What to Know About Polyurethane Casting

Polyurethane is a synthetic resin that is used to cast rigid or flexible products that can be used in many industrial and consumer applications. Due to its low production cost and ability to withstand the elements, polyurethane casting materials are used to complete custom projects that require the use of uniquely shaped polyurethane materials. 

The Supplier And The Manufacturer

Casting materials that are purchased through a material supplier can be used to manufacture prototypes, medical devices, training aids, custom housings for automotive or electrical equipment, and many more small and large resin materials.

If a product will require FDA approval, a manufacturer will need to determine the safety and efficacy of all the raw materials or individual components that will be used during production. A supplier of raw casting materials may furnish toxicology data that relates to each material that is being ordered. Upon producing polyurethane products, the FDA will evaluate a product for its safety and effectiveness.

The Casting Process

Injection molding uses strong metal molds. It can be used to mass-produce small or large items. Polyurethane casting is similar to injection molding. One main difference in this production process is that casting uses silicone or another soft mold type.

Due to the flexibility of the mold, the casting process is typically used for projects that won't require products to be mass-produced. A soft mold material will likely not last as long as strong metals that are used during injection molding. During the casting process, hot polyurethane is injected into a mold. The polyurethane will need to cure.

Custom Products

Dyes are introduced at the same time that hot polyurethane is added to a flexible mold. A dye will provide a custom product with a unique color. Three-dimensional printing and decorative features can be used to design a unique line of polyurethane components. Custom products may contain intricate designs and shapes.

Products that are going to be custom-manufactured can be used for targeted applications. Although flexible molds aren't commonly used to create a large number of the same product, they can be used multiple times. A company that will be using raw polyurethane products to produce a prototype will initially design the mold.

After polyurethane products are produced, finishing techniques will be used. Polyurethane products may need to be attached to other components. Some products may require the installation of hardware, latches, and other items that will make a finished good fully functional. Reach out to a polyurethane casting material supplier for more information.