---
title: "Polyurethane vs Metal and Plastics: Wear Resistance, Strength, Operation"
description: "Comparison of polyurethane, metal, and plastics for wear-resistant components. Specific data, industries, recommendations, how to order a custom part, contact TIMOL."
lang: "en"
date: "2026-08-15"
canonical_url: "https://timol.com.ua/en/statti/poliuretan-vs-metal-plastik"
---
# Polyurethane vs Metal and Plastics: Wear Resistance, Strength, Operation

Imagine a component in mining or metallurgical equipment where steel or plastic parts wear out in weeks or months. Repairs, downtime, and productivity losses are standard for many enterprises. A polyurethane part can last 10 times longer, but material choice is always a balance between wear resistance, strength, cushioning, weight, and ease of use. This article shows how polyurethane truly performs compared to metals and plastics, providing specific data and analysis of components where it is indispensable.

## What is the main difference between polyurethane, metal, and plastic?
Polyurethane is a resilient elastomer that combines the flexibility of plastics with wear resistance that exceeds steel in many components. It works where metal cracks from impact and plastic quickly crumbles or wears away. A key physical feature of polyurethane is its ability to absorb impact and prevent abrasives from cutting through the surface, allowing the part to last longer without losing its geometry.

The difference is that polyurethane, unlike metal, does not corrode, does not transmit vibrations to the component, and does not require complex repairs. Compared to plastics, polyurethane has higher rebound elasticity (35-65%) and can operate in a temperature range from -60 to +100 °C. This allows its use in linings, scrapers, rollers, and seals in 12 industries where standard materials cannot withstand cyclic loads.

## Where does polyurethane truly outperform steel and plastic?
Polyurethane shows the best results in components subject to abrasive wear, impacts, vibrations, or where flexible mounting is needed. For example, in conveyor belt scrapers, screens and linings of vibrating screens, rollers, bushings, and elevator buckets, where traditional steel or plastic parts fail due to chipping, wear, or fatigue failure.

The main advantage is wear resistance 10 times higher than rubber, confirmed by an abrasion index of 20-45 mm3 according to DIN 53516. For comparison, steel plates in linings are 6-7 times heavier, do not dampen noise, and transmit impacts to the structure, accelerating overall component wear. Rigid plastics like caprolon or UHMW-PE tend to chip under impact and deform under prolonged load. Polyurethane screens and scrapers reduce maintenance frequency, and installation is usually simplified due to lower weight and no welding requirement.

## Comparative Table: Polyurethane, Steel, Plastics

| Material | Abrasion (DIN 53516), mm3 | Working t, °C | Density, g/cm3 | Tensile Strength, MPa | Hardness (Shore/HB) |
|-----------------------------|---------------------------|----------------|----------------|------------------------|----------------------|
| Polyurethane (PU) | 20-45 | -60...+100 | 1.05-1.25 | 25-60 | 50A - 70D |
| Steel (St3/St45) |, | -40...500 | 7.7-7.9 | 370-700 | 120-250 HB |
| Wear-resistant Steel Hardox |, | -40...250 | 7.8-7.85 | 1250-1600 | 370-540 HB |
| Caprolon (PA6) | 30-90 | -40...+100 | 1.13-1.15 | 60-85 | 75D-85D |
| UHMW-PE | 15-30 | -200...+80 | 0.93-0.95 | 17-45 | 60D-70D |
| PTFE | 200-500 | -200...+260 | 2.13-2.2 | 15-35 | 50D-65D |

For example, polyurethane abrasion is 20-45 mm3, which is 2-3 times lower than caprolon (30-90 mm3) and dozens of times lower than PTFE (200-500 mm3). Polyurethane's tensile strength (25-60 MPa) is comparable to or higher than most rubbers and some plastics. Its working temperature range from -60 to +100 °C covers most industrial operating conditions, where low or high temperatures are common.

## Why is polyurethane better for wear-resistant and dynamic components?
For components with high abrasive loads, dynamics, and impacts, polyurethane is indispensable due to its resilience, not rigidity. The resilient polyurethane layer (hardness 80-95 Shore A) cushions the impact of particles, returns them, and prevents abrasives from cutting grooves, allowing the part to maintain its working shape longer. In metal, impact leads to microcracks, chipping, or deformations, and rigid plastics often lose integrity under repeated impacts.

