---
title: "Rollers, Polyurethane Lining for Railway Transport: Advantages and Operation"
description: "Polyurethane lining for railway rollers: 10 times higher wear resistance, operates from -60 to +100 °C. Learn how to switch to PU and order custom sizes."
lang: "en"
date: "2026-10-20"
canonical_url: "https://timol.com.ua/en/statti/futerovka-valov-dlya-jd-transport"
---
# Rollers, Polyurethane Lining for Railway Transport: Advantages and Operation

During the repair of wagon equipment or modernization of feed units, railway engineers often face the problem of rapid wear of rollers and linings. Rubber pads quickly crack, lose elasticity, and steel surfaces corrode and transmit vibrations throughout the structure. Polyurethane solves these issues: it lasts 10 times longer than rubber, absorbs shocks, and operates in the harshest temperature conditions. In this article, we will explore why polyurethane lining for rollers is the optimal solution for the railway industry, which components benefit most from this replacement, and the effect it has on the enterprise.

## Why is Polyurethane Lining for Railway Rollers Better than Rubber or Steel?
Polyurethane significantly outperforms rubber and steel in wear resistance, load stability, and shock absorption. These qualities determine the durability and reliability of rollers in railway conditions, where impact loads, abrasives, and temperature fluctuations are present.

In real conditions of wagon depots or sorting stations, rollers and linings operate in environments filled with dust, lubricants, moisture, and abrasive particles. Rubber SBR and NBR pads have abrasion according to DIN 53516 at 80-200 mm3, while polyurethane has only 20-45 mm3. This means that polyurethane lining lasts 10 times longer than rubber, withstands constant contact with bulk materials, and does not lose elasticity even at -60 °C, nor does it become brittle under cold or heat.

Steel may seem eternal at first glance, but in railway use, it quickly corrodes in nodes where moisture and lubricants accumulate, transmits shocks to bearings, and does not protect the structure from vibrations. Polyurethane operates in a temperature range of -60...+100 °C, is not afraid of impact loads, and consistently maintains its geometry, which is especially important for the proper functioning of nodes in wagon management.

## Which Nodes Should Be Converted to Polyurethane and Why?
Converting rollers and linings to polyurethane is justified in nodes for feeding bulk materials, drive and tension rollers of conveyors, wagon movement mechanisms, and loading-unloading equipment. These nodes experience complex loads: impacts, shear, abrasive wear, and exposure to lubricants and moisture.

Specifically, polyurethane lining of rollers is effective in transport systems for feeding coal, gravel, sand, in conveyor lines of wagon depots, in lifting and transport equipment, and in wheelset cleaning mechanisms. Rubber pads in such nodes wear out within months, while steel parts lead to loud noise, vibrations, and increased bearing wear. Polyurethane linings provide uniform traction, effectively dampen shocks and vibrations, and do not deteriorate from temperature fluctuations.

Thanks to high resilience and elasticity, polyurethane lining retains its shape under load, does not crack or delaminate at metal contact points. This significantly reduces downtime and repair frequency, and nodes operate stably even in critical operating modes.

> **Engineer Tip:** For lining rollers in railway transport, it is optimal to choose polyurethane hardness of 80-95 Shore A: this range provides the resilience needed for shock absorption and maximum abrasion resistance. It is important to prepare the roller surface for adhesion, sandblasting or scoring significantly extends the lining's service life.

## Practical Specifics: How Polyurethane Lining is Manufactured and Installed
The manufacturing of polyurethane lining for rollers is carried out by the free casting method. The material is poured into a mold or directly onto the prepared roller surface, allowing for tight adhesion and precise geometry without additional mechanical processing. To ensure maximum adhesion, the roller surface is cleaned, sandblasted, or scored, after which special primers are applied.

The installation of the lining can be carried out on stationary equipment or with a mobile installation team at the enterprise. The polyurethane layer is often designed with additional ribs, tread, or grooves to enhance traction with the transported material. In case of lining wear, it can be easily replaced, re-cast with polyurethane, or a ready-made pad can be installed according to the customer's drawing or sample.

Maintenance of polyurethane linings is minimal: the material does not require frequent lubrication, does not crack under load, and the absence of corrosion allows it to work in wet and aggressive environments. This significantly reduces repair costs and equipment downtime.

## Comparative Table: Polyurethane, Rubber, Steel, Caprolon

| Property | Polyurethane (TIMOL) | Rubber SBR/NBR | Caprolon (PA6/PA66) | Structural Steel |
|-----------------------------|----------------------------------|----------------------------------|-----------------------------|--------------------------|
| Abrasion DIN 53516, mm3 | 20-45 | 80-200 | 30-90 |, |
| Operating Temperature, °C | -60...+100 | -40...+100 | -40...+100 | -40...+500 |
| Density, g/cm3 | 1.05-1.25 | 0.94-1.3 | 1.13-1.15 | 7.7-7.9 |
| Tensile Strength, MPa | 25-60 | 8-25 | 60-85 | 370-700 |
| Hardness | 50A-70D (80-95A for lining) | 40A-90A | 75D-85D | 120-250 HB |
| Rebound Elasticity, % | 35-65 | 20-55 | 5-15 |, |
| Wear Resistance to Rubber | 10 times higher |, |, |, |

The figures in the table show that polyurethane exceeds rubber in wear resistance by 10 times and has a sufficient operating temperature range for all railway conditions. Unlike caprolon, polyurethane is not brittle upon impact and retains elasticity, and the difference in density allows for weight reduction of nodes compared to steel.

## How to Choose the Hardness and Design of Lining for the Task
The choice of polyurethane hardness for lining rollers in railway transport depends on the nature of the loads. For rollers and shafts working with dry abrasive material, a range of 85-95 Shore A is recommended. For nodes where additional cushioning is important (e.g., in feeding or fixing mechanisms), it is optimal to use 80-90 Shore A.

When manufacturing lining according to drawings, it is important to consider the layer thickness, the presence of tread or ribs, and the method of attachment to the base (direct casting or pad). TIMOL factory produces such products in a wide range of hardness (50 Shore A, 70 Shore D), but for lining and abrasive parts, the upper part of the Shore A scale is used.

## Economic and Operational Effect for the Enterprise
Switching to polyurethane lining for rollers significantly reduces the frequency of emergency stops and repair costs. With wear resistance 10 times higher than rubber, replacement intervals increase significantly. This is especially important for enterprises where every hour of downtime of a wagon line or conveyor results in significant losses.

Additionally, polyurethane dampens vibrations, reduces noise and bearing loads, which increases the service life not only of the lining itself but also of adjacent nodes. As a result, the enterprise achieves stable, predictable equipment operation, fewer emergency situations, and lower costs for spare parts and maintenance.

## How to Order Roller Lining According to Drawings and Get Consultation
TIMOL factory manufactures polyurethane roller linings for railway transport according to customer sizes and drawings. By contacting specialists, you will receive consultation on hardness selection, optimal design, as well as support at the installation and operation stages. You can familiarize yourself with the range in the [polyurethane products catalog](/katalog), and learn more about the specifics of the railway industry on the [Railway Transport Industry](/galuzi/jd_transport) page.

To order and get an individual calculation of details, use the [factory contacts](/contacts) or obtain additional [reference information about the material](/informatsiya). Factory specialists will help you choose the optimal solution for your operating conditions and budget.