- What is cast polyurethane?
- Cast polyurethane is a synthetic elastomer produced by the reaction of an isocyanate with a polyol. Depending on the formulation, the material can range from soft 50 Shore A to rigid 70 Shore D. Unlike rubber, it does not corrode, does not absorb water and retains its mechanical characteristics across the entire working range from −60 °C to +100 °C.
- How to choose polyurethane hardness by Shore?
- The choice depends on the load conditions. Soft grades (55–75 Shore A) absorb shocks and vibration — suitable for buffers, gaskets and seals. Medium grades (80–95 Shore A) are optimal for rollers, bushings and pads exposed to variable loads. Hard grades (Shore D) are used where increased rigidity and resistance to constant compression are needed. Send us your specification — the factory's specialists will propose the optimal formulation.
- How does polyurethane differ from rubber?
- Polyurethane is 10 times more wear-resistant than standard rubber. In the DIN 53516 abrasion test, cast polyurethane shows 20–45 mm³ of wear versus 80–150 mm³ for NBR rubber. It is more resistant to oils, gasoline and most neutral solvents, withstands a wider temperature range (−60…+100 °C versus −30…+100 °C for NBR) and does not swell in oils. Rubber is cheaper and dampens vibration better — where that is the priority, it remains reasonable.
- What is the working temperature range of polyurethane?
- TIMOL cast polyurethane retains its working characteristics from −60 °C to +100 °C. The lower limit ensures reliable operation in harsh winter climates and for quarry machinery without shelter. The upper limit corresponds to the loads of typical industrial assemblies. To clarify the limit temperatures for a specific task, contact the sales department.
- How wear-resistant is polyurethane?
- In the standard DIN 53516 / ISO 4649 abrasion test, TIMOL cast polyurethane shows 20–45 mm³ of wear. Standard NBR rubber — 80–150 mm³ (2–5 times worse). SBR rubber — 100–200 mm³. Polyurethane's wear resistance is 10 times higher than rubber under abrasive sliding — the material "springs back" hard particles instead of being micro-scratched.
- What products does the TIMOL factory make?
- TIMOL makes polyurethane sheets, rods, tubes, bushings, rollers, shafts, oil seals, cuffs, gaskets and custom products of any geometry by open casting. The factory also performs lining (applying polyurethane to shafts and rollers) and polyurethane tire filling for wheeled special machinery.
- Can I order a part by drawing or sample?
- Yes. TIMOL accepts orders in three ways: by the customer's drawings or technical specifications; by the customer's casting molds; by a provided physical sample. Send us a drawing file or a physical sample — the specialists will select the formulation, make or modify the mold and propose a quote.
- What are the lead times for custom products?
- Lead times depend on the complexity of the part and the need to make a casting mold. Simple products using a ready mold — from a few working days. A custom part with mold development — usually 2–4 weeks. For an exact lead time for your task, contact the sales department.
- In which industries are TIMOL polyurethane products used?
- The factory serves 12 industries: mining and quarrying, the oil and gas sector, metallurgy, agriculture, construction, port and municipal equipment, food and chemical industries, and machine building. Polyurethane is chosen where resistance to abrasive wear, aggressive chemical environments or heavy mechanical loads is needed.
- For which assemblies are polyurethane rollers and wheels suitable?
- Polyurethane rollers and wheels are suitable for conveyor systems, automated warehouses, hoists, electric carts, quarry and municipal equipment. Their advantage is high wear resistance without metallic noise and without damaging floor coverings. Hardness is selected for the load: most often 70–95 Shore A.
- Why replace rubber bushings with polyurethane ones?
- Polyurethane bushings have higher wear resistance and do not swell in lubricating environments, unlike NBR rubber. Under constant contact with oils or at increased loads, the service life of a polyurethane bushing significantly exceeds a rubber one. Replacement is worthwhile where there is a high replacement frequency or difficult access for maintenance.