Practice shows: polyurethane linings for vibrating screens, concrete mixer scrapers, bushings, and rings in machinery operate in conditions where metal counterparts require repair or replacement much more frequently. The lighter weight of polyurethane simplifies installation and reduces load on the component. Polyurethane's adhesion to the base (e.g., steel) ensures reliable fastening, and in the case of linings, allows easy replacement of the worn layer without dismantling the entire component.

> **Practical Tip:** For linings, screens, and scrapers, choose polyurethane with a hardness of 80-95 Shore A. This is the best balance between resilience and abrasion resistance. For reliable adhesion, thoroughly clean and roughen the base, as surface preparation quality critically affects part lifespan.

## Installation, Operation, and Maintenance of Polyurethane Parts
Installation of polyurethane parts depends on the component. Linings and overlays are formed by free casting directly onto the prepared steel surface or as separate plates with subsequent bolting or gluing. Rollers, bushings, rings are made according to drawings or samples, allowing precise reproduction of the original part's geometry and optimization for working conditions.

During operation, polyurethane exhibits predictable wear. Unlike metal, which can suddenly crack or corrode, polyurethane gradually thins, allowing maintenance planning. Replacing a polyurethane overlay or scraper can be done quickly without heavy equipment. When choosing hardness, consider the type of abrasive and component dynamics: for strong abrasives, hardness 90-95 Shore A, for combined loads, 80-85 Shore A.

## In which cases are metal or plastic still better than polyurethane?
There are tasks where polyurethane is inferior to metal or certain plastics. Steel is irreplaceable in load-bearing elements operating under constant static pressure or at temperatures above +100 °C. In components with sharp temperature fluctuations or where high thermal conductivity is needed, polyurethane cannot replace metal. Plastics like UHMW-PE or caprolon excel in weight, chemical resistance to certain aggressive environments, and can be used where polyurethane is unsuitable for chemical compatibility or thermal resistance.

It is important to consider: polyurethane is not recommended for components with constant static load at temperatures above +100 °C or where maximum rigidity is required (e.g., in bearing assemblies or load-bearing structures). For such tasks, choose steel or heat-resistant plastics, and leave polyurethane for wear-resistant, cushioning, and dynamic components.

## Economics of Replacement: When is Polyurethane More Beneficial?
Replacing metal or plastic with polyurethane is economically justified where component downtime due to wear equals or exceeds repair costs. For example, in hydrocyclones, vibrating screen sieves, rollers, concrete mixer scrapers, where a polyurethane part allows operation for an entire season without replacement. It is important to consider not only the part's price but also installation, repair costs, and productivity losses during downtime.

Polyurethane reduces maintenance frequency, allows for planned replacements, and simplifies logistics, as a spare part weighs significantly less than a metal one, making it easy to store and transport. Polyurethane installation does not require complex welding, and in the case of linings, allows partial replacement of only the worn layer. All this significantly reduces overall component operating costs.

## How to Order a Polyurethane Part for Your Component
Manufacturing of polyurethane parts is done according to customer drawings or samples for virtually any of the 12 industries: from mining and metallurgy to food processing or ports. TIMOL's free casting technology allows for both standard products (elevator buckets, screens, scrapers, plates, seals, bushings) and unique parts optimized for operating conditions. The product is made with specified hardness (from 50 Shore A to 70 Shore D), chosen by an engineer based on load types.

To calculate, simply send a drawing, 3D model, or task description. Factory engineers will select the hardness, calculate part lifespan, and recommend the optimal installation scheme. More about production, polyurethane properties, and technology can be found in the [reference section](/informatsiya) or in the [polyurethane products catalog](/katalog).

## Conclusion: When to Choose Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a versatile material for components requiring maximum wear resistance, impact absorption, easy installation, and predictable operation. If you are looking for solutions for worn components, contact the TIMOL factory: we will select the material, calculate the service life, and manufacture the part according to your drawing. You can submit a request through the [contact form](/contacts) or [catalog](/katalog).