations, and does not absorb impacts, leading to microcracks and rapid bearing wear.

We offer a comparative table of key characteristics for the three main materials used for shaft lining in the mining industry:

| Material | Abrasion DIN 53516, mm³ | Working Temperature, °C | Density, g/cm³ | Tensile Strength, MPa | Hardness |
|----------------------------------|------------------------|------------------------|----------------|------------------------|--------------------|
| Polyurethane (PU, TIMOL) | 20-45 | -60...+100 | 1.05-1.25 | 25-60 | 50A-70D |
| NBR Rubber | 80-150 | -30...+100 | 1-1.3 | 10-25 | 40A-90A |
| SBR Rubber | 100-200 | -40...+80 | 0.94-1.1 | 8-20 | 40A-80A |
| Wear-resistant Steel Hardox |, | -40...250 | 7.8-7.85 | 1250-1600 | 370-540 HB |
| Structural Steel |, | -40...500 | 7.7-7.9 | 370-700 | 120-250 HB |

It is worth emphasizing that the density of steel is 6-7 times higher than that of polyurethane, meaning polyurethane lining significantly lightens the component's structure. At the same time, rubber loses to polyurethane in all critical indicators of wear resistance and strength.

> **Practical Tip:** For shaft lining in the mining industry, the optimal hardness of polyurethane is in the range of 80-95 Shore A. This ensures a balance between elasticity (the material "bounces" abrasive particles, preventing them from cutting the surface) and sufficient rigidity for load-bearing work. Hardness above this range, Shore D, is not optimal for abrasive nodes.

## Which Mining Industry Components Should Be Lined with Polyurethane

Polyurethane lining is most effective on components that are subject to constant friction, impacts, and exposure to aggressive environments. These include:

- Drive and tension shafts of belt conveyors
- Shafts and rollers of screens
- Crushing machines (working surfaces of components in contact with ore)
- Elevator and conveyor nodes that transport abrasive bulk materials
- Restoration or repair of surfaces using polyurethane sheets

In traditional setups, these surfaces are lined with rubber or steel overlays, but they wear out quickly, especially under the influence of quartz sand, ore, or slag. Polyurethane lining significantly increases the interval between maintenance: the component can operate 10 times longer than when using standard rubber.

The attachment of the lining depends on the component's design: on a shaft, the polyurethane shell is mounted with tension, using bolts or adhesive joints, and during repairs, local polyurethane application is done by free casting. Installation is performed on a prepared (cleaned and degreased) surface, with special primers used to enhance adhesion, ensuring long-term service.

## The Physics of Polyurethane Lining Under Abrasion

The main reason polyurethane leads in wear resistance is its elasticity, not hardness. The material in the range of 80-95 Shore A elastically absorbs the energy of an abrasive particle's impact, returning it instead of allowing it to cut a groove. Unlike rigid materials that crumble under dynamic loads, elastic polyurethane acts as a shock absorber even under high loads.

Polyurethane's rebound elasticity (35-65%) not only protects the working surface but also reduces the transmission of impact loads to bearings and the component's body. This is especially important on drive shafts, where regular loads from the belt or bulk material can quickly disable the entire assembly. As a result, a component with polyurethane lining not only lasts longer but also requires less frequent emergency repairs.

## How Polyurethane Lining Extends Service Life and Reduces Costs

The main economic effect of switching to polyurethane is the increased lifespan of the component and reduced downtime and repair costs. Polyurethane's wear resistance is 10 times higher than standard rubber, meaning even in aggressive operating conditions, the component works significantly longer without maintenance or replacement. This allows for planned maintenance and minimizes emergency downtimes, which are especially critical for mining enterprises.

The material does not corrode, does not crack with sudden temperature changes (working range -60 to +100 °C), and does not absorb moisture like some plastics. This allows the use of polyurethane linings even on open sections of conveyor lines or inside damp mines. An additional advantage is the reduction of noise and vibration levels, enhancing the comfort of the service personnel and the longevity of surrounding components.

## Manufacturing Shaft Linings to Drawings and Installation Features

TIMOL manufactures polyurethane linings according to the customer's individual sizes and drawings. The free casting technology allows for the production of both solid shells and tile linings of various thicknesses with precise geometry adherence. This is particularly important for complex components where tight surface fitting or integration into existing seating places is necessary.

Before installation, the metal shaft surface is thoroughly cleaned and degreased, with special primers used to enhance adhesion. In most cases, the lining is mounted with tension, mechanical fasteners, or adhesive, depending on the operating conditions and component type. When repairing worn areas, TIMOL polyurethane sheets can be locally glued or bolted, allowing for quick functionality restoration without halting the entire equipment.

More examples of polyurethane products for the mining industry can be found in the [polyurethane products catalog](/katalog) or on the [mining industry page](/galuzi/gornodobyvayuschaya_promyshlennost).

## How to Select the Hardness and Type of Polyurethane Lining for the Task

The selection of polyurethane hardness directly depends on the nature of the loads in the component. For abrasive nodes (shafts, screen linings, crushers), it is optimal to use material in the range of 80-95 Shore A: it provides the necessary level of elasticity and sufficient wear strength. For nodes with increased static loads or where geometric stability is important, hardness closer to the upper limit of this range can be chosen, but not into the Shore D zone, as elasticity is the key parameter for abrasion resistance.

In the case of unique components with combined loads (e.g., a combination of friction, impact, and chemical exposure), it is recommended to consult with TIMOL factory specialists. They will help select not only the hardness but also the optimal thickness and attachment method for the lining for the specific type of equipment. All products are manufactured individually according to customer drawings or samples, ensuring precise component matching.

More about the properties and selection of polyurethane materials can be found in the [material and technology information section](/informatsiya).

## Conclusion: When to Order Polyurethane Lining for Shafts

Switching to polyurethane shaft lining in the mining industry is justified in all cases where wear resistance, corrosion resistance, impact absorption, and downtime minimization are critical. If your component constantly encounters abrasion, vibrations, or operates under temperature fluctuations, polyurethane will extend the component's lifespan and reduce operational costs. TIMOL manufactures linings to drawings, helps select the hardness and type of product for specific tasks. For consultation, resource calculation, or ordering, contact us via [contacts](/contacts) or view the [polyurethane products catalog](/katalog).