- What is polyurethane tire filling and who needs it?
- Tire filling is a service in which the air in a tire is replaced with a solid two-component polyurethane. The result is a puncture-proof tire. The service is relevant for forklifts, quarry and port equipment, and warehouse vehicles, where a tire puncture means downtime and losses.
- Is polyurethane resistant to oils, gasoline and chemical environments?
- Cast polyurethane is well resistant to mineral oils, hydraulic fluids, greases and most neutral chemicals. Aromatic solvents (acetone, MEK, toluene) can cause swelling on prolonged contact. For applications in aggressive chemical environments, we recommend clarifying the composition of the environment when ordering.
- What Shore hardness do TIMOL products have?
- The standard range is from 50 Shore A (soft, elastic products) to 70 Shore D (rigid, close to plastic). The most common orders are in the 70–95 Shore A range for rollers, bushings, gaskets and pads.
- What is the tensile strength of polyurethane?
- The tensile strength of cast polyurethane is 25–60 MPa depending on the formulation and hardness. For comparison: NBR rubber — 10–25 MPa, SBR rubber — 8–20 MPa. This allows polyurethane to be used in conditions where rubber quickly fails under dynamic loads.
- How are products made at the TIMOL factory?
- The main technology is open casting: two liquid components (isocyanate and polyol) are metered, mixed and poured into a mold, where they react and cure. The method allows parts of any geometry to be made without expensive press equipment — especially important for small and medium runs of custom products.
- Is polyurethane safe for the food industry and human contact?
- In its cured form, polyurethane is chemically inert and does not release toxic substances. The reaction between the isocyanate and the polyol is completed during casting; after curing, the material is stable. For applications in the food industry, it is recommended to verify that a specific formulation meets food-contact requirements when ordering.
- How does polyurethane compare with caprolon (polyamide PA6)?
- Polyamide PA6 is harder and more resistant to static compression, but brittle under impact loads and absorbs moisture (2–8%), which changes its dimensions. Polyurethane is elastic, does not absorb water and better dampens dynamic impacts and vibration. For parts in wet or vibrating environments, polyurethane is usually preferable; for precise structural elements under constant compression — PA6.
- What is the minimum order quantity?
- TIMOL accepts orders from 1 piece — the open-casting method can make even a single part or a trial sample. The unit cost for a small run is higher because of mold preparation or manufacture, but for custom spare parts or prototypes this is the optimal option.
- Does TIMOL deliver throughout Ukraine?
- Yes. Delivery is carried out throughout Ukraine by the carriers Nova Poshta, Delivery and others. Delivery times are 1–3 working days depending on the region. Large orders can be arranged for pickup from the warehouse in Dnipro (1 Desantnykiv Sq., office 504).
- How to select polyurethane for operation at sub-zero temperatures?
- Standard TIMOL cast polyurethane retains its elasticity down to −60 °C, which exceeds the capabilities of most rubber compounds (NBR rubber withstands only down to −30 °C). For Ukraine's climate conditions (down to −35 °C in winter), the standard formulation is suitable without additional modifications.
- Can a worn polyurethane product be restored?
- Some products can be restored by applying a new layer of polyurethane (lining). This is more economical than full replacement for large rollers, shafts and drums. Contact the sales department to assess whether restoring a specific product is worthwhile.
- Where is polyurethane used in agriculture?
- In the agricultural sector, polyurethane is used for the rollers and pads of grain conveyors, seals of equipment in contact with abrasive grain and dust, and for combine and grain-storage parts. The material does not rust, does not release metal microparticles into the product and is resistant to work in a wet environment.
- Is polyurethane an expensive material compared with rubber?
- The price of a polyurethane product is higher than a rubber equivalent, but the service life is significantly longer. When assessing cost, consider the full cost of the entire cycle: replacement frequency, downtime and maintenance costs, not just the unit price. In most industrial applications, polyurethane proves more economical within 1–2 seasons.